In the dynamic metropolis of Nairobi, where the pulse of life intertwines with dreams and ambitions, two young men embarked on a trajectory that eventually led to the establishment of one of Kenya’s most triumphant film production companies – Phil-It Productions.
Philip Karanja and Abel Mutua, who initially served as extras on the popular TV show Tahidi High, showcased that with unyielding determination and a clear vision, success could be well within grasp.
Their journey commenced with a shared aspiration to carve a niche in the film industry. Although they started as actors, earning a modest Sh500 per episode on Tahidi High, their passion for storytelling transcended the confines of the screen.
“When we joined Tahidi High in 2007, we were extras, and the show had already been running for a year. Citizen TV, being relatively new at the time, wasn’t generating much revenue. Earning Sh500 was a significant deal for us. As we transitioned to main acts, the pay increased to Sh3,000 per episode. By the time I left the show in 2011, we were earning Sh20,000 per episode,” shared Philip.
Philip, fueled by a keen interest in directing, seized every opportunity to grasp the intricacies of film production while still acting on the show. His passion took a transformative turn when a particular shot in an action film left him captivated, solidifying his determination to become a film director.
In 2007, Philip and Abel joined Tahidi High as extras, and driven by ambition, they both ventured into roles behind the camera. A year later, Philip assumed the role of Tahidi High’s production assistant, an experience that ignited his passion for directing. He steadily climbed the ranks, departing from the show in 2014 as both a cast member and director.
The turning point in their careers unfolded when they collaborated on the pilot of the comical series “The Real Househelps of Kawangware.” The show gained immense popularity, propelling actors like Timothy ‘Njugush’ Kimani and Steven ‘DJ Shiti’ Oduor into the limelight.
Despite the success, Phil-It Productions encountered challenges, facing difficulties in securing new projects and grappling with financial hardships. Reflecting on a tough period in 2016, Philip remarked, “We were shooting pilot shows for pitches that weren’t guaranteed to get a nod. Most pitches were turned down, and we lost over Sh1 million for around four different pilot concepts.”
Undeterred by setbacks, Philip and Abel remained resilient and committed to their dream. They continued to finance pilot projects, investing their own money and proceeds from “The Real Househelps of Kawangware.” Their perseverance paid off when their show “Sue Na Johnnie” premiered on Showmax in 2017.
However, success came with a price. Phil-It Productions found themselves in a Sh3 million debt, a consequence of mismanaged funds and overpayment to cast and crew. Rather than being disheartened, they viewed this as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Determined to leave their mark in the industry, Philip and Abel sought guidance from business strategy consultant Stanley Gichobi. Together, they crafted a robust business model focusing on the B2C (Business to Consumer) approach. They launched their distribution platform, philittv.com, breaking the traditional mold of selling to broadcasters.
Their first film, “Grand Little Lie,” released in October 2021, exceeded expectations, breaking even on production costs. The launch of “Click Click Bang” solidified their position as pioneers in the Kenyan film industry. Within a short span, they generated a gross income of Sh9 million on their platform, showcasing the demand for Kenyan content.
Philip and Abel expanded their vision, aspiring to make philittv.com a hub for diverse Kenyan content, offering opportunities to other filmmakers. As we fast forward to today, it’s evident that their journey from struggling actors to film production titans has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Their resilience, determination, and passion for storytelling have made them true trailblazers, reshaping the landscape of the Kenyan film industry. With exciting projects in the pipeline and recognition from international platforms like Netflix, the future looks brighter than ever for Phil-It Productions.
