Creative Multimedia Professional
INNOCENT
STEPHEN
KATSACHE
ABOUT
About
I’m Innocent Stephen Katsache, widely recognized by the moniker Inno Katz, a name I adopted as a hallmark for my creative endeavors. In a world where the limbic part of the brain is a central element for decision-making, I tell stories to influence better decisions through the power of vicarious expression and the Greek ideologies of catharsis.
Since 2016, I have dedicated myself to mastering the art of storytelling, utilizing various mediums to convey compelling narratives. My roles include Filmmaker, Theatre for Development Practitioner, Film and Stage Drama Director, Scriptwriter, Playwright, Poet, Author, and Communication Consultant.
I specialize in creating social and behavior change communication content for mass media. Over the years, I have written, produced, and directed radio and television soap operas, talk shows, documentaries, and magazine programs that highlight crucial issues to shape thoughts, ignite conversations, and call the masses to action for national development.
My storytelling journey has taken me to diverse environments. I have written screenplays for independent movies aired on local channels and Zambezi Magic, DSTV’s regional channel for Southern Africa. As a professional actor, I have featured in several stage plays by the Chancellor College Travelling Theatre and a television drama series produced by the Story Workshop Education Trust.
Skills
I leverage my expertise to craft communication concepts for social good initiatives, from behavior change campaigns to health education programs. I excel at scriptwriting for radio, TV, and documentaries, weaving captivating stories to deliver impactful messages. My ability to direct video projects ensures the creative vision is translated into compelling visuals. Finally, my project management skills guarantee projects are completed on time and achieve their desired outcomes.
- Concept Development
- Scriptwriting
- Directing
Portfolio
VIDEO PROJECTS
Director/Core-writer/Actor - Timasukirane Television Drama Series - Season 2 (2016)
A National AIDS Commission (NAC) funded edutainment project, Timasukirane aimed at promoting self-efficacy among schoolgoing and out of school youth with the view of protecting them from early pregnancy, early marriage and HIV/AIDS.
Chief Scriptwriter - Kulemela Season 1 Blantyre, Malawi (10/2022 – 6/2023)
The first-ever Malawian series on OneZed DSTV channel, "Kulemela," brought to life by Tauka Arts Productions in collaboration with Mnet and MultiChoice Malawi.
Actor - Timasukilane Season 2 - 2016
In 2016, I played the main role of Juma in Timasukirane Season 2. The series was broadcast on all TV stations in Malawi, reaching a wide audience and contributing to the national conversation on important social issues.
Producer & Core-Host - Tilitonse (Deepening Democracy III) (2016 - 2017)
With funding from Tilitonse Fund this was a Reality TV magazine programme that aimed at activating the urban citizenry to be able to demand better services, accountability and transparency from their duty-bearers. I produced and co-hosted the 52 episodes of the programme. The show aired on Zodiak TV and Times TV.
-
Lighthouse Docudramas (2018 - 2019)
The docudramas were meant for PLWHA and they carried messages on Viral load, HIV and TB, HIV disclosure, EID and Treatment failure. I wrote and directed the 5 episodes of the docudramas. The docudramas are played in waiting bays of all Lighthouse Clinics in Malawi
-
COVID-19 Social Media Awareness Campaign (2020)
As part of the Covid-19 awareness campaign, I wrote and produced 4 influencer videos which were distributed on social media platforms. The influencers were renown musicians Che Wikise and Ketura, Sleak Tetti the comedian and Mr. Mike Mlobwa, Chairperson of the Indegenous Business Association.
-
Afikepo/NAPE (2018 - 2021)
Funded by the EU and the Germany Government through GIZ, this project aimed at promoting healthy nutrition and good hygiene practices among school-aged children. In 2018, I produced a video documentary which was showcased at the launch of the project. And in 2019, I produced 6 documentaries highlighting the project’s success stories. In 2020-2021, I produced 28 radio magazine programmes and also produced 3 videos depicting success stories.
Actor - Chiyembekezo (Hope) - 2016
I was part of the cast for Chiyembekezo (meaning "Hope" in Chichewa), a film depicting the journey of a pregnant woman from HIV diagnosis to disclosure. This film is part of a video program aimed at providing clear, consistent information and counseling to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers without the need for a counselor to be present. Chiyembekezo is utilized by health workers throughout Malawi during the critical ‘teachable moment’ immediately following a positive HIV diagnosis, before beginning same-day treatment.
Portfolio
RADIO PROJECTS
-
Zimachitika Radio Drama Serial (2019 - Present)
Under the UNJPGE Project, I created, wrote and produced 27 episodes of the Zimachitika serial drama and they aired on MBC Radio 1 and two other community radio stations of Mangochi and Salima. The project sought to reduce school dropouts among girls. The series is now extended to 30 more episodes under UNICEF nutrition project of which I am the writer and producer.
-
Maphunziro Ulalo Wathu Radio Programme (2020 - Present)
Co-host in this radio programme which focuses on capacity building for teacher trainees. I have also been involved in the development of promotion and communication strategy for the radio programmes.
Developer and Script Writer - Kankha Serial Radio Drama (March 2022 to Present)
As part of the UNICEF funded project "Kankha Maphunziro Tsogolo labwino UNJPGE III SBC Campaign," I developed and wrote the first-ever Kankha Serial Radio Drama. The drama's first season consisted of 26 episodes, and the second season expanded to 48 episodes. Broadcasted on community radio stations in Mangochi, Salima, Dedza, and Kasungu every Saturday, the drama aims to empower and inspire positive change in young individuals' lives.
Portfolio
Playwright
Scriptwriter - Leaders at Crossroads
Performance Year: 2021
Leaders at Crossroads is a compelling stage play brought to life by multiple theater groups, including YDC Theatre, Arts Sustainability Lab, and a prominent commercial theater company in Blantyre.
Scriptwriter - Dear Pen Pal
First Premiered: 31 March 2018
Dear Pen Pal is a feature film by Neptune Production. The film achieved success by being screened at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival in the USA and was also selected for the Nepal African Film Festival (Naff).
-
Co-writer - Sometimes in July
First Performed: 2014 at Chancellor College under the banner of Creative Minds Sometimes in July was a collaborative effort by students of drama who came together to tell untold stories. The play delves into the decisions made during the events of 20 July 2011, a day remembered for Malawians standing up against autocracy. On this day, 21 people were killed during demonstrations. They were laid to rest in a mass grave, and their sacrifice is often unacknowledged in our history. This play serves as a tribute to these unsung heroes. May their Souls Rest In Eternal Peace.
Playwright - Nyambose Goes to Town
First Premiered: 25 February 2024
Nyambose Goes to Town premiered at the Jacaranda Cultural Center and Maison de la France, presented by the International Alliance Theatre for Umuthu (IATU). The play vividly depicts the struggles Malawi faces due to failed urbanization policies. Originally, it was intended for 60% of Malawians to live in rural areas and 40% in urban settings.
However, poor rural development has led to massive migration from rural areas, and it is projected that by 2030, about 60% of the Malawian population will be concentrated in urban areas that have not been expanding. This play addresses the resulting challenges and explores potential solutions for sustainable urban growth.
They were laid to rest in a mass grave, and their sacrifice is often unacknowledged in our history. This play serves as a tribute to these unsung heroes. May their Souls Rest In Eternal Peace.
On this day, 21 people were killed during demonstrations. They were laid to rest in a mass grave, and their sacrifice is often unacknowledged in our history. This play serves as a tribute to these unsung heroes. May their Souls Rest In Eternal Peace.
Portfolio
Capacity Building and Workshop Facilitation
Theatre for Development
-
Trainer - Forum Theatre and Theatre for Development (TfD)
May 2016 - Present
I have trained over 300 TfD clubs across Malawi under various projects, including CRS-UBALE Project, GIZ-SPP, Action Aid-HIV/TB Project, Red Cross – WASH Project, Deepening Democracy III, Tilitonse Deepening Democracy Project, Chifumira Kudzira, and COVID-19 Express and Back-up Projects.
TfD is a powerful tool to conscientize local communities, giving a voice to the voiceless. Through this tool, I have helped communities reflect on serious social issues such as good governance, leadership, adolescent education, and maternal and newborn health.
Participatory Action Media
-
Consultancy - Participatory Action Media (PAM)
2023
I provided technical support and training to project staff on participatory media techniques and approaches. This project was funded by Amref Health Africa in partnership with Water Aid, the Family Planning Association of Malawi (FPAM), Family Health Services (FHS, formerly PSI), Youth Wave, and Emmanuel International Malawi (EIM).
I continue to offer consultancy in this field, emphasizing that health messages should not be purely expert-oriented. Recognizing people as homo sapiens with competing priorities, I advocate for their involvement in the production of messages to effectively reach their hearts and inspire behavior change.
Participatory Action Media
Directing for Stage and Theatre Workshops
-
Matser Classes
I conduct master classes for upcoming theatre directors and scriptwriters, with the last session held at Jacaranda. My philosophy is that true mastery comes from the ability to teach others what you know.
Corporate Team Building
-
Team Building Sessions
2023I develop and lead team-building sessions, having worked with notable project teams such as the HC4L Project team in 2028, Umunthu Theatre Team in 2020, and the Kankha Campaign team in 2023. Projects are driven by people from diverse backgrounds, and understanding their stories and aspirations is crucial. My role is to bring those stories out and use empathy to bond the team together.
Multimedia Creative Services
| Service | Duration | Price Range (MWK) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explainer Videos | 1-2 minutes | 100,000 - 200,000 | ||||
| Explainer Videos | 3-5 minutes | 200,000 - 400,000 | ||||
| Short Films | Up to 20 minutes | 300,000 - 600,000 | ||||
| Video Commercials | 30 seconds - 1 minute | 150,000 - 300,000 | ||||
| Video Commercials | 1-2 minutes | 300,000 - 600,000 | ||||
| Documentary Films | 10-30 minutes | 500,000 - 1,000,000 | ||||
| Documentary Films | 30-60 minutes | 1,000,000 - 2,000,000 | ||||
| Feature Films | 90-minute script | 3,000,000 - 6,000,000 | ||||
| TV Episode Scripts | 30-minute episode | 600,000 - 1,500,000 | ||||
| TV Episode Scripts | 60-minute episode | 1,500,000 - 3,000,000 | ||||
| Stage Plays (for ATEM competitions) | Standard | 600,000 - 1,800,000 | ||||
| Radio Drama Scripts | 15-minute script | 100,000 - 200,000 | ||||
| Radio Drama Scripts | 30-minute script | 200,000 - 400,000 | ||||
| Radio Spot Script | 30-60 seconds | 70,000 - 150,000 | ||||
| Directing Short Films | Standard | 600,000 - 1,800,000 | ||||
| Directing Feature Films | Standard | 6,000,000 - 12,000,000 | ||||
| Directing Documentaries | Standard | 3,000,000 - 9,000,000 | ||||
| Theatre for Development Facilitation | Per Day | 300,000 - 900,000 | ||||
| Participatory Action Media Workshop Facilitation | Per Day | 300,000 - 900,000 | ||||
| Feature Film Script Editing | Per Script | 600,000 - 1,800,000 | ||||
| Custom Package: Scriptwriting (Short Film) + Directing + Editing | -- | 3,600,000 - 6,000,000 | ||||
| Basic Explainer Video Package | -- | 500,000 | ||||
| Comprehensive Explainer Video Package | -- | 1,000,000 | ||||
| Short Film Creation Package | -- | 6,000,000 | ||||
| Documentary Film Package | -- | 10,000,000 | ||||
| TV Episode Production Package | -- | 4,000,000 | ||||
| Radio Drama Package | -- | 500,000 | ||||
| Theatre for Development Facilitation Package | -- | 4,500,000 | ||||
| Participatory Action Media Workshop Package | -- | 7,500,000 | ||||
| Feature Film Production Package | -- | 20,000,000 | ||||
| Commercial Video Package | -- | 2,000,000 | ||||
| Educational Video Package | -- | 3,500,000 | ||||
| Corporate Training Video Package | -- | 4,500,000 | ||||
| Social Media Content Package | -- | 2,500,000 | ||||
| Non-Profit Campaign Package | -- | 3,000,000 |
POETRY AND ARTICLES
I discovered my gift for writing in primary school and began to hone it during my secondary school years. My audience often describes my work as deep and thoughtful, but for me, poetry is a way to paint an image of the world we live in through the lens of imagination. Here are some pieces.
