Biz Lounge: How Wilson Osiolo turned passion into a thriving film business

Wilson Osiolo, a filmmaker, tutor, and entrepreneur based in Nakuru, is using creativity, community, and digital tools to build a business around African storytelling. 

After graduating with a degree in Commerce, specializing in Banking and Finance, Osiolo worked for six months before deciding to pursue his passion for filmmaking.

"I used my Sh. 50,000 savings and teamed up with friends to create a pilot project. Although it wasn’t accepted, it opened the door for me to receive mentorship from a producer for six months," he recalls.

After returning to Nakuru, Osiolo began collaborating with organizations to tell their stories, produce short films, and contribute to various creative projects both within Nakuru and beyond.

With a borrowed camera, he shot short films, submitted them to festivals, and learned how to improve through feedback.

One of his biggest challenges was access—there were no affordable film schools in Nakuru.

Funding was also a major issue, especially convincing people to invest in creative projects without physical assets. 

“Convincing investors when you don’t own heavy equipment is tough, so I started treating storytelling itself as the asset and built a business model around that,” he explains.

These obstacles led him to focus on building sustainable business models for African filmmakers.

Being based in Nakuru, a town that blends rural and city life, has shaped Osiolo’s approach. He uses real locations and local actors, creating films that feel genuine. His deep connection to the community keeps his stories grounded and relatable.

To share what he learned, Osiolo started a YouTube channel that teaches filmmaking using low-cost methods. “Most film courses here follow the Hollywood style, which doesn’t always match our resources,” he explains. 

His tutorials focus on African storytelling using local techniques, low budgets, and tools anyone can access.

Osiolo says most learners are interested in how to fund films and make money from them. They also want practical skills—like lighting with natural sources, recording clean audio on a budget, and using AI tools to edit. 

His content responds directly to the needs of Kenyan creators, offering working examples from real-life productions.

He balances filmmaking with teaching by splitting his time. During “shoot weeks,” students shadow him on set. During “teaching weeks,” he records lessons based on actual challenges faced in production.

This way, his teaching remains practical and up to date.

Osiolo notes that his filmmaking process starts with finding a meaningful idea. He then does research, writes a script, seeks feedback, and looks for funding—often partnering with NGOs or local businesses. 

He handles directing and sometimes camera work, and edits. For distribution, he screens films online, in community centers, and at festivals. He also explores licensing deals to generate income.

Osiolo advises aspiring filmmakers to start with a strong laptop, which is needed for writing, editing, and experimenting with new tools. 

Additionally, basic mic, LED light, and a network of fellow filmmakers can help reduce costs and increase output.

To stay creative, he watches films, reads articles, follows global filmmakers online, and joins forums and events where new ideas are shared.

His income comes from directing and editing for clients, hosting paid workshops and mentoring sessions, applying for grants, and entering competitions. 

He also plans to start earning from YouTube ads, sponsorships, and paid courses once his channel grows.

Community support plays a key role in his success. In Nakuru, neighbors offer locations, locals act in his films, and businesses help with small sponsorships. 

Osiolo has worked with universities like St. Paul’s and the Rift Valley Institute of Business Studies, as well as local theater groups and NGOs. These collaborations help him stay inspired and grow his creative network.

Looking ahead, he plans to launch an online film school where students across the world can learn at their own pace. He also wants to co-produce international films and explore AI-driven storytelling.

His advice to young people is to start with what they have—their phone, their curiosity, and their local stories. “Keep creating, keep learning,” he says. 

Asked what he would change in Kenya’s film industry, Osiolo says it would be to focus more on cultural stories and build stronger local distribution channels. 

Osiolo also plans to launch a master class to teach aspiring filmmakers the art and craft of filmmaking.