How did you come up with the idea of Akhuka?
The idea of Akhuka was born after realizing a gap that there is a need and niche in Myanmar for a production company. A production company that meet brands and agencies standard not only in quality production but also in project management skillset.
Zarchi comes from advertising industry and had ample experiences in production. In 2016, Zarchi left her job at Ogilvy to pursue her dream of being an entrepreneur, she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey to make a local production house that offers international quality services. At the same time, she is committed to connecting the best local videographers and creatives to the commercial space.
Akhuka was started in April 2017 in a small living room with one desk. Joining forces with Jeremy later on, Zarchi & Jeremy has together developed Akhuka into a bigger office with a team of 7 with post-production suite, shooting studio and have produced over 70 videos & photography campaigns for both major local and international brands within 2 years. Additionally, we have won 2 international awards at the Luang Prabang Film Festival for our documentary about Illegal Wildlife trade.
With our goal to bring stories to life with quality work and with the speed that we are on, we aim to become one of the youngest leading production houses in Myanmar in less than a year.
What is your uniqueness compared to your competitors?
We are a production house led by producers, whereas the majority of production houses in Myanmar are led by the directors. This means two things:
- Not only we are a group of creative teams but project management is our core expertise. We ensure the quality of the production is at its peak by managing work through the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements.
- We have ample resources of talents and not limited to either one director or cinematographer. With us, clients have options to choose different directors and cinematographers from Myanmar as well as from neighboring countries.
What changes have you observed in your sector since you have launched Akhuka?
Positive changes!
Previously, brands tend to stick to only one agency/production house, especially with the international ones and do not usually trust local production houses due to quality issues. Now, most of the brands are changing their perception towards local production houses and start opening the doors to create more opportunities locally.
What challenges do you meet in your daily life and what are the key messages you would like to share with our members regarding the business environment in Myanmar?
With our country changing every day, challenges also come in many different ways especially when you are entrepreneurs trying your best to adapt within these changes. It may vary from human resources, payment delays to technical resources. What’s important for us is to never view these challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it's important for us to understand that our experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of our biggest advantages.
What CCI France Myanmar has done to support you and your activity?
CCI has been kind with us and all the entrepreneurs in many different ways. Out of many positive things, we really appreciate is the fact that CCI provide trainings to our employees and CCI team is always keen to share business contacts and information with us whenever we need.
What is your motto?
“If there is a will, there is a way”
