Showing posts with label Film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Film. Show all posts

Monday, October 2, 2023

New NFTs on Midnight Angels and Brave Girls of the Night

New #NFTs

1. Midnight Angels
2. Brave Girls of the Night 1
3. Brave Girls of the Night 2
(the third and fourth will be minted tomorrow).

I have been creating NFT #series on #women showing their challenges in life from the V for Vivian series to THE MATRIX WOMAN series and today I started the Brave Girls of the Night series.

I call them Storytelling NFTs.
The "Scars of Vivian" on the true life cases of women in abusive relationships, failed marriages and domestic violence is most likely going to have a film adaptation for international release. An art collector of NFT artworks has selected it with four othes which are among my most special NFTs, including "Ethereum Rising".
I am creating these NFTs with the film adaptations on my mind.

#Vivian
#women
#relationship
#marriage
#love
#sex
#domesticviolence
#genderequality
#freedom
#storytelling
#film
#filmadaptation

View them on the Algorand #blockchain on
https://nftmyimage.com/@nigeriadaily

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

MultiChoice Shares Insights to Content Success at MIP Africa

PRESS RELEASE

MultiChoice Shares Insights to Content Success at MIP Africa

MIP Africa forms part of Fame Week Africa, a week-long festival focusing on African television, music, and film

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 6, 2023/ -- Authenticity, hyperlocal stories, and a visceral understanding of the audience are pivotal indicators for success in the African television and film landscape.

While various insights, overwhelmingly practical and actionable, were shared during a MultiChoice panel discussion at MIP Africa this week, these three indicators served as a throughline for how content creators could successfully pitch to become part of MultiChoice’s creative ecosystem.

The panel discussion, Unlocking Opportunities: MultiChoice and the African Film & TV Industry, took place at MIP Africa, an annual opportunity for African content creators, producers, and sellers to present their work to a global array of buyers, investors, and potential co-production partners. MIP Africa forms part of Fame Week Africa, a week-long festival focusing on African television, music, and film. MultiChoice plays a key role as a sponsor of both events.

According to Waldimar Pelser, Channel Director: Premium Channels at MultiChoice, their most valuable content creators understand their market. “The most productive conversations we have are with producers that consume our content and on a visceral level know who our audience is. (Our partners) have to understand who they’re making content for.”

In terms of what that content looks like, Pelser shared that content that can only be made locally, and that viewers would not be able to find elsewhere, reap the most success.

Popular genres include drama and unscripted reality, with the consensus being that while successful themes are universal, viewers want something “uniquely South African,” with the setting being locally specific and the story and storytelling showcasing an understanding of who the audience is. 

Viewers also tend to gravitate toward dramas with authenticity, warmth, and optimism, while there is generally a low tolerance for gimmicks – in any genre. In unscripted reality, shows where the audience can see themselves on screen generally enjoy success. “For unscripted it’s a mirror,” said Pelser. “We want to see ourselves on screen. (Shows) that remind us who we are – those tend to work.”

Tebogo Matlawa, Head of Scripted Content: Middle & Mass: South Africa at MultiChoice, echoed Pelser and said that while the audience wants to see themselves on screen, producers should also “look outside the bubble of their own existence” when working on content.

“Our audience likes to be involved and go on the journey” and for that reason, they’ve found that very family-orientated shows, with a female point of view, and generally not risqué, do well. While action and dramas have seen success, there isn’t much of an appetite for violence. “Always think, would you watch this with your grandmother?” he advised when considering pitches for scripted content for middle and mass markets.

Victor Sanchez Aghahowa, Head of Production, West Africa for MultiChoice Africa, as well as Nicola van Niekerk, Head of Content for Premium Channels and co-productions, reiterated MultiChoice’s success with hyperlocal content. “We need the connection; people need to feel. If not, what are you doing?” said Aghahowa. “Compelling characters in compelling situations that anybody can relate to – that’s what we’re looking for. Anything inauthentic will immediately be sniffed out by our younger audience.”

According to Van Niekerk, Showmax, specifically, has seen significant success with documentaries as well as dramas.

In terms of co-productions, Van Niekerk pointed to the necessity for producers to have an in-depth understanding of both the local and the international audience before pitching a project. “As a producer, you need to assess your story and say, ‘Where will this story work?’ Will it work in a very specific demographic hyper locally in South Africa, but where else will it work? Which other broadcaster will like that? And to know that you need to understand all of the broadcaster's strategies (on a global level).”

She warns against assuming that what works locally will work elsewhere. This helps to secure funding if the appetite and interest have already been assessed.

Van Niekerk said popular co-productions generally have three things in common: “It’s crime, it’s English and it’s in a beautiful setting. We can tell that those work the best.”

Lerato Moruti, Senior Manager: Reality and Entertainment for Middle & Mass: M-Net, said that successful reality shows provide a sense of tabloid voyeurism, with family-based reality shows that rate high with viewers. But, said Moruti, South Africans look for meaning in content, and respond well to “help TV”, specifically referring to the popular Mzansi Magic reality show Abandoned about orphaned children that seek out family members later in life.

For more on MultiChoice at MIP Africa visit: https://www.MultiChoice.com/Fame-Week.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.

SOURCE

MultiChoice Group



Saturday, August 19, 2023

Oppenheimer: So, You’ve Watched the Film – Now Find Out How It Was Made


Hoyte van Hoytema ASC NSC FSF on Oppenheimer

WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION


The latest collaboration between Hoyte van Hoytema ASC NSC FSF and Christopher Nolan sees them take on their most groundbreaking creative project yet, bringing the fascinating true story of “father of the atomic bomb”, theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, to the screen
So, you’ve watched the film – now find out how it was made in our latest Long Read, available for 48 hours only!
 
Along with its pink-hued peer Barbie, Oppenheimer has been one of the cinematic stars of the summer. Christopher Nolan’s latest epic, a biopic of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, saw the director team up once again with visionary DP Hoyte van Hoytema ASC NSC FSF on their most groundbreaking creative project yet.
 
Find out more about van Hoytema’s lensing choices, including his “magic mix” of IMAX and more “workhorse” 65mm cameras, the challenges of shooting black-and-white on big format, and developing custom optics with Panavision’s Dan Sasaki.
 
“I love building things,” the DP says of his creative cinematography. “I always get a big kick out of enabling shots or enabling ways of storytelling that you haven’t seen before, and especially in these times where people think they can do whatever they can come up with in CGI…I always like to challenge myself and find the equivalent of a good CGI [shot] in the physical world, because I think the physical world brings a certain level of tangibility that is unobtainable in CGI.”
 
Available to read for free for just one weekend only – don’t miss out!
https://britishcinematographer.co.uk/hoyte-van-hoytema-asc-nsc-fsf-oppenheimer/


Thursday, July 20, 2023

Women Are the New Game Changers in Nollywood

Yesterday I was at the Glover Memorial Hall on the Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria on Wednesday afternoon,  JULY 19, 2023.

I met with some of the leading key members of the Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) in Nigeria who are major stakeholders in Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry who have been committed in the overall capacity development of the film and TV industry since the 1980s to date.

We discussed the Big Picture of the future of the Nigerian film industry in view of the great prospects.

The female filmmakers in Nigeria have produced the most highest grossing movies in Nollywood since 2010 to date. The most recent movies include the following:



Battle on Buka Street (2022): (₦668,423,056) by Funke Akindele.

Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020): ₦636,129,120 by Funke Akindele.

The Wedding Party (2016): ₦452,288,605 by Kemi Adetiba.

Ijakumo (2022) ₦278,496,384 by Toyin Abraham

King of Boys (2018): be  ₦244,775,758 by Kemi Adetiba

View the complete list of the highest-grossing Nigerian films  on Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-grossing_Nigerian_films

The highest grossing movies have been acquired by Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other top OTT streaming services in the world.
These leading women making fantastic movies also have some of the best film and TV studios and film schools in Nigeria.

These outstanding women are changing the narratives of stereotypical views of women in Nollywood in the sociocultural, socioeconomic and sociopolitical perspectives on the Nigerian society.

More details will be published in the third edition of the NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series focusing on the notable Nigerian female filmmakers in Nigeria and the Diaspora and the most powerful women in Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry.

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRRORED® Series



Sunday, May 7, 2023

Who is the New Shining Star in Nollywood?


Who is the new shining star to watch out for in Nollywood?


Uti Nwachukwu, the handsome unique  style icon, TV personality, actor and the co-host of the Nigerian show Jara was the Shining Star to watch in the first edition of the NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series published in 2013. And he has become a true shining since then. 

In 2023, the New Shining Star in Nollywood is a black and beautiful young actress who featured in an international award winning film. 

Who is she? 

You will see her in the third edition of the NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series. Definitely a collector's edition.

#Nollywood

#star

#actor

#2013

#2023

#editor

#collector

#awards

#film


#series

 





Sunday, April 16, 2023

NOLLYWOOD MIRROR : The Celebration of The Legacy of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe in Nollywood and African Cinema


The name of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, MFR; will be written in gold in the history of Nollywood and African Cinema. 
I made the 2013 edition of the annual Africa Movie Academy Awards, (AMAA) the cover story of the first edition of the NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series to celebrate the unprecedented legacy of her visionary leadership in Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry. 
 
The first edition of the NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series documented the phenomenal first indie film industry in Africa producing thousands of home videos telling stories of Nigerians from the past to the present that caught the attention of the rest of the world to say WOW! African magic! That made Ivorian rebels in the bush to stop fighting during their civil war when a shipment of Nollywood DVDs arrived from Lagos. That Zambian mothers said their children were now talking with accents copied from Nollywood movies. That when a President of Sierra Leone asked Genevieve Nnaji to join him on the campaign trail he attracted record crowds at rallies, because of her. 
Yes, Nollywood is our African magic that hooked the world. 



The maiden edition of NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® SERIES is a celebration of the best of Nollywood with a full coverage of AMAA of 2013 with the theme, AFRICA ONE that epitomized the pan African Spirit of African Cinema. 

The following feature on the 20 years of the naming of "Nollywood" is dedicated to the legacy of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe. It will be published in the third edition of the NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series celebrating 40 Nigerian female filmmakers in Nigeria and the Diaspora.

20 Years Since The New York Times Named #Nollywood

Norimitsu Onishi was the Chief of The New York Times’s southern Africa bureau, based in Johannesburg when he discovered the phenomenon of the first indie film industry in Africa in 2002 in the hustle and bustle of Lagos city, the heart and soul of the guerilla filmmakers of Nigeria.

How The Times Named ‘Nollywoodin 2002

"It’s like Hollywood or Bollywood but in Nigeria — Nollywood!I told my editor."
Norimitsu Onishi.

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/11/insider/how-the-times-named-nollywood.html

The name of Nollywood has become the identity of the Nigerian film industry even though the making of the genre started in the 1980s which I have chronicled in my widely read and shared article, 

The Nollywood Phenomenon: From Analog to Digital - SHADOW & ACT
https://shadowandact.com/the-nollywood-phenomenon-from-analog-to-digital-2

The article shows the evolution of Nollywood over the years and how the digital cinema revolution has made a critical impact in the advancement of Nollywood since 2002.

It is now 30 years since the production of the first Nollywood blockbuster, "Living in Bondage" by Chris Obi Rapu in 1992 written and produced by Kenneth Nnebue and Okechukwu Ogunjiofor. And as we say in Lagos, many waters have passed under the Eko Bridge from 1992 to 2022.

Traditional filmmakers of the old school of filmmaking on celluloid still say Nollywood is video and not cinema. But top people in the global film industry said: Every region has unique stories to tell. And we should encourage them to tell their stories first and not be hindered by the technical requirements for professional film production. That the first thing is to supply on demand, because it was the overwhelming quantity of Nollywood home videos in the 1990s that attracted the rest of the world before the improvements in the quality. 

There have been significant improvements in the quality of the movies as Nollywood filmmakers have been adapting to current developments in filmmaking by using the same digital cinema cameras used by their counterparts in Bollywood and Hollywood following international standards in film and TV productions.

The improvement in the quality of the content has attracted the leading International acquisition and distribution companies, major studios and OTT video streaming services from America and Europe. Netflix, Disney and Amazon are now demanding for the best content in Nollywood and well produced movies have been acquired. 


There have been international productions of Nigerian movies featuring top Hollywood actors such as "The Amazing Grace" of 2006 directed by Jeta Amata, written by Jeta Amata and Nick Moran and produced by Jeta Amata and Alicia Arce with top roles by Joke Silva, Nick Moran and Scott Cleverdon; "Black November" directed by Jeta Amata in 2012, starring Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Mickey Rourke, Kim Basinger, Fred Amata, Sarah Wayne Callies, Nse Ikpe Etim, OC Ukeje, Vivica Fox, Anne Heche, Persia White, Akon, Wyclef Jean and Mbong Amata; "30 Days in Atlanta" directed by Robert O' Peters and produced by AY Makun in 2014 starring Starring AY Makun, Ramsey Nouah, Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD), Desmond Elliot, Vivica A. Fox, Lynn Whitfield, Karlie Redd, Majid Michel, Omoni Oboli, Racheal Oniga, Yemi Blaq and Juliet Ibrahim; "A Trip To Jamaica" directed by Robert O' Peters and produced by AY Makun in 2016 starring AY Makun,Funke Akindele, Nse Ikpe Etim, Dan Davies, Eric Roberts and others; "Esohe" directed by Charles Uwagbai and Robert O' Peters in 2018 starring Jimmy Jean Louis, Misty Lockheart, Desmond Elliot, Chris Attoh, Bimbo Manuel, Ufuoma McDermott, Toyin Aimakhu, Jemima Osunde and Monica Omorodion Swaida; "A Soldier's Story 2" of 2020 directed by Frankie Ogar and produced by Martin Gbados, starring  Eric Roberts, John J Vogel Jr, Alex Usifo, Akin Lewis, Segun Arinze, Linda Ejiofor, Somkele Idhalama, Michelle Dede, Daniel K. Daniel, Tope Tedela, Baaj Adebule, Samabasa Nzeribe and others; "Christmas in Miami" of 2021 directed by Robert O'Peters and produced by AY Makun starring Ayo Makun, Osita Iheme, Richard Mofe-Damijo, IK Ogbonna, Kent Morita, Raquel Lamanna, Manoj Chandra, Malcolm Burtchett, Nadya Marie, Tanya Price, Barry Piacente and Catherine Olsen and Adah Obekpa's "The American King" of 2021 starring Enyinna Nwigwe, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Andrew Howard and Nick Moran who has been playing prominent roles in the international productions of Nollywood movies since the 2000s to date. 
"The American King" directed and produced by Dr. Adah Obekpa, a Nigerian medical doctor in America. The romantic comedy featured famous African American singer, Akon with top Hollywood and Nollywood stars.

It is importan we document the new developments in Nollywood since 2002 to date for film history and film studies. That is why I working on a documentary film on "Nollywood Rising: The New Generation".

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,
The first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry published since 2013.
https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima
Special hardcover editions are available for purchase from Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.

 

#Peace #Peaceanyiamosigwe #Nollywood #Nigeria #Africa #movies #cinema #TV #series #filmmaking #filmmaker #legacy #film #building 
































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Monday, January 9, 2023

Once Upon a Time in NOLLYWOOD: The Documentary

 

Once Upon a Time in NOLLYWOOD: The Documentary 

"Once Upon a Time in Nollywood" is a documentary project of Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, Publisher/Editor of the NOLLYWOOD MIRROR®Series.

#Nollywood #pictures #film #movies #filmmaking #filmmakers #documentary #oscars #awards #nominations #harry #spare #mirror

View the photo gallery on http://totnaija.blogspot.com/2018/08/once-upon-time-in-nollywood-in-pictures.html?m=1

Thursday, October 13, 2022

The Best Headshot for Success from Casting Calls to Auditions

https://www.nollycasting.com

 The focus needs to stay on your face and not your clothes or accessories!



Your headshot is your marketing tool! Your headshot is not just a picture; it represents your professional image and brand. It’s a professional photo of the talent where the focus of the photograph is the person’s face.


It is utilized to identify you as well as distinguish you from the crowd. It is the first impression you make to the public before they meet you in person. Therefore, the photo must look like you and represent you well!

Be seen as a professional, not as an amateur, so the way you present yourself in your photo is very important.

You must have a good, high quality, professional headshot if you want to be taken seriously by industry professionals!

We require all talents to upload a professional headshot within 30 days from today, and if you fail to do so, we will remove your profile from our database! But don’t worry, we are here to help you!

Below, we share some tips with you on how to acquire a good headshot!

Here are some tips for a good headshot to prepare for your auditions!

1. PROFESSIONAL

Go to your local professional photographer to book your photo session! Don’t settle for a photo taken by your phone because the low quality will show! Hire a professional who will know how to capture you well in the most professional way possible. It is worth the investment!

2. SHOW YOUR ESSENCE…SMILE!

Don’t forget to smile and engage with the camera! This is the best way to showcase your personality is through the expression on your face. Ladies, please avoid wearing heavy make-up and extravagant hairstyles. Wear just enough make-up that enhances your natural beauty and hair that shows your face!

3. WARDROBE

Choose wardrobe that complements your skin tone. Bright, solid, colors are best. Avoid heavy patterns and prints as they can become distracting. We also want to see your eyes so please stay away from sunglasses and hats. Please do not use any props!

4. LIGHTING, BACKGROUND & ANGLE

Please stay away from busy, distracting backgrounds and make sure that you have great lighting — whether it is shot indoors or outdoors!

See the professional headshot photos of the actors and models registered on Nollycasting.

https://www.nollycasting.com

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

The Plot Thickens Returns On October 25 With Season 4: Here Comes Pam Grier

The Plot Thickens Returns On October 25 With Season 4: Here Comes Pam Grier

This is the story of Pam Grier as only she can tell it.

It’s a story of bravery, both onscreen and off. It’s a story about race in Hollywood and race in America. And it’s a story about how real life is a lot messier than the movies. Pam Grier joins host Ben Mankiewicz this season on The Plot Thickens.

EPISODEONE PREMIERES OCTOBER 25

Join host Ben Mankiewicz as our award-winning documentary podcast dives into the life and work of trailblazing actress Pam Grier.

Discover what it took to survive one of Hollywood's greatest decades in the words of Pam Grier herself, plus interviews with special guests including Quentin Tarantino, Gloria Steinem, Philip Bailey, Michael Schultz and more.

New episodes available each Tuesday beginning October 25. 

https://theplotthickens.tcm.com/season-four/?lid=2r32zl2mi6nt

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Coolio Passes On To Paradise of the Universe


Coolio, whose real name is Artis Leon Ivey Jr., came up on the L.A. rap scene in the late 80s, but blew up nationally in 1995 when he released "Gangsta's Paradise" for the soundtrack of the Michelle Pfeiffer film, "Dangerous Minds."

The song reached #1 and stayed there for 3 weeks.

While 'Paradise' became his signature hit, Coolio had several others ... including 1994's "Fantastic Voyage" -- which hit #3 on Billboard's Hot 100 -- as well as "1,2,3,4 (Sumpin' New)" and "It's All the Way Live (Now)."

Coolio was 59.

FAREWELL ...

SOURCE

Friday, September 9, 2022

Notable Nigerian Female Filmmakers

Notable Nigerian Female Filmmakers

Ngozi Onwurah

Prof. Branwen Okpako.

Sandra Mbanefo Obiago

Amaka igwe (of blessed memory)

Remi Vaughn-Richards 

Mildred Okwo

Emem Isong

Michelle Bello

Tope Oshin-Ogun

Ego Boyo,

Stephanie Linus

Chineze Anyaene

Chika Anadu

Blessing Egbe

Ema Edosio

Amaka Anioji

Grace Edwin Okon

Belinda Yanga-Agedah

Vanessa Nzediegwu,

Nosarieme Garrick

Zina Saro-Wiwa

Dolapo Adeleke, aka "LowlaDee"

Destiny Ekaragha

Mary Remmy Njoku

Akindele Olufunke Ayotunde

Adebukola Bodunrin

Kemi Adetiba.

Jade Osiberu

Lilian Aimiehi Onyinyen Afegbai

Genevieve Nnaji just got on the list, because of the outstanding success of her directorial debut, "Lionheart".

#Nollywood

#Filmmaking

#Filmmakers

#movies

#series

#Scholars

#students

#Africa

#Nigeria

#Nigerians

#film

This is not the complete list, because there are still some notable female directors in Nollywood who emerged after this selection who will be included in the third edition of the NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series printed in Raleigh, NC, USA.

This edition is a special focus on the Nigerian female filmmakers in Nigeria and the Diaspora.

I am the sole funder of the NOLLYWOOD MIRRO ® Series, the first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry since the first edition in 2013. I have not received any support from anyone else, private or public organization.

The articles in the first and second editions are among the most cited and quoted references in film studies, anthropology and African Studies by film scholars, students and others.

The Art Editor and Book Designer, Juvelin Aripal in from the Philippines.

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,

Publisher/Editor, NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series.


Saturday, July 2, 2022

Five Outstanding Nigerians Invited To The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2022

Five outstanding Nigerians, including distinguished directors Newton Aduaka and Blessing Effiom Egbe, accomplished actors Funke Akindele-Bello and Daniel K. Daniel and notable talent agent Josiah Akinyele are among 397 New Members of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in 2022. 

Membership selection is based on professional qualifications, with an ongoing commitment to representation, inclusion and equity. This year's class of invitees includes 71 Oscar nominees, including 15 winners.

See complete list of the new members on https://www.oscars.org/news/academy-invites-397-membership.

***

According to the Academy, the "membership process is by sponsorship, not application. Candidates must be sponsored by two Academy members from the branch to which the candidate seeks admission." 



Thursday, June 23, 2022

LaVida Studios Secures the Biggest International Investment for Nollywood

LaVida Studios Secures the Biggest International Investment for Nollywood

LaVida Studios, one of leading film and TV productions centres in Nollywood has secured a US$50 million three-year collaboration with The Story Lab of the United States of America for 10 films and television projects focused on bringing African stories to the global stage. Focusing on both scripted and unscripted film and TV projects, the alliance will see production serviced exclusively by LaVida Studios for all Africa-based productions out of The Story Lab. This groundbreaking partnership is the biggest international investment so far in Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry.

LaVida Studios cofounded by Chioma Ude and Olugbenga Obadina is based in Lagos,the entertainment capital of Nigeria’s fast developing Nollywood, the largest indie film industry in Africa. LaVida is known for the award winning film, Seven on Netflix, as well as Third Party, Stuck and Eye-Witness for AfricaMagic/Showmax,

PAC Capital Limited has committed an initial $50 million for LaVida’s film and TV projects, including the collaboration with The Story Lab. The funding is being accessed from PAC Capital’s PanAfrican CCI Fund 1, a $100 million fund dedicated to financing film production and distribution in Africa.

LaVida and Dentsu are also planning to team with the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) to create a joint initiative, AFRIFF/Dentsu & TV program which would recruit and support top African writing talent in creating original stories that appeal to a global audience.

Chioma Ude, founder of AFRIFF and managing partner in LaVida Studios, said: “We are thrilled to be working together with Dentsu and its The Story Lab team in the U.S. to bring authentic and compelling African stories to the world.”

The partnership, which is being spearheaded by Geneva Wasserman, executive VP and head of scripted content, The Story Lab U.S., who joined the organization in 2021, is thanks in part to her having already served as a board member for the AFRIFF network.

Wasserman said: “The combination of LaVida’s partnerships with top Nigerian creators and Dentsu’s global network and presence will serve as a bridge between these top content creators and the global market through this collaboration. We are honored to bring these stories to the world.”

Mike Ferry, head of The Story Lab U.S. added, “It is partnerships like this one which really help move the dial when it comes to discovering and elevating emerging talent. I’m so pleased we can be part of amplifying the diverse voices of Africa alongside our friends at LaVida and AFRIFF.”

LaVida Studios and Chioma Ude are represented by CAA and The Story Lab U.S. is represented by UTA.

"Expanding distribution infrastructure and access to African content globally; substituting the apprenticeship model in Nollywood for formal education and mentorship and; co-production with global production studios, are three major initiatives that will definitely take Nollywood to the next level. These are highlights of what the partnership between LaVida Studios and TSL is poised to achieve. It’s exciting times ahead," said Olugbenga Obadina.



Sunday, May 29, 2022

"King of Thieves" of Nollywood and the Myth of Second Largest Film Industry in the World

"King of Thieves", the current highest grossing Nigerian movie has not made up to US$1m in 7 weeks of showing in all the cinemas by the largest cinema chain in Nigeria and West Africa.

The current box office report from the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) shows that #Nollywood is not among the top 10 biggest film industries in the world in box office revenues.
The fictitious stats of UNESCO  on Nollywood must have been made up by those who failed to verify the current reports on the Nigerian film industry. They simply made the assumptions from their  laptops in Geneva and New York City and cannot even locate Asaba on the map of Africa. By the way,  Asaba presently produces more movies than Lagos and other cities in Nigeria. An actor can play major roles in ten different movies within one month in Asaba in Delta State. I doubt if any of the foreign news reporters and writers on Nollywood has been to Asaba. Most of their reports have been written in the comfort of the cozy rooms of the big hotels in Lagos and Abuja.
Now you can see why the so called "booming" second largest film industry in the world is full of hungry actors and directors who are still hustling to make ends meet.
Let us pray.

- By EKENYERENGOZI Michael Chima,
Publisher/Editor, NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series, Lagos, Nigeria.

#film #nigeria #lagos #africa #business #movies #news
#filmindustry #filmmakers #boxoffice #Asaba #unesco #report #geneva #newyorkcity



Saturday, April 23, 2022

We Made History for Nollywood

We Made History for Nollywood 

Unknown to majority of people, we made history by breaking new grounds for #Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry in the first quarter of 2022 through Vision Films Inc of California (the home state of #Hollywood). Two filmmakers from the same Benue State in the Middle Belt of Nigeria have made history with their in-depth analytical films of different genres, "The American King" by Dr. Adah Obekpa is the first Hollywood and Nollywood comedy to have theatrical release in movie theaters in the United States of America (USA) with thanks to Vision Films Inc and "Eagle Wings" by Paul Apel Papel is the first Nigerian film to have the biggest global film distribution in the history of the Nigerian film industry since the making of "Palaver", the first feature film shot in NIgeria by the Academy Award winning English filmmaker, Geoffrey Barkas in 1926.

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
 Publisher/Editor, 
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR®Series