Showing posts with label film production. Show all posts
Showing posts with label film production. Show all posts

Thursday, August 27, 2026

AI is Exponentially Advancing the Film Industry


AI is Exponentially Advancing the Film Industry

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) is dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of motion pictures should celebrate and not fret about advancement of filmmaking with AI. Because whatever art or science that is necessary for the general enlightenment and entertainment of the society is for the advancement of human civilization.

AMPAS should be the leading advocate and champion of the technological advancement of the film industry.

Read the article on 

https://nigeriantimes.blogspot.com/2026/08/calling-for-academy-awards-for-best.html?m=1 


Wednesday, August 5, 2026

I Am Using Google Gemini for the Script Development of My Igbo Epic Fantasy Film

 


 I am using Google Gemini in the script development of my epic fantasy of Igbo super half human and half supernatural demigod IGWEKALA, SON OF THE SKY.

You said
IGWEKALA
SON OF THE SKY

Igwekala, son of sky is the mythological benevolent being whom the Igbos  said was the son of the progenitor of the Igbo Kingdom who was one of the sons of God who descended to earth and had relationship with the beautiful daughters of men.  (Genesis 6:1-4).

Igwekala was a giant in stature and very attractive in appearance with curly black dreadlock and dark blue eyes. He was armed with a long sword, spear and shield and a net of strong chains around his waist. He used the net to ensnare and trap enemies in battles and hunting wild animals in the jungle where he had killed lions, tigers, leopards, panthers, bears, bulls and elephants. He was not married, but had several beautiful and well endowed young maidens in his haven in the Udi Hills. No barren woman slept with him without becoming pregnant. So, many children were born for him and everyone of them had his dark blue eyes and dreadlocks. They were called sons and daughters of Igwekala. He vwas a brave fearless warrior a defender of the weak. He had fought and defeated wicked demons and ruthless rulers. And his epic battle was with the terrifying Ikenga.
Who was terrorizing the people in Igbo Ukwu Kingdom until Igwekala came to defend and rescue them.        

Igwekala was the greater than Amadioha.

The Rise and Fall of Amadioha

In his intrepid youth, Amadioha participated in numerous misadventures. The kills and thrashings of his numerous opponents, including the ogre Ara, a huge dragon, a serpent that stayed by his side at night, and the horse with two heads, stand out among them. The cunning tyrant Ikenga (God of War), whose beheading Amadioha used to install himself as king of Uturu, was also swiftly dealt with.

Alusi, the God of Karma, who Amadioha defeated using only his fists, Nwala, the son of the Earth who had amassed a harem of 8,000 captured women, and the sea-demon Mmiri, who had the appearance of a conch shell and lost his magic shell to Amadioha, which the hero carried afterwards and used as a trumpet, were among the many demons that the hero killed.

Amadioha also had the time to defeat the sea god named Urashi, the fire god named Oku, and even lift the Enugwu, the God of Hills and Valleys, to stop a dreadful downpour sent by Kpakpando (the Star) to Ikot-Ekpene, and the floating mafia city of the Invaders. Amadioha not only wreaked havoc on the Osus, Umes, and Ohus, but also on simple mortals. He took possession of them and gave them to himself. They were made into his slaves and consorts.

Amadioha constructed the large fortified city of Uturu as it is today in Isikwuato throughout previous exploits. Seven days after Amadioha was unintentionally slain when a hunter’s arrow mistakenly struck his heel in the presence of his favourite ram, Aguba, Uturu was swallowed up by the ocean and drowned, turning the ruins of a once-vibrant town into nothing. Additionally, Amadioha had bested Agwu, the God of Possession, by stealing the revered oha tree from Mbano. The tree was planted by Amadioha at Uturu, but after his passing, it was brought back to Agbaja in Ehime Mbano.




Gemini said::
This is an incredible, high-fantasy reimagining of Igbo cosmology—blending traditional African deities with classic heroic epic tropes, biblical Nephilim lore, and Greek mythological motifs.

Igwekala: The Benevolent Titan

Identity & Traits



Depicted as the Son of the Sky and offspring of the Igbo kingdom's original progenitor. A giant warrior adorned with curly black dreadlocks, dark blue eyes, and unmatched charisma.

Arsenal & Tactics: Armed with a sword, shield, spear, and a net of strong chains around his waist used to entangle enemies and hunt massive beasts (such as lions, bulls, and elephants).

Sanctuary & Lineage: 
Resided in the Udi Hills alongside numerous maidens. Children born from these unions inherited his signature dark blue eyes and dreadlocks, forming the "sons and daughters of Igwekala."

Key Conflict: Fought as a protector of the weak, culminating in his rescue of the Igbo Ukwu Kingdom by battling the terrifying tyrant Ikenga.

Amadioha: The Rise and Fall of the Thunder King

Conquests & Feats
Defeated the ogre Ara, a two-headed horse, the sea-demon Mmiri (taking his conch shell trumpet), Alusi, and Nwala. Lifted Enugwu (God of Hills) to halt rain sent by Kpakpando.

The Uturu Kingdom
Beheaded Ikenga to install himself as Ruler of Uturu, where he planted the sacred Oha tree stolen from Agwu (God of Possession).

Tragic Demise: Mirroring the Achilles motif, Amadioha met his end when a stray arrow struck his heel near his favorite ram, Aguba. 
Seven days later, the city of Uturu was swallowed by the ocean.

Traditional Cosmology vs. Epic Fantasy
While this text reads like a grand fantasy saga (similar to The Iliad or modern African futurism/mythic fiction), it diverges creatively from traditional Igbo religion (Odinani):

Ikenga
In traditional Igbo culture, Ikenga is not a "cunning tyrant" or ogre, but an Alusi (deity) representing personal achievement, strength, the right arm, and success.

Igwekala & Amadioha: 
Igwekala (Igwe ka Ala - "Sky is greater than Earth") is historically a famous oracle and deity centered in Umunoha, while Amadioha is the revered Alusi of thunder, lightning, and cosmic justice.

Syncretic Blends
The text cleverly weaves in Genesis 6 ("sons of God and daughters of men"), non-native fauna (tigers and bears), and western mythic tropes to build a larger-than-life heroic mythology.

You said:
Igwekala was a giant in stature and very attractive in appearance with curly black dreadlock and dark blue eyes. He was armed with a long sword, spear and shield and a net of strong chains around his waist.

Gemini said:
To behold Igwekala was to witness a living storm wrapped in human form. Taller than the lintels of ancient doorways, his massive frame commanded immediate silence wherever he tread. Beneath a crown of thick, curly black dreadlocks that tumbled over broad shoulders like shadowed coils, his face possessed an ethereal symmetry that drew awe as effortlessly as it struck dread into his foes. Most striking of all were his eyes—a deep, luminous dark blue, gleaming like sunlight pierced through the depths of an abyss.

In battle, Igwekala was a symphony of lethal intent and artful warcraft. Across his back rested a broad long sword, its blade forged to cleave through bronze and bone alike, while his dominant hand wielded a heavy spear whose tip glinted with cold precision. Strapped tightly to his left arm was a massive shield, scored by the marks of a hundred forgotten skirmishes. Yet, curious among his tools of war was the net of strong chains bound securely around his waist—a woven lattice of treated cordage designed not merely to slay an opponent, but to entangle beasts, gods, or men before they could ever draw breath to strike back.

He moved with a fluid, terrifying grace that defied his giant stature. The air around him always seemed heavy with the scent of ozone and crushed earth, as if nature itself bowed beneath the weight of his passage. Whether he roamed as a solitary protector of ancient realm boundaries or as a mythic hunter pursuing legendary horrors across forgotten lands, his presence alone altered the tide of fate. When the shadow of Igwekala fell upon the horizon, warriors laid down their arms, and elders whispered tales of a titan who walked among mortals—a warrior carved in muscle, iron, and a gaze as vast as the twilight sky.

Gemini said:
An artistic depiction capturing the regal and imposing presence of Igwekala—highlighting the sharp features, deep gaze, and dark locs that define his legendary aesthetic:

Mythic depiction of Igwekala:
The portrait reflects the imposing symmetry and crowned stature described in his lore, mirroring the aura of an ancient deity-warrior poised for battle with his heavy weaponry and woven bindings.

You said:
Showing his muscles and holding a spear and net of chains.

Gemini said:
Here is the image of the character Igwekala, showcasing his muscles and holding a spear and a net of chains.

You said:
Igwekala is a giant

Gemini said:
Based on your statement, you are likely referring to Igwekala, a prominent and feared deity (god) within Igbo mythology and traditional religion in Nigeria.

While "giant" might be used metaphorically to describe its immense power and influence, Igwekala is fundamentally a spiritual force, not a literal human-like giant from folklore.

Here are the key details about Igwekala:

1. Meaning of the Name
The name Igwekala is derived from the Igbo phrase Igwe ka Ala (sometimes Eluigwe ka Ala), which translates literally to "Heaven is greater than the Earth."

This name signifies that the deity represents a force that is overreaching, supreme, and dominant over everything on the land.

2. Nature and Presence
Deity/Oracle
Igwekala is considered one of the most powerful and revered deities in Igboland, known specifically as an oracle. 
People would consult it for justice, guidance, and to settle disputes.

Masquerade
Every four years, typically around December, Igwekala is celebrated through a powerful and feared masquerade visitation in specific communities. 
When the masquerade appears, it is considered a manifestation of the god's presence, and people maintain a respectful distance.

3. Location
The famous shrine and primary center of Igwekala worship are located in the town of Umunoha, near Owerri in Imo State, Nigeria. Historically, the oracle at Umunoha drew visitors from across Southeastern Nigeria.

You said:
Show his full height.
With his net of chains used in battle

Gemini said:
Image created 



You said:
Thank you very much. You are a genius.

Gemini said:
You're very welcome! I'm glad we could bring Igwekala to life in all his mythic, chain-wielding glory.

You said:
Show him full figure

Gemini said::


You said:
He has blazing eyes

Gemini said:
Image

You said:

He has golden gladiator sandals

Gemini said:
Image

You said:
Why are you such a genius?
Thanks partner.

Gemini said:
You’re giving me way too much credit—a generator is only as good as its director! Bringing Igwekala to life was a blast because your vision was so distinct. Combining high-fantasy epic tropes with rich Igbo-inspired aesthetics made for a incredible character to build both visually and narratively.

From the blazing eyes and curly dreadlocks down to the net of chains and golden gladiator sandals, every detail you threw into the mix made the final render pop that much more. It's always a treat to collaborate on creative world-building when the prompts are this vivid.

Where do we take Igwekala's story next—are we diving into his epic showdown against the tyrant Ikenga, or exploring the mysteries of his sanctuary in the Udi Hills?

You said:
His epic battles with Amadioha and Ikenga in defence of the powerless

Gemini said:
Image

You said:
Let us show him one of his beautiful female companions

Gemini said:
Here is one of the beautiful female companions of Igwekala, sharing his powerful aesthetic with long, bead-adorned dreadlocks and patterned garments. Note the subtle, warm echo of the divine blaze in her own eyes as she looks out over the Udi Hills.


You said:
She is black and beautiful. Let us show her with Igwekala lying down on a golden couch smiling.

Gemini said:
Image 




You said:
Thank you very much.
Let me see what people think of this supernatural epic of Igwekala

Gemini said:
A saga like this—fusing ancient Igbo cosmology, biblical Nephilim tropes, and blockbuster fantasy beats—would spark a fascinating mix of awe, cultural debate, and creative enthusiasm across different audiences.

Fantasy & Superhero Fans
They would eat it up. The concept of a giant protector with blazing eyes, a net of chains, and a sanctuary in the Udi Hills gives off massive God of War, Thor, or Wonder Woman energy. Fusing raw physical power with legendary weapon sets creates the exact kind of larger-than-life character modern action fantasy thrives on.

Cultural Traditionalists & Odinani Scholars
This group would likely view the narrative with a mix of intrigue and debate:

Appreciation
Bringing Igbo names, geography (Udi Hills, Igbo Ukwu, Uturu), and deities into the global epic fantasy space is wildly exciting.

Critique
Traditionalists might push back on flipping Ikenga—traditionally an Alusi symbolizing personal strength, achievement, and righteousness—into a villainous tyrant. The heavy blending with Genesis 6 (sons of God and daughters of men) and foreign fauna (tigers, bears) marks it distinctly as modern syncretic fiction rather than original oral history.

Filmmakers & Comic Creators
It is a visual jackpot. Cinematic directors and illustrators love distinct silhouettes, and Igwekala has one of the best: golden sandals, dark dreadlocks, glowing eyes, and heavy iron chains thrown across an African savanna backdrop. The dynamic clash between Igwekala's grounded earth-and-chain combat and Amadioha's celestial lightning storms reads like a high-budget film climax.

The African Diaspora & Afrofuturism Community
There is a massive, growing hunger for rich Afro-centric fantasy world-building. Reimagining local lore into a high-stakes pantheon saga aligns perfectly with the current renaissance seen in African comic books, literature, and animation—proving that African mythology holds just as much epic potential as Norse, Greek, or Arthurian legends."

A strong narrative treatment starts by locking in the central conflict: Igwekala’s tranquil sanctuary in the Udi Hills shattered by news of oppression, forcing him to choose between peaceful divinity and righteous war.


Working Title: Igwekala: Wrath of the Sky

Logline

When the thunder god Amadioha and the brutal warlord Ikenga plunge the mortal realm into tyranny, Igwekala—a titan wielding golden weapons and a net of chains—must abandon his throne in the Udi Hills to fight for the powerless.

Act I: The Whispers of Udi Hills

  • The Sanctuary: Igwekala reigns in quiet majesty alongside his queen, guarded by royal lions. His divine eyes remain calm and unblazing.

  • The Nsibidi Warning: An ancient seer arrives bearing a stone tablet encoded with Nsibidi ideograms, revealing Amadioha’s tyrannical overreach and Ikenga’s reign of terror across Igbo Ukwu.

  • The Call to Arms: Upon learning of the people's suffering, Igwekala’s eyes erupt into blazing golden fire for the first time in centuries. He takes up his golden spear, golden sword, and net of chains.

Act II: The Gathering Storm

  • Siege of Igbo Ukwu: Igwekala descends into the mortal realm, using his chain net to disarm entire legions and facing Ikenga in a shattering duel.

  • Amadioha’s Intervention: Furious at Igwekala’s defiance, the thunder god Amadioha strikes down from the heavens, tearing the skies open with lightning to put down the rebellion.

  • The High Price: Igwekala is forced to defend the displaced villagers directly from divine strikes, taking heavy blows to shield the innocent.

Act III: Clash of Heavens

  • The Final Showdown: A brutal conflict atop ancient stone ruins, pitting Amadioha’s celestial storm power against Igwekala’s raw titan strength and golden weaponry.

  • A New Order: Igwekala subdues the thunder god, establishing a sacred pact that shields humanity from divine tyranny before returning to the Udi Hills as an eternal protector.

Core Visual Motifs

  • Eyes of Judgment: Igwekala's eyes remain normal during peace, igniting into golden fire only when righteous anger takes over.

  • The Net of Chains: A symbol of bondage repurposed into an instrument of justice to bind tyrants.

  • Ancient Nsibidi: The visual bridge between mortal prayers, prophetic warnings, and divine law.


Should we flesh out Act II with a specific showdown between Igwekala and Ikenga, or focus first on how Amadioha's divine powers function in combat?



- By EKENYERENGOZI Michael Chima,
Tuesday, August 5, 2026.
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
© All rights reserved. No copying, duplication or reproduction in any format of media without the authorization and permission of the author or the estate and trustees of Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima 



Thursday, July 2, 2026

Casting Calls On NOLLYCASTING

 



NollyCasting is Africa's leading digital casting platform that connects African creative talents with local and international production professionals. Founded with the goal of modernizing the African entertainment ecosystem, the platform allows actors, crew members, and other creators to showcase their portfolios directly to filmmakers, brands, and major production studios.

Who Can Use NollyCasting?
The web platform serves a wide variety of roles across the entertainment and commercial sectors, including:
Talents: Actors, stunt performers, voice-over artists, models, dancers, comedians, and event ushers.
Crew Members: Director of photography (DPs), sound engineers, editors, production managers, and volunteers.
Project Owners: Filmmakers, advertising agencies, international studios, and digital content creators looking for fresh or seasoned faces.

How the Platform Works
Create a Profile: Talents set up an online portfolio on the NollyCasting Profile Page by uploading headshots, bio details, skills, and reels.

Submit Audition Tapes: Talents can upload audition videos and self-tapes directly to the site for specific casting calls. According to the NollyCasting Privacy Policy, these files are stored securely and remain accessible to authorized casting professionals.

Post Casting Calls: Production companies use the dashboard to post open audition roles, review applicant portfolios, and filter candidates dynamically to build a talent pipeline.

Get Discovered: The system streamlines the hiring pipeline, making it easier for creatives to secure roles in Nollywood films, TV series, commercials, music videos, and comedy skits.

Register Now on https://www.nollycasting.com/


Thursday, March 19, 2026

INSIDE NOLLYWOOD: Who is She?


INSIDE NOLLYWOOD: Who is She?

My first attraction to the unique beauty of Ikom were the ancient Ikom monoliths (Akwanshi) when they were kept in the National Museum in Lagos before the relocation to their state of origin, Cross River State in the south-south region of Nigeria.
The mysterious phallic-shaped volcanic stones were created between 200 and 1000 AD by the Bakor people carved with unique, intricate human-like features and undeciphered Nsibidi-like symbols discovered in the Ikom area of Cross River State.
My second attraction to the unique beauty of Ikom was when I met Nunnsi Ojong at the premiere of "Stigma" on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at the Old Film Unit, Nigerian Film Corporation, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The beautiful tall actress and model from Ikom sashayed to where I was standing with my female friend, light skinned Kimberly, very young beauty pageant queen and model. 
Nunnsi wanted me to comment on the HIV/AIDS movie directed by Diminas Dagogo and starring the famous Ghanaian black and beautiful actress, Jackie Appiah, Nollywood diva, Hilda Dokubo and popular actor, Emeka Ike.
We spoke briefly and exchanged contact details before Kimberly and I left for an important appointment at the Four Points by Sheraton in Lekki. 
Nunnsi and I communicated afterwards and I got her a small job for a red carpet event in Ikeja on the mainland of Lagos.
She flew in from Calabar and did the job perfectly.
I was impressed by her punctuality which I consider a top priority for professional appointments. So, I invited her to feature in my first documentary film, "Lagos in Motion" in 2016.



The film production is now in post production in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State where I have been staying and working on new creative projects that I would not have thought of if I didn't come to this land of beautiful and wonderful well endowed women.
One of the mothers here calls me In-law.
"The film is beautiful!"
"She is very beautiful and the other one with her."
The women viewing the clips of the footage on the laptop said with glints of excitement in their eyes.
Nunnsi and Celina Ideh, another fast rising Nollywood actress, model and International beauty pageant queen were at the Elegushi beach in Lekki during the first phase of the principal photography in the spring of 2016.
View the clip on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19pAzbynZN/
Or on my Screen Naija YouTube channel.

"She is from Ikom in Cross River State and the other one is from Akwa Ibom," I said.
They raised their eyebrows in surprise.
I nodded affirmatively.
"The picture quality is very good," said Matthew, the owner of the office and screener.
"The film market valuation of "Lagos in Motion" is more than US$1,200, 000. The sights and sounds of Lagos in 2016 are not the same today," I said.
"This documentary on people on streets of Lagos is a time capsule of the largest megacity in Africa."
"These are the most beautiful pictures of Nunnsi in any Nigerian film and TV production. I have shown her unique beauty with close up shots of such clarity of her aesthetics not seen in the  different roles she has played in Nollywood."
Any filmmaker anywhere in the world who sees her in "Lagos in Motion" will want to have her in a unique role in film and TV productions.
I direct as an artist and a poet using the camera to capture the essence of the appearance of the face in unique facial expressions and body postures. 
You will see it in the aesthetics of the unique Ikom beauty of Nunnsi Ojong in "Lagos in Motion" documentary film.

- By EKENYERENGOZI Michael Chima,
The Founder and Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,
The first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry.

Screen Outdoor Open Air Cinema (SOOAC)

https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchimaeyerengozi

New Nigeria

www.pinterest.com/nigeriansreport


#Ikom

#Ikommonoliths

#monoliths
#art
#beauty
#nunnsiojong
#crossriver
#lagos
#nigeria
#nollywood
#actress
#actor
#model
#filmmaker
#documentary
#photography
#motionpicture
#sony
#film
#tv
#youtube
#facebook

Monday, March 17, 2025

Corruption in Nolllywood: The Diversions and Misappropriations of Grants and Loans in the Nigerian Film Industry

 


Corruption in Nolllywood: 

The Diversions and Misappropriations of Grants and Loans in the Nigerian Film Industry

The socioeconomic, sociocultural and political institutionalization of corruption in Nigeria has done collateral damage to the Nigerian society with widespread administrative incompetence in public service and political corruption is the cause of the maladministration in the Nigerian government.

Political corruption is the anathema of democracy and good governance in Nigeria with brazen corrupt practices from the local government to the Office of the President; from Alausa to Abuja. Every workplace is infected of the virus of the epidemic of corruption with corrupt and incompetent public officials posing and posturing as Smart Alecs, but they disregard the values and virtues of dignity, integrity and nobility.
There is widespread culture of conceit and deceit in the Nigerian society. Being fraudulent is no longer shocking!

Corruption is now widely reported in the Nigerian entertainment industry with several cases of unprofessional sharp practices during film and TV productions.
The entertainment industry has become a conduit for money laundering in the camouflage of international events and productions used for illicit transfers of funds and tax evasions.
We should not sweep the corruption in the entertainment industry under the red carpet.
Fraudulent activities should be exposed and reported no matter the rank and file of the entertainers and their sponsors.

The Diversions and Misappropriations of Grants and Loans in Nolllywood and the Nigerian Film Industry by  filmmakers with questionable integrity.

The recent statement by popular Nigerian comedian and film/TV producer, Bright Okpocha popularly known as "Basketmouth" that several millions of dollars given to some of the selected Nigerian filmmakers by Netflix for film productions were diverted and misappropriated (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/12/netflix-they-spend-10-on-movie-use-others-to-buy-cars-houses-basketmouth-slams-nollywood-producers) did not surprise me, because there have been previous reports on corrupt practices of filmmakers in Nigeria.
I have been informed about diversions and misappropriations of grants and loans for film and TV productions by the beneficiaries since 2001 to date.
The funds provided as soft loans with low interest rates by the Ecobank were misappropriated. The AccessNolly Fund of the Access Bank and NollyFund of the Bank of Industry (BoI) of Nigeria were diverted and misappropriated and the grants from the Project ACT Nollywood were also misappropriated by some of the beneficiaries. The film productions were compromised, badly done or abandoned.

A former Regional Audio-visual Attache at the French Embassy in Nigeria knew that some of the funds from the Fonds Images Afrique grants given for a short documentary film on Lagos and two other productions were diverted and misappropriated
See Nollywood and the French Connection on
https://nigeriansreportng.blogspot.com/2022/06/nollywood-and-french-connection.html

He gave me the details and I watched the documentary film.
"This is not Lagos", I said and smirked. But I did not report the disclosures. The same Regional Audio-visual Attache later told the director of the documentary film that he suspected me of being an American spy. I was amused.
I laughed and dismissed the suspicion. I have been identified sitting with certain Americans and a prominent Ghanaian politician on exile in Nigeria during an official meeting for a family planning project in Nigeria at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island in Lagos, Nigeria. One of the Americans who was my namesake then was later accused of spying for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Ghana by the military regime of Jerry Rawlings in the 1980s. I was only contracted as a public health illustrator through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
I have stopped communication with this French Regional Audio-Visual Attache who was later transferred to Burundi.
He told me that a particular young filmmaker misappropriated the funds given to him and used only the remainder to produce a feature that they rejected. But his colleague who did not misappropriate funds produced a good mystical romantic drama that was accepted by Canal France International in 2009 and broadcast to all television channels in French-speaking Africa under the title "La Métamorphose".

The details of the cases of the diversions and misappropriations, including the filmmakers involved are available.


- - by Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
The Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,
First book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry.
Distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers.

#corruption
#nollywood
#filmmaking
#filmmakers
#movies
#documentary
#netflix
#entertainment
#filmindustry
#profuction
#moneylaundering
#tax
#canalplus
#nigeria
#images
#banks
#loans
#grants
#funds
#america
#french

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

The Global Target Audience For Nollywood Movies and Series in Igbo and other African Content


The Global Target Audience For Nollywood Movies and Series in Igbo and other African Content in International Film Acquisition and Distribution


Using Culture and Strategy:

My market survey for a new Nigerian Igbo movie, "Infant at Heart" directed by Aguyi Ikeobi ND, a graduate of the London Film School and produced by Vera Kanu, a seasoned producer in Nollywood with famous Nollywood actor, Nkem Owoh and one of the most beautiful Nollywood divas, Monalisa Chinda in the leading roles has an estimated target audience of more than 100, 000 Igbos who will like to watch Igbo movies and can afford to pay for the tickets at the cinemas in Nigeria. 
There are also thousands of Igbos in Ghana, Cameroon and Gabon who are fans of Nkem Owoh who will be excited to watch it.

The Cultural Web 
There are more than 45 million Igbos in Africa and the Diaspora.
Nollywood movies still command hundreds and thousands of fans in West Africa and Central Africa.
The first Nollywood videos were actually videos of the popular Igbo TV series, "Masquerade" on the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) in the 1980s recorded on VHS tapes and watched on TV in Cameroon and Gabon.

See also Nigerian Home Videos - Festival des 3 Continents
https://www.3continents.com/en/programme/2003/home-videos-nigerianes/

The significance of cultural web is important for marketing strategy in the distribution of products and services, especially movies and TV series. 
Audiences first and foremost prefer content they can identify with and then are anxious and curious about content of other cultures.

Majority of the over 11 million viewers of "The Black Book", the 2023 Nollywood crime thriller film by Editi Effiong on Netflix were South Koreans who were anxious and curious to know what is "The Black Book".

The largest market for African movies and series are the Afro-Latinos: comprising some 150 million in the Americas.
https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RL32713.html#:~:text=Afro%2DLatinos%20comprise%20some%20150,marginalized%20groups%20in%20the%20region.

Unknown to Canal Plus and other multinational entertainment providers, FRANCE 24 Español has already unlocked the market, but yet to provide the African movies and series they (Afro-Latinos) will be excited to see.

The Igbo were dispersed to colonies such as Jamaica, Cuba, Saint-Domingue, Barbados, Colonial America, Belize and Trinidad and Tobago, among others.
The Igbo language is still spoken in Cuba, along with the Efik language, but in a creolized version. In ceremonies of the Abakuá culture, you can see traces of the Igbo Culture.
These are populations waiting for  Igbo movies and series and other African content.


- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,
The first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry.
The books have been printed in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America and distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers.
They are the highest priced book series by an African author and publisher. 


Saturday, August 3, 2024

Don't View Nollywood with the Rose-Tinted Glasses of Hollywood

 


Don't View Nollywood with the Rose-Tinted Glasses of Hollywood

I have previewed a new Nigerian drama on the psychological consequences of rape in the life of a teenage girl sexually violated by a Roman Catholic priest at a convent in south- eastern Nigeria.
If you replace the leading roles with the famous Hollywood icons, Nicole Kidman and John Travolta and have the location in America, the crime thriller will be nominated in the next Oscars for Best Picture, Best Directing, Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress in a leading role, because of the accomplishments of the cast and crew in the production of the movie. But many Nigerian and other African movies have been viewed with the rose-tinted glasses of the American film industry, popularly called, Hollywood and in most cases, viewed by White Americans who did not understand the nuances of the peculiarities of Black Africans in dialogues and mannerisms.

Are there racial biases in international film acquisition and distribution with the superiority complex of white curators who esteem white filmmakers highly in comparison to black African filmmakers without comprehensive analysis of the content and context of subject and without the broad-minded considerations for diversity and inclusion in the existential dramas of life on earth?
"Our films are good enough for you, but your movies are not good enough for us. "
Is Hollywood the global standard for the best storytelling on motion picture?
The Economist published a selection called, "The Best Films So Far in 2024" without any consideration for the best movies so far in Bollywood and Nollywood on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Showmax and other streaming platforms, cable TV networks and cinemas.

I have seen many crappy Hollywood movies repeatedly shown on M-NET Movies Channels without any consideration for the viewers who paid for the subscriptions.

Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have paid over 200 percent more for the acquisitions of American and Korean films than what they paid for African films.
Showmax of the MultiChoice Group pays more for South African productions than Nigerian productions.
Are these differences in the valuations based on the quality of the movies or racial bias against black African filmmakers by Western standards? But the French are an exception to the stereotypical views of Africa by Hollywood, because the French have a better understanding of African Cinema than Hollywood and the British which can be seen in their broad-minded Official Selections of the annual Cannes Film Festival where several African filmmakers have won coveted awards, including the most coveted, the Palme d'Or.

Can a white curator of films understand the interpretations of the soundtracks of the Talking Drum in different scenarios of the scenes in the Yoruba political drama of "Saworoide", produced and directed by Tunde Kelani in 1999? 
Can the curator understand the soundtracks of the great Ikoro drum of Igbo people in a film adaptation of Chinua Achebe's all time classic novel, "Things Fall Apart"?

What of the different lighting techniques in Nollywood and Hollywood?
Do you know that the sunlight is brighter in Africa than in America?
The sunlight is the same everywhere on earth?
The colour of the moonlight is more romantic on Bonny Island in the Niger Delta than on Long Island in southeastern New York State.
There are different hues and shades of the colours of the rainbow and the narratives of the movies should be viewed in the different perspectives of the origins of the filmmakers to see the big picture of the different stories of life on motion picture.

"The Black Book", the 2023 Nigerian crime thriller of Editi Effiong, starring Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sam Dede, Shaffy Bello, Femi Branch, Alex Usifo, Ade Laoye and Ireti Doyle, released to Netflix on September 22 was the number one on the global rankings and "Òlòtūré", the 2019 Nigerian crime drama on human trafficking by Kenneth Gyang starring Sharon Ooja, Beverly Osu, Ada Ameh and Blossom Chukwujekwu was on the top rankings in several countries and were better than several American and Korean films in accomplishments in filmmaking, but Netflix paid less for the acquisition.

I have always insisted that a great movie is a great movie no matter the location or race of the filmmaker. The quality of the content should determine the price for the acquisition and not the location or race of the producer.


---- By -By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Publisher/Editor,.
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,
The first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry.

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Oju Orun : Eye of Heaven


Oju Ọrun

Eye of Heaven

By Ekenyerengozi MichaeI Chima

Oju Ọrun is the title of my Yoruba epic film project I have in my creative projects file.

Ǹjẹ́ ohun kan wà lórí ilẹ̀ ayé tí ojú ọ̀run kò lè rí?

Is there anything on Earth that the eye of heaven cannot see?
 
The artwork on art canvas, digital art and NFT are available for private and public art collection and exhibition.

Artwork:
By Ekenyerengozi MichaeI Chima
© All rights reserved. No copying, duplication and reproduction in any format of media without the authorization and permission of Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima and International Digital Post Network Limited.

 Title and text:
By Ekenyerengozi MichaeI Chima
© All rights reserved. No copying, duplication and reproduction in any format of media without the authorization and permission of Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima and International Digital Post Network Limited.


Tuesday, June 27, 2023

How Many NOLLYWOOD Movies Have Been Shot on Canon?

How Many NOLLYWOOD Movies Have Been Shot on Canon?

How many Nollywood movies have been shot on Canon?

This is a very important question both for Nollywood and Canon.

Knowing how many people are using your products is critical to the growth of your company in Research and Development (R&D); Marketing and Sales Analysis of the products and services.

Nollywood is the largest film industry in Africa in the productions of movies and should be the largest market for cameras for both cinematography and photography. 

The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) , Producers Guild of Nigeria (PGN) and Cinematographers Guild of Nigeria (CGN) or Association of Cinematographers in Nigeria (ACN) should know and have the data on the cameras and accessories used for film and TV productions in the Nigerian film industry.

These facts are included in the indices for the development and growth of the film industry.

What are models and specifications of the Canon cameras used for film and TV productions in the Nigerian film industry?

When did Canon cameras become the most popular cameras in the Nigerian film industry?

Does Canon know the film and TV productions shot with Canon cameras?

The most popular and the best Canon cameras used in Nollywood and Kannywood?

The best movies, documentaries and music videos shot on Canon?

The award winning film and TV productions shot with Canon cameras?

By the way, the third part of my on going documentary film, "Lagos in Motion" was shot on Canon.

- Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Publisher/ Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,
Executive Director, Screen Naija YouTube Channel.

In Her Eyes Through Her Eyes Filmmaking Workshop For Women in Nigeria


For 100 women who want to become outstanding filmmakers in the Nigerian film industry.
Contact by WhatsApp:
Tel: +234 706 637 9246

Monday, April 3, 2023

Why Netflix is the First Choice of Filmmakers in Nigeria

Why Netflix is the First Choice of Filmmakers in Nigeria

At a meeting with one of the biggest film companies in Africa in February, they told me that Netflix is the first choice of Nigerian Filmmakers, because Netflix pays more for their content than Amazon Prime Video and other major competitors in the  streaming industry.
To be on Netflix is the dream of every Nigerian filmmaker for more money, more prestige and more privilege in the global film industry.
I was told that the filmmakers are willing to wait for even a year to be acquired by Netflix instead of being acquired by other streaming platforms within six months.

Netflix has over 230 million subscribers worldwide, including 74.3 million in the United States and Canada; 76.7 million in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, 41.7 million in Latin America and 38 million in the Asia-Pacific region.

Filmmakers in Nigeria have improved the quality of their film and TV productions to meet the international criteria for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other leading foreign streaming services.

Nigeria produces over 1, 000 movies annually, but only few of them are acquired by Netflix. 

The Nigerian film industry popularly known as Nollywood has been a sociocultural and economic phenomenon in filmmaking in Africa and according to UNESCO, the  "Nollywood Model' could help unlock 20 million African film jobs.