The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nollywood

  • Making the most of corporate endorsement in Nollywood

    Making the most of corporate endorsement in Nollywood

    THE stars have clearly begun to align for Nollywood. Like the beautiful bride, corporate suitors it seems, have turned out in a duel for the hands of some of Nollywood’s brightest stars. It gets better, many are renewing cool deals.

    How much is Monalisa Chinda’s smile worth? According to industry sources, Vita500, a new energy drink from South Korea shelled out N30 million for her face on the energy drink. She was also the face of the Rivers state cultural fiesta and Glo sweated millions it has been reported, to have her as their ambassador. Monalisa’s face is every photographer’s dream and her smile conjures the memory of spring. Monalisa should insure her face.

    Perhaps, no corporate entity has demonstrated proven commitment to Nollywood in terms of endorsement than Globacom Nigeria Limited. The telecommunication giant at the last count has appointed close to a dozen Nollywood A-list thespians as ambassadors according to information on their website. In an industry long abandoned by corporate Nigeria, Globacom serves as a refreshing alternative. The rave seemed to have caught on. MTN Nigeria, the company with some of the most creative advertisements in Nigeria, in the past treated Nollywood with courteous indifference. But recently, Nkem Owoh and Patience Ozokwor have featured in the company’s advertisements. Perhaps the days of the cold shoulder are over.

    The use of film stars in the marketing of products is not the exclusive preserve of Nigeria. If anything, we seemed to have taken a page out Hollywood’s playbook. Gwyneth Paltrow has been tapped to be the latest ambassador for Swiss watch brand Baume & Mercier. Natalia Portman will also be the new face of the Miss Dior Cherie. Sylvester Stallone has been chosen as the brand ambassador for luxury pen manufacturer Montegrappa and popular martial arts film star Jet Li has been announced by Swiss Hublot timepieces as their newest brand ambassador.The use of famous faces as brand ambassadors is not just limited to the use of actors and actresses. Corporations have been known to appoint as brand ambassadors sports men and women who have proven their mettle in the field. Rafal Nadal is a brand ambassador for Georgio Armani.

    The use of artistes as brand ambassadors by corporations is with the objective of linking their product to a winning athlete or personality to enhance their image and boost sales revenue. Corporations use these popular artistes as validation for their products and hope to transfer their goodwill and star power so as to influence the fortune of their offerings.

    Most endorsement deals are designed to offer mutual benefits to both the star and the corporation. Nevertheless, there have been some endorsement deals that went south. At the height of his fame, Tiger Woods was the world’s highest earning golfer and corporations were falling over themselves to have his face on their products until some recent misdemeanors came to light.

    Ambassadors of countries usually represent the values of such nations. Hence their personalities are expected to be demure, their actions reasoned and their lifestyles lofty. Similar standards are also expected of brand ambassadors. So beyond the hype and the effect on the bank balance, brand ambassadors must live the values represented by the products they endorse. O.J. Simpson was fired as brand ambassador of Hertz when he was charged with double murder.

    It is also pertinent that celebrities who sign the dotted lines in endorsement deals study the content of the contractual agreements and look out for clauses in small print. Most of the deals are worded in such a way that the contract forbids them from other deals or restrict their use of close substitutes to the product they are endorsing. Release terms and other conditionality should be negotiated properly to avoid a conflict of interest. It also makes good sense to seek legal opinion

    When effectively utilized, these endorsement deals can benefit both the artiste and the industry at large.

    On a personal level, it provides a source of income and boosts the popularity of such artistes especially when the terms include billboards and advertisement in the broadcast media. Endorsement deals like the Glo ambassador provides an avenue to network with those who call the shots in other industries and can be a platform to push innovative ideas for film sponsorship especially those that require a huge budget. When properly harnessed, this could help foster a good relationship between Nollywood and other industries.

    —Isaac Anyaogu, writes and edits feature film scripts

  • Capacity building: FG approves N300m for Nollywood

    Capacity building: FG approves N300m for Nollywood

    The Federal Government has approved N300 million out of the three billion naira intervention fund for capacity building in the Nigerian film industry.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu, Spokesman for the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

    “Action on the three billion naira support promised the Nigerian film industry by President Goodluck Jonathan has formally commenced with the roll out of a N300 million capacity building fund, “the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the spokesman as saying in the statement.

    The statement noted that the capacity building fund was the first of a series of initiatives planned under “Project Act Nollywood’’, adding that It was made up of two components.

    According to the statement, the first component is a Training Fund of N150 million, dedicated to training and skills acquisition for Nollywood practitioners in all competencies along the entire value chain of the industry.

    The statement said it include; scriptwriting, directing, production and production design, special effects, lighting, sound, HD techniques, acting, cinematography, make-up and editing, among others.

    It said the second component was the Capacity Development Fund which was also worth N150 million.

     

     

  • Susan Peters turns marriage counselor

    Susan Peters turns marriage counselor

    IF you are an ardent follower of Nollywood actress Susan Peter on twitter, this may not come to you as a surprise. Notable for her very inspiring messages, the actress recently dropped a few words for her twitter friends which would help them a great deal if only many of them would ponder on them.

    @RealSusanPeters,“How to make a man happy, feed him, sleep with him, Live with him in peace, don’t check his phone, movements etc! Yeah right for the insecure woman NO Way!!!”

    Susan may not be your regular everyday face on screen but the actress sure knows how to keep the bond between her and her fans and this has continued to help her remain relevant in the highly competitive movie industry.

  • Nollywood: Exuberance @ 20

    Nollywood: Exuberance @ 20

    While it may seem exciting that we can reach the president without going through their appointees (regulatory agencies), it also negates the principles representation, due process and proper structure that the filmmakers have been crying about

     

    JUST 20 years more to confirm the folly of an industry called Nollywood. It is two decades since the acclaimed first video film, Living in Bondage was made, and indeed, the industry may have passed its formative stages but maturity is still far in sight. And unless another cliché is born to measure the 21st century man, one cannot but make do with the ‘Fool at Forty’ chestnut and see what the next 20 years holds for this notable industry of film quantum in the world.

    If the psychological progression of the human person is anything to go by, then age 20 finds succor in the traits of youthful exuberance. Nollywood can be said to be in that equation at the moment. Therefore, if celebrating Nollywood at 20 comes with so much drinking and getting drunk, some rapping and unwanted pregnancies, as well as some tall dreams with little vision, it is indeed understandable.

    However, telling a young chap about the dynamics of life and making him see the likely consequences of his actions is the justification left for an elder who must not fail in his responsibilities. Or didn’t they say that what an old man sees sitting, a young man does not see, even when he stands? Nollywood practitioners are too divided to be united. Everyone is pursuing a personal agenda and posterity is watching.

    Series of meetings had taken place between President Goodluck Jonathan and representatives of the film industry. By representatives, I mean, few, select members of Nollywood – theoretical and practicing filmmakers. In all of these get-togethers, including those convened by representatives of the president, hardly can one find heads of the regulatory agencies in attendance. Not even the Minister of Information and Communications under whose Ministry the film industry resides.

    While it may seem exciting that we can reach the president without going through their appointees (regulatory agencies), it also negates the principles representation, due process and proper structure that the filmmakers have been crying about. This alienation of key officers in an acclaimed business, that is meant to decide the destiny of an industry, is merely reduced to a tea party if you ask me. Otherwise, who took the notes at the last Presidential dinner with Nollywood in Lagos last Saturday? Who will pursue or remind Mr. President of the promises he made that night? Will the industry need another dinner with the president to reiterate what they asked last week? When will another opportunity come for such meeting with Mr. President? Has the president or the presidency done anything on the more articulate, consultative and widely representative parley held with various art and entertainment associations on Monday March 21, 2011 at Eko Hotel & Suites?

    At the risk of sounding judgmental, I think the industry people have continued to fuel that perception that has made people to look at them as mere entertainers rather than Showbiz minded men. Hypocrisy is one aspect of what makes politics a dirty game. Therefore, when filmmakers (in our case) ask for an audience with the government, it is for government to watch a shoddy remix of their political antics and get amused than entertained. Worst still, for an unwilling government, divide and rule is just made easy when the filmmakers continue in the disarray and animosity that they are presently in. The guilds are obviously divided. Personal interests are placed above collective goals. It is pitiable when individuals, rather than associations continue to drive the process of engagement between government and the industry. How official can that be? But why will such not happen when the association heads have assumed a political rather than technocratic position? When the leadership fights members over whose right it is to organize Nollywood @ 20, it only fuels the embers of division rather than building bridges.

    This Nollywood @ 20 is a series film, and this script will go on for as long as possible. With so many flashbacks in the offing, we shall look at the mud that this 20 year-old boy called Nollywood has brought to present times from his toddling stage. But just before we close this episode, last Saturday, President Goodluck Jonathan at a presidential dinner to celebrate the film industry at 20, promised a N3 billion package to help the movie industry. The event took place at State House, Marina, Lagos.

    The president said the package, to be launched as “Project Nollywood”, will include grants for the best film scripts, capacity building and infrastructural development. He said the scheme will be launched in the first week of April, and will be managed by the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Jonathan noted that he had invited the private sector to the dinner because he believes that they can also support efforts to further develop the creative industry.

    On the previous revolving loan scheme of $200 million (N32 billion), announced by the president in 2010, Jonathan said only N766 million of the money has been accessed by practitioners. He said he has asked NEXIM Bank and the Bank of Industry to redouble their efforts in assisting the industry to access loans.

  • A tale of two Nollywood sisters

    A tale of two Nollywood sisters

    IF there is any rumour that’s hot on the lips of everyone right now, it is the tale of two beautiful Nollywood ‘sister’ Liz da Silva and Laide Bakare who are presently caught in the same web.

    While it is not’s news that both ladies would need a DNA to prove the paternity of their new born, for Laide and Liz when she’s eventually delivered of her baby. What is however confounding is that both are keeping mute over the issue.

    For those who have followed the career of the former, it may not really come as a surprise that she’s the one to be trailed by paternity issues. She once said in an interview she granted sometime last year; “If God says I should get married, I will. I am not keen on marriage. What I actually want is to have a child. If marriage comes, I will grab it. But if it doesn’t come, it is okay by me. It is not as if I want to be a single mother. I can live with a man without necessarily being married to him. It is not a big deal. What I want most is to have a child. It supersedes everything and it is my ultimate goal, with or without getting married. I don’t care if I get married to the person I am dating”.

    So, while her fans and critics are crying blue murder, Liz as she is fondly called, obviously cares less about what they think or feel.

    Laide on her part however has a different disposition on the matter as she was quoted to have said through her publicist that she will open up on the matter in four weeks following actress, Laide Bakare’s official press statement. This was a few weeks back where she referred to her husband as a bigamist, accusing him of being married before they met. The man in question, Olumide, however is not relenting in his effort to get a DNA test to affirm the true paternity of both his first and the actresses new born.

  • Nollywood and nudity

    SIR: The movie/film industry of Nigeria has speedily grown to become a force to reckon with continentally and globally. The industry has grown from one that struggled to meet the local movie demands of Nigerians to one that comfortably meets both local and international demands for educative, informative and entertaining home-made movies.

    Nollywood which has celebrated about 20 years of its renowned existence, not only has thousands of movies to its credit, but has also been serving as one of the major employers of labour in the country and a veritable springboard for the discovery and nurturing of talents in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

    Nollywood, is supposed to symbolize the rich cultural, aesthetic cum ethical heritage of Nigeria, and indeed, Africa known to attach so much value to moral rectitude, sensibility and credibility.

    But what seems to have become of Nollywood in recent times, truly leaves much to be desired in this regard. There seems to be a total disregard for moral values and norms of Nigeria and the entire continent of Africa which Nollywood, through its movies, was meant to epitomize and/or symbolize.

    These days, one seldom finds a Nollywood movie that does not, in one way or the other, contain explicit sexual affairs of varying degrees and nature. Obscenity, particularly in the area of nudity, is now the order of the day.

    It seems most of our Nollywood actresses would not want to play a role in a movie that forbade them from wearing skimpy and sex arousing attires. They all want to show off their breasts and thighs to the detriment of their viewers, especially, our teen and youths (girls) who see most of them as role models. The case is not different for most of our actors who are wont to “sagging” or “low-waisting”, as local parlance terms it. They also will never fully button up their shirts without leaving the chest area open with their hairy chest visible.

    The attendant consequences of these explicit sexual immorality as often depicted by our Nollywood movies’ actors/actresses is the preponderance of our girls, including the teens, walking our streets quasi-naked in such a provocative manner that most men (young and old) who are emotionally and psychologically unguided are compelled to make unwholesome sexual advances/assaults on them. The continuous upsurge in the cases of rape in the country and the African continent in general, is a pointer to this fact.

    There is no arguing the fact that westernization and the continuous advancement in ICT have been blamed for the persistent nosedive in our moral standards. But the gospel truth is that this trend will continue and will even assume dangerous dimensions if Nollywood through it movies, which have been serving as the greatest of all the teachers most of our teens and youths have, does not take drastic measures to stop forthwith, the production of obscene and nude movies.

    The Censors Board and other regulatory bodies in the industry have got to live up to expectations. They’ve got to sit up and help salvage our moral values from total collapse. There’s no way we can all of a sudden become Americans or people of the western world abandoning the core values that creditably distinguish us from them overnight. Their lifestyles will always be theirs and vice versa. Let’s learn to treasure the core cultural and moral values we have as Nigerians/Africans upholding them regardless of the prevalent spate of westernization. Nollywood can flourish and maintain its global acclaims and integrity without necessarily producing movies that aggravate the act of nudity and/or obscenity amongst our teens and young ones, and the entire citizenry.

    • Daniel Ndukwe Ekea,

    Umuahia, Abia State.

  • Nollywood and Cultural Imperialism

    WHAT defines us as African is our ‘Africaness’. What differentiates Nigeria from other black nations, is our ‘Nigerianess’, in terms of our cultural pattern, ethnic composition, moral feelings and other social realities. These peculiarities, I believe, should be the fulcrum upon which the fast growing Nigerian filmmaking industry, Nollywood, rotates. Our movies should appositely represent who we are, and conform to our necessities, needs and wants.

    Sadly, however, reverse is the case. Rather than promoting our national outlook, some filmmakers in the country unabashedly glamorise and patently espouse the cultural ideals of the metropolitan countries, thereby, promoting cultural

    imperialism.

    Cultural imperialism refers to external influence on receiving cultural system, which may be imposed or actively invited. A section of film producers in Nigeria, are guilty of indorsing the worldview of materialism, capitalism, obscenity, individualism and objectification of women, which are synonymous to Western motion pictures industry. This negative attitude, consequently, threatens the sanctity of our identity. Our artistes, in an attempt to imitate Hollywood superstars, end up making a caricature of themselves and, thus misinterpret roles that require local flavour. Nollywood must learn to be original, like Bollywood.

     

    -Thompson Taiwo is of Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos

  • You can pass on your message without going nude —Nollywood actress Mimi Orjiekwe

    You can pass on your message without going nude —Nollywood actress Mimi Orjiekwe

    WHAT was growing up like for you? I grew up like every other girl; it wasn’t bad. Things were good though I didn’t have everything I wanted but it was good. Being the only daughter, I always got attention from my parents and they pampered me a lot too.

    Did you feel bad sometimes when you didn’t get some of the things you wanted?

    It wasn’t that I didn’t get what I wanted; being the only girl child, I got much attention especially from my dad and my mum too. I felt like a normal child growing up with her parents.

    Can you recall any memorable moment in your childhood?

    What I can vividly recall was my time at the boarding house; my parents were not living together at the time and I always find a way of reuniting them at school on visiting days. I used to get loads of provisions in school way back then. I was in my teen’s way back then and that’s a time in my life I memorably recall.

    How did you cope without your parents when you are in school?

    I had too as a boarder; I had to go through the process and when it was time for holidays I always relish the opportunity to be home. Even when I was in the university, I lived in the campus. I have been living with my mum ever since I graduated from school and I am mostly here in Lagos or in the east when I am needed on set.

    Who are your role models?

    I have always admired Angelina Jolie and the role she played in the movie titled Tomb Raider. I love action films; I also love Halle Berry and the sexiness she brings to acting. I also love Genevieve Nnaji and her mode of delivery. I am also in love with the world of beauty pageantry. I have been part of some beauty pageant competitions in the past.

    At what age were you really conscious of the fact that you could run for beauty contests?

    While I was in school I awas always conscious of myself and I emerged the winner of the Miss Business Administration beauty contest back in the university. I had always had the hunch that I would end up being part of one beauty contest or the other when growing up as a young girl. I also have the height for such contests and that factor is very important when it comes to beauty contests. My passion was further fuelled when I was discovered by a certain agent who works for a modeling agency and I took part in the Miss Anambra beauty contest and I emerged the 3rd runner up. At the same time, my venture into beauty contests also opened doors on the movie scene as I got my first movie role after I was discovered at a beauty contest.

    How were you able to handle the attention you got from men when you were still neck deep in partaking in beauty contests?

    I never really allowed the attention get into my head because I had someone managing me then. I was just focused on getting the best out of each contest and I took all compliments in good faith. I also tried to treat everyone I came across as a friend with no strings attached.

    Are you into show business for the fame, money or fulfillment?

    I have always had a flair for entertainment and I think it was natural that I gravitated towards that point. I am not in it for the money but I need the money anyway because there is money to be made and I need to pay my bills. I love the world of entertainment and I am open to growth and getting more knowledgeable in the business.

    When did you get your break on the movie scene?

    I have done series of movies and the first major on I was part of was Royal Madness. I was in that movie with Majid Michelle and Van Vicker. It was the first time I worked with them. It was a challenging movie and it brought out the best in me. The movie is quite popular and most people don’t even know that I was part of the movie.

    How were you able to contain the excitement of working with Majid and Van Vicker on the set of Royal Madness?

    They are good people and at a point Van Vicker was acting like a Chinese. Jim Iyke was also on set too and you can imagine the sight on the set of the movie. It was fun and interesting on the set of Royal Madness.

    What is the biggest movie project that you have been part of?

    My biggest movie project is not out yet because it was shot recently and it took close to a month to shoot the movie in Ghana. It will be in the market very soon; it was directed by a different person entirely and it opened my eyes to so many things as a burgeoning actress.

    How did you get the role for the movie?

    I was in Ghana to shoot a different film and I ran into the director of the movie and I got to understand that his name is Sallam Bello and he is one of the biggest marketers in Ghana. He invited me over telling me he wanted me to be part of a movie production and that was it. I didn’t plan to be part of the movie and it turned out to be one of the biggest projects that I have been part of in recent times.

    How long have you been acting?

    I have been acting ever since I have been part of partaking in beauty contests. I took part in my first movie in 2008 but officially I have over a year of experience in acting.

    How versatile do you think you are as an actress?

    I can do so many things…Paramount of which is the ability for me to interprete my roles as an actress. You need to give your best when you are called upon to deliver your lines.

    What can you do on set of a movie?

    You have to be specific; like I said I can do so many things.

    What are your strengths?

    Personally, I think my strength as an actress is my ability to deliver and the fact that I have a friendly outlook. I also have the talent and that keeps me going.

    Have you noticed any weakness you have as an actress?

    I think I need to be more professional in what I do; I also think I need to be more determined and hardworking. I also need to give my very best whenever I am on set.

    What other talents do you have?

    I think I can do averagely well in every artistic work that I can think of. I can dance; I can sing that I know because I have good vocals. I am stylish and I can tell you what looks good on you.

    Have you ever been harassed sexually?

    I relate with people the way they should be handled and that to an extent also determines how people relate with you too. I have never been sexually harassed but I hear stories about people being sexually harassed. I have got advances but I have handled them maturely. It is a give or take affair because no one can force you to do what you don’t want to do. It has never stopped me from giving my best on set and ultimately trying to get more movie roles. The fear of sexual harassment has not diminished my drive. I still have a lot to accomplish and that cannot hold me back.

    Can you act nude?

    No!

    What if you were handed an irresistible offer, would you still go nude?

    I can’t act nude; I can’t do it for any amount because I don’t have any reason to do that. I believe you can pass on your message without necessarily going nude.

    But most actresses on the scene today seem to bare it all to get attention?

    I don’t believe exposing all will get you to the top; for me, sex doesn’t sell.

    Are you in any relationship at the moment?

    I’d like to keep that part of me private.

    What about getting married?

    Of course I am going to get married and have kids; I want to have beautiful kids so I intend to marry a cute guy.

    When do you think the wedding bells would ring?

    I don’t know; in God’s time I think.

    Is acting worth the stress?

    It is worth the trial; it pays my bills. You will reap what you sow in the long run and in everything you do; you need to sacrifice to get the best. I just have to work hard and be determined and with strong will I know I will definitely make it to the top in the end.

    What lessons has life taught you thus far?

    Life is hard; one has to be strong, eat well and pray well to get to your destination point.

    What would make you not accept a movie script?

    I would reject a script if I do not like the script; I would reject the script if it is not original too. Most movies produced today are fictional and I would not accept a script if is haphazardly done and if it does not pass on a positive message.

    What kind of movie production excites you?

    I would definitely like to be part of an action movie that’s why I really like Angelina Jolie for the action role she plays in most of her movie especially Tomb Raider and Mr. and Mrs. I’d like to work with her someday if that is possible. I am going to part of an action film too and it will be out very soon.

    Do you see yourself evolving into a movie producer like most of your colleagues in the movie industry?

    Yes I have that in mind; I want to own a production studio and I also hope to learn more about moviemaking and possibly get a degree in filmmaking in the future. I just don’t want to stop at being an actress I want to learn more and earn more money from the movie industry.

  • Nollywood mourns as lawyer dies

    Barely a week after the burial of veteran actor, Justus Esiri, in Oria-Abraka, Delta State, the Nigerian entertainment industry, popularly called Nollywood, has lost another member.

    The death of frontline entertainment lawyer, Efere Ozako, filtered into town yesterday. It caused grief and disbelief among the industry’s top echelon and keen followers.

    Ozako, also a Delta State indigene like the late Esiri, died yesterday morning after reportedly complaining of a headache on Wednesday.

    His wife and close friends became apprehensive after he was refereed the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) from Havana Hospital, Surulere, Lagos, where he was initially rushed to. Even LUTH could not help his case as the lawyer died hours later at the hospital of a condition suspected to be cardiac arrest.

    He was 49.

    Notable filmmaker, Amaka Igwe, was stunned for word when she heard the news of Osako’s death on telephone. She wept.

    “I can’t say anything, I don’t know what to say,” Igwe said in a tone that betrayed her emotion.

    Kaine Agari, the late lawyer’s cousin and business partner, must have become distraught on hearing the sad news. Her telephone rang several times without an answer.

    The mood at the Surulere home of the deceased depicted how much he was loved. His neighbours cried inconsolably, like the entertainers, who thronged the house in droves.

    Early callers at the Ozako’s home were producer and comedy merchant, Opa Williams; actors Fred Amata, Charles Inojie, Kate Henshaw, Emeka Osai and movie director, Fidelis Duker.

    Ozako, a Multichoice Nigeria’s Legal Adviser and famous participant at various entertainment conferences, distinguished himself through frantic agitations for “the right of the entertainer to profitable works”. His doggedness as an intellectual property rights commentator changed the lukewarm attitude among Nigerian entertainers.

    The late lawyer was well known for his workshop series – Wetin Lawyers Dey Do Sef? He started the series in 2006 through Dtalkshop, an agency he co-ran with Agari. The forum was meant to awaken filmmakers and musicians to the possibilities of living and feeding well from their artistic endeavours. The late Ozako frowned at the activities of pirates and similar rights infringers.

    It was learnt that the late lawyer had been penciled down for honours in the next edition of Ojez Monthly Entertainment Forum, which will hold on the last Sunday of this month. The forum rewards celebrities who have been outstanding in their careers.

    Ozako’s pursuit of a commercially viable and respected entertainment industry was unequalled. He saw the commercial potential of the Nigerian film industry as a situation that is largely untapped.

    Through Dtalkshop, he engaged economic experts to educate stakeholders on how to harness the business and professional ends of Nollywood, which the United Nations Education and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has rated third in the world, mainly in terms of quantum.

  • Fed Govt’s N3b aid divides Nollywood

    Nigeria’s movie industry, popularly called Nollywood, appears to be divided following Federal Government’s promise to assist the industry with N3billion.

    Factions have appeared in the industry. They are demanding an explanation on the modalities for the selection of members of the committee, set up by the Federal Ministry of Finance, to manage the fund.

    Some Nollywood big wigs, who were not chosen to serve in the committee, have been throwing brickbats.

    President Goodluck Jonathan, on March 2, at a dinner with filmmakers in Lagos, promised a N3 billion aid for the nation’s movie industry.

    The largesse, Dr Jonathan said, is a consolation for the effort of the filmmakers whom have been developing the industry in the last 20 years, beginning with Living in Bondage, the acclaimed first direct-to-VHS film in the country.

    The package, which will be launched as Project Nollywood and managed by the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, is expected to include grants for the best film scripts, capacity building and infrastructure development.

    Notable filmmaker, Amaka Igwe, was more perceptible during the dinner with Dr Jonathan. She has been picked to serve on the committee. Others are veteran Yoruba language film thespian, Jide Kosoko, as well as actress-turned producer, Stephanie Okereke-Idahosa.

    There are other notable professionals from the Finance, Judiciary and Education sectors.

    But stakeholders, under the aegis of Nollywood Monitors, are not at ease with the choice of the three.

    Although their dissension was shown in a communiqué sent via an email to members and the public by the President of Screen Writers Guild of Nigeria (SWGN), Chike Bryan, it was suspected that other members of the Nollywood Monitors, may include Mr. Paul Obazele and Zack Orji.

    The group is demanding that only association heads, who were duly elected by members, should be included in the committee.

    Mrs. Igwe, last Saturday, called 30 members of the film industry to a meeting where she asked for their inputs on the best possible ways to distribute films, which is a part of what the N3 billion is meant for. She was collating participants’ views and present them as the proposed guidelines for the Federal Government Committee on the fund.

    The discussion focused on IP protection in Nollywood movies. The group had said filmmakers made 30 per cent of gains from their movies while pirates made 70 per cent of the investment.

    The committee, which is chaired by Finance Minister Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is said to have 12 members, including the Senior Special Assistant (Communications) to the Minister, Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu, and Mr. Hope Yongo, a director at Nigerian Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank, among others.