With the high level of unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria, choosing a career in the film and tv industry will be one of the smartest decisions you will ever make. Why do I say so, with an imaginable demand for visual contents this days.
Video marketing is here to stay and the best thing you can do is to be part of the process. A statistic by YouTube shows that roughly 300000 individual videos are uploaded each day can you imagine the figure. So, tell me what’s holding you from picking up a career in the film and tv industry.
They are a lot of Career opportunities in the film industry from film director, Director of photography to Film editor just to mention a few. Do you know that in 2018, the arts, entertainment and recreation industry represented 0.21% of Nigeria’s GDP at a value of nearly N270 billion? In the first quarter of 2019, the industry garnered approximately N87 billion which accounted for 0.27% of the country’s GDP. The Nigerian box office also contributes significant value; in 2017, N4.3 billion was realized and is expected to grow to an estimated N6.4 billion by 2022.
That’s how large the film and tv industry is Nigeria you too can have a share in that money, so what are the way can you partake in contributing your own quieter to the growing film and tv industry in Nigeria.
Here are ways the Creative Industry can Reduce Unemployment in Nigeria
YOU CAN BECOME A:
Film Director The most popular of all filmmaker jobs and crucial to the completion of any film, directors are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the creative process and bringing them together. This involves managing budgets, holding meetings with all departments at the planning, execution and post-production stages of filming, and concisely and effectively communicating your vision for the film.
Director Of Photography Otherwise known as cinematographers, the director of photography will work with the film director to realise scenes in line with their visions. They manage the camera and lighting crews on a film set, make artistic and technical decisions and review footage in the post-production stage.
Film Producer You’ll oversee the creative process of a film from conception to completion, working closely with the director to make artistic and technical decisions about shooting, budgets and post-production.
Lighting Technician In any film, good lighting is crucial to creating the right atmosphere. This is what a lighting technician brings to the production process through technical knowledge, a good level of physical fitness for lifting heavy lighting equipment as well as creative flair.
Programme Researcher As a programme researcher on a film, you’ll provide support to the producers, director and writers by carrying out factual and picture research to ensure what’s being shown in the film is accurate. Animator An animator is an artist who creates multiple images, known as frames, which give an illusion of movement called animation when displayed in rapid sequence.
Writer A screenwriter writes content for visual mediums. They write screenplays for feature films, short films, television, commercials, and video games. They create the dialogue, the characters and the storyline of a script.
End Remark All this are many ways you can make money from the film and tv industry, with help of social media you can even build a huge followship and attract amazing opportunities for yourself as a filmmaker, opportunities like endorsement deal, sponsorships for your upcoming projects and amazing partnerships from big brands. So why not take a rethink and pull yourself out of poverty and start building a career in the film and tv industry.
There will always be need for film schools in Nigeria, why! the entertainment industry in Nigeria is rapidly growing a very fast paste and to accommodate that growth we need professionals to fill up professional spaces in the film industry and that’s where you need film schools. Lot of talented youths are seriously seeking for the best film schools in Nigeria, academies and institutes in Nigeria where the tutors have vast experience in the filmmaking industry so as to register and get trained in acting, video directing, filmmaking, photography, animation and cinematography just to mention a few. Are you one of them? Have you been considering a glorious career in acting and filmmaking? If YES, then this article is only what you need to read today. Nollywood is one of the Nigerian biggest industries and had produced brilliant talents over the years in terms of writers, producers, actors and actresses, cinematographers just to mention a few. The likes of Chico Ejiro, Emem Isong, Funke Akindele, Uche Jombo, Saint Obi, Mercy Johnson, Chidi Mokeme, Richard Mofe Damijo, Genevieve Nnaji, Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze and so many talents are all Nollywood products. Nollywood presence has become an avenue for many Nigerians to gain their dream of working in the entertainment industry. So, if you’re dreaming of becoming a star on television you need to attend a good film school well equipped with material and human resources to bring out your creativity. Fortunately, several training academies and institutes are in Nigeria, targeting people who wish to discover their talents in film making. Without further ado, allow me to unveil the list of best film schools in Nigeria:
Kennysoft Film Academy is one of Africa’s leading film and digital art institution, located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Offering certificates, diplomas and Workshops programs in filmmaking and digital art. We offer an intensive, hands-on, total immersion approach to learning, no previous experience is required. Simply put, “we give your dreams wings to fly”!
Courses offers in diploma
• Diploma In Digital Photography
• Diploma In Digital Art
• Diploma In Digital Filmmaking
Courses offers in certificate • Certificate In 2d Animation • Certificate In 3d Animation • Certificate In Photo Editing And Photo Manipulation • Certificate In Visual Effect • Certificate In Video Editing • Certificate In Motion Graphics • Certificate In Cinematography
Wale Adenuga Productions, found PEFTI Film Institute Limited in 2004, to provide opportunities for newcomers and seasoned professionals to gain professional training in the fields of film, television, and music production. Programs Offered: • Acting and Presentation • Choreography • Costume and Makeup • Digital Film-making: Cinematography (Camera + Light + Sound) • Digital Film-making: Editing • Digital Photography (Photography + Picture Editing) • Directing • Music • Music Studio Production • Producing and Production Management • Script – Writing (Radio, Stage and Screen) • Set Design PEFTI Film Institute is in 5/6 Joy Avenue, by UBA Bank, off Osolo way, Ajao Estate, Isolo, P.O.Box 4325, Oshodi, Lagos State. Website: www.web.pefti.tv
Royal Arts Academy, one of the most highly-rated film academies in Nigeria was established in July 2010 by Emem Isong to help in nurturing talent and skills, specifically in acting, directing, editing and screenwriting. In July 2016, the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) accredited Royal Arts Academy. With each succeeding session, students poured in increasing numbers from all areas in Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, Liberia, Kenya, Dubai and Mozambique. The students of this programme may proceed after this to polytechnics or universities for higher education. Alumni of the institution such as Theresa Edem, Ijeoma Agu, Lota Chukwu, Bunmi Ajakaiye, Etinosa Idemudia, May Owen, Debby Felix and Emem Ufot, gained ground and prominence in Nollywood, using the experience and knowledge gained to expand the canvas of the Nigerian entertainment industry. Courses: • Acting • Cinematography • Directing • Editing • Screenwriting Duration: 3 Months Campuses: Lagos (₦123,500) Uyo (₦123,500) International Students ($491) Address: 4, Adebisi Close, off Ogunlana Drive, Surulere 100001, Lagos Email: info@royalartsacademy.com.ng Website: www.royalartsacademy.com.ng
The Del-York Creative Academy is Africa’s foremost capacity building institution for film, media, animation, technology, and marketing communications industry. Certified by Nigeria’s National Board for Technical Education, Del-York Creative Academy has remained the best filmmaking and media studies institution since its founding in 2010 by Mr. Linus Idahosa, and has since attracted participants from across Africa and as far as Europe and the Americas. This film and media school is pioneering the growth of the African Creative Industry, through its intensive hands-on training programs that provide a rich learning experience that empowers participants with the skills they need to lead successful, creative careers. The academy has a mission to build a vocational bridge for students between academia and industry guaranteeing professional success while training and empowering a generation of exceptional talent that will move Africa forward through cinema, storytelling and media innovation. Courses • Acting For Film (On-Premise) • Screenwriting For Film and TV (On-Premise) • Cinematography and Set Lighting • Directing • Film Editing • Digital Content Creation and Social Media Influencing • Public Relations and Media Communications • 3D Animation • Producing and The Business of Film-Making • Fashion, Arts and Craft • Music Video Production • VFX • Intro To Theater Production • Makeup and Special Effects • Costume and Set Design • Digital Marketing • Photography • Colouring and Grading • Drones • Sound Design and Scoring For Film • Acting For Film (Online Course) • Screenwriting For Film and TV (Online Course) • Broadcast Journalism (Online Course) • Producing and The Business of Film and TV (Online Course) • Documentary Filmmaking (Online Course) • Digital Filmmaking (Online Course) • Digital Marketing (Online Course) • Fashion, Art and Crafts (Online Course) • Post-Production (Online Course) Email: inquiry@delyorkcreative.academy Website: www.delyorkcreative.academy Addresses: 3, Sapara Williams, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria 117 East Colorado Blvd., Suite 600, Pasadena, California, USA
ADVERTISEMENT
Yul Edochie Academy
Yul Edochie Academy is a subsidiary of Yul Edochie Arts World, a reputable and redefined academy for acting, and a training ground for actors/actresses with visions of training the next generation of actors. It is located at Dkk Plaza, KM 46 Lekki-Epe Express, Farms Bustop Beside Splash Bar, Ajah, Lagos Nigeria Phone no. 0903 830 0784, 0701 277 5557, 0903 735 9580.
Scene One School of Drama
Scene One School of Drama offers a training system that combines solid academic experience on introduction to drama, traditional and contemporary dance, music, etiquette and manners and lots more. Scene One School of Drama is located at, lkeja, Lagos Nigeria
Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA)
Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, LAPA, is an accredited acting and performing arts institution stationed in Lagos, Nigeria. This film school was founded by Nollywood legends Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs, is accredited by the National Board of Technical Education of Nigeria. , which delivers world-class, hands-on training in acting and performance disciplines. LAPA offers Diploma and Certificate training programmes covering all aspects of Acting, Directing, Scriptwriting, Critique, Cinematography, Set Design, Make-up, Costume Design and Dance/Movement for stage, radio and camera presentations.
Film for Teens Africa Academy
Film for Teens Africa Academy is a film school in Nigeria notable for 3D Animation, as much as anything else. Located in Lagos, Film for Teens Africa offers lessons undertaking cinematography, script writing, video editing, photography, make up, 3D animation and lots more.
Magnus Film Academy (MFA)
Noted as one of the best film schools in the country, Magnus Film Academy is located in Enugu state. It is dubbed by many as a place where aspiring actors and actresses hone their skills, and are transformed into movie acting professionals. Magnus film revolves around craft and digitalization, combining experienced and internationally renowned professionals and practical learning experience.
Reach World Art Academy
Reach World Art Academy provides acting education in all round entertainment ranging from music, dance, acting, stand-up comedy, MC, poet and lots more. It is located at Kilmore Schools at st.Rose of Lima cath. church Amukoko Roundabout, Gaskiya, Lagos Nigeria 0706 390 6924, 0809 611 8676, 0903 736 6251
Final Thought
These are major film academies you should consider learning skills that will help you fit properly into the film industry in Nigeria. As you should have known, to get trained in a wonderful filmmaking and cinematography school in Nigeria isn’t free, so budget money for your fees, accommodation, feeding, equipment’s. It is necessary to opt for schools that can boast of the industry-standard training facilities to ensure you are getting quality value for your money. Visit the official website of these film schools and institutes to make enquiries and get latest news and updates. Beware of scammers that will parade as agents and schools. Finally, if you know any film school in Nigeria that is equally a good option or shouldn’t be in this list, please let us know in the comment section. Tell us the film school and why it is excellent or bad for upcoming actors and actresses in Nigeria. I wish you success.
How Nollywood Is Changing the Narrative for African Storytellers
How did the Nigerian movie industry, known as Nollywood, become one of the world’s top three movie industries in a period of just three decades, attracting an impressive degree of research interest since its debut in the 1990s and resulting in a dedicated transdisciplinary research niche called “Nollywood studies”.
Nollywood is situated as disruptive of historic and contemporary African movie culture, underscoring Nollywood’s significance as a phenomenon “fundamental to Africa’s self-representation. Nollywood represents a grassroots indigenous entrepreneurial cultural initiative.
The Nigerian film industry is undoubtedly helping create jobs in a country with an economy that relies mainly on oil and agriculture. Over a million+ people are currently employed in the industry, making it the country’s largest employer after agriculture.
Looking at the evolutionary interface between technology and entrepreneurship as a dynamic process in the progress and transformation of Nollywood. Complementing the issue of technology as a factor in Nollywood’s evolution, further matters of interest at the outset of this study include issues such as culture, ethnicity and social capital.
Nollywood is a typology of a community where process, outcomes and culture of knowledge production operate in a social ecosystem of inclusiveness and openness on a scale where the existing theory of openness does not fully capture the critical details.
In case you don’t know Nollywood films have the largest following in Africa and among Africans around the world. They gained popularity during the digital revolution of the early 1990s when camcorders replaced 35-millimeter film cameras, and digital systems replaced celluloid as recording devices. At the time, while some parts of the world adapted to the new digital technology, Nigeria continued to use inexpensive VHS tapes and players that were easily accessible and affordable to consumers. Eventually film technology evolved as movies made on DVDs started to generate huge demand. Now technology has evolved to the stage where movies are streamed via a mobile device.
Nollywood’s entry into the African and global entertainment space marks or affirms creative destruction or disruption thesis specifically in the case of African auteur cinema and also of a state monopoly of entertainment media, giving rise, in Nigeria at least, to a grassroots economic development that horizontally democratizes appropriation and distribution of benefits with equitable outcomes.
Before the Nigerian film industry, evolved and became known as Nollywood, Nigerian film makers were producing amazing movies.
In 1957, “Fincho,” became the first Nigerian film to be shot in colour. Following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, more cinema houses were established, and in 1972, the Indigenization Decree by Yakubu Gowon made possible the transfer of ownership of about 300 cinemas from their foreign owners to Nigerians, resulting in more Nigerians actively participating in the Nigerian film growth.
In 1984 “Papa Ajasco” by Wale Adenuga became the first blockbuster, grossing an estimate of 61,000 naira in three days. In 1985, “Mosebolatan “ by Moses Olaiya grossed 107,000 naira in five days. Also in the 80s, filmmakers like Adeyemi Afolayan produced classics such as Kadara” (Destiny), “Taxi Driver” among others.
It is impossible to forget the artist imagery created by Afolayan as far back as 1980. More than the narrative structure, it was the images, shots and production quality that took the older generation through a nostalgic journey, and the younger generation through an enlightening journey.
The theatrical and cinematic efforts of the likes of Hubert Ogunde, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Olu Jacobs, Tunde Kelani, Adeyemi Afolayan, Ladi Ladebo, Moses Olaiya, Adebayo Salami, Sadiq Daba, Jide Kosoko, Afolabi Adesanya among others, played a pivotal role in shaping the film industry which is now known as Nollywood.
Nollywood continues to exploit technology for both production and marketing. Still forging pragmatic partnerships with the informal marketing stakeholders, the industry has also embraced video-on-demand (VOD), especially for the diaspora market. According to Abubakar Yakubu, “beyond traditional marketing, we can use the internet platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Google to market content. Through internet, people can access our products and pay directly via advertising”. He rightly observes that “the marketing field is now democratized and not limited to single monopolistic medium”.
Nollywood movie producers produced a total of 1,051 movies in the first six months of 2021, 1.7% higher than movies produced in the corresponding period of 2020. This is according to data published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The Nigerian film industry has recorded an improvement in the volume of productions over the years. The cinematic culture of Nigerians, that is wanting to express and spread our diverse cultures through film, has encouraged more movie productions, so much so that movie production has grown 477% within three years, from 2017 to 2020.
In addition, they said despite the 45% market share that Lagos cinemas represent, in the first quarter of 2021, Funke Akindele’s blockbuster movie, ‘Omo Ghetto,’ accounted for 48% of revenues and 47% of attendance in Nigerian cinemas.
Conclusion: Nollywood is a clear manifestation of the link between entrepreneurship and economic development. It also shows how openness, technology, and innovation reinforce that connection. Furthermore, Nollywood’s success reveals a constellation of factors not often considered as elements of openness and shows their ramifications for economic growth. In Nollywood, we see how historical, circumstantial and context-specific factors at national level coalesce to trigger local entrepreneurial ingenuity and are in turn leveraged to yield positive economic outcomes. This happens in ways that indicate potential scalability and adaptability of the Nollywood phenomenon to other entrepreneurial sectors in the rest of Africa. Already, the globalisation of Nollywood across the African continent and in the African diaspora is a fascinating development that has been the subject of many studies. Catapulted way beyond its Nigerian origins, Nollywood is a yet-to-be-fully-unravelled cinematic phenomenon that analysts regard as fundamental to Africa’s self-expression.
