₦airaland Forum

PRODUCTION: PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY

We shall be looking at the various creatives involved in the production stage.
Location
Set Decoration
Props
Makeup/Hair
Costume
Art Department
Camera
Grip
Lightening
Production sound
Special Effects
Transportation
Craft services
Catering
Publicity

Which of these should we explore first? Need enagement from you to carry on.

GOOD NEWS FOR SCRIPT WRITERS
https://www.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/HomeVida-script-600x750.png

Are you a talented and creative scriptwriter between the ages 16 and 30 with the ability to capture your audience? Homevida is giving you a big opportunity!

Homevida is calling out to you guys to send in your original scripts that promote;

Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance – endowed by USAID/SACE or;
Countering hate speech – supported by Google.

And guess what? This year, Homevida is dishing out a whopping sum of N250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand naira) [/b]in each category and the winning scripts get turned into short films!

You would also have the privilege to take part in a 3-day seminar facilitated by some of Nollywood’s best directors, screenwriters and filmmakers…C’mmon! Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this? I bet you would!

To stand a better chance of winning, please ensure you read the criteria for selection. To send in your original scripts, please visit the website to view the criteria and upload your entries. http://www.homevida.org/
[b]
Entries close August 3, 2017.

LITERARY AGENT

According to Wikipedia, a literary agent (often synonymous with "publishing agent" is an agent who represents writers and their written works to publishers, theatrical producers, film producers and film studios, and assists in the sale and deal negotiation of the same. Literary agents most often represent novelists, screenwriters and non-fiction writers. They are paid a fixed percentage (usually twenty percent on foreign sales and ten to fifteen percent for domestic sales) [1] of the proceeds of sales they negotiate on behalf of their clients.
A knowledgeable agent knows the market, and can be a source of valuable career advice and guidance.

Literary agents are often very experienced members of the publishing industry who usually transition from years of working in the industry before moving on to being agents.

We have come to the end of the development and pre-production stage. Next we shall be looking and the production stage and the various creatives involved at this point.

Script Reader

These days everybody claims they have a blockbuster script to sell to executive producer and producers. With the excessive influx of scripts available these days, busy executives and producers cannot read everything.

DUTIES

The script reader is tasked with reading scripts submitted for possible production, or scripts submitted on behalf of a writer seeking representation from an agent.
He or she will also be given some sort of rubric for making comments or notations for the executive concerning the merit of the story, characters, and setting.
A script reader typically looks out for the following:
That the script is in the proper format for page layout.
An improperly formatted script is not read and immediately trashed.
He or she checks to see that the title page (cover) provides all of the required information (title, author, date, address, phone, etc.).
If the script passes the looks test, then the reader proceeds to actually peruse the story.
After done perusing the script, the script reader makes a review of the script and opines on the material’s strengths and weaknesses, the overall effectiveness of the narrative and its viability as a film or TV project. The reader gives the script a grade of RECOMMEND, CONSIDER or PASS.

Skills & Education

A University degree is not a requirement, though formal education in film and television production, theatrical production, scriptwriting, or related fields is beneficial. Courses in entertainment business and writing are also helpful. Most valuable to an employer is the script reader’s ability to quickly and succinctly summarize the material, pull out the significant points of interest, and understand how a script fits with the company’s current production aspirations. The script reader must understand the rules for proper formatting, conventions of story, and actually enjoy reading, of course. Moreover, this position demands you be highly discerning, critical, and analytical.

FILM RESEARCHER
This is another field of expertise that is not made use of in Nollywood. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t pursue a career as a film researcher. A good researcher is an integral part of any production team. Yet, when was the last time you watched an outstanding film and said to yourself afterwards, "That was an incredible piece of work — I wonder who researched it"? I would venture to guess that for most people this is not the first question that comes to mind. It is obvious that a producer, director, and editor play significant roles in shaping a film, which is why they tend to receive the most prolific accolades. On the other hand, a good researcher may just be the unsung hero of a well-crafted and thought-provoking non-fiction film.

What do Film Researchers do?
A Film Researcher researches and fact-checks the information in movies — both fiction and nonfiction — so they’re as accurate, and therefore believable, as possible.
Typically, a film researcher works with films in pre-production. Before the movie’s made, therefore, you comb through the script in order to fact-check it, which means reading it, then highlighting information — names, dates, locations, occupations, historical and cultural references, scientific facts, etc. — that will need to be verified. Upon reading the script and identifying your research objectives, you then set to work finding and correcting facts by doing Internet searches, e-mailing and calling subject matter experts, and accessing electronic research tools.

Do you want to be a film researcher?
You should have a bachelor degree and consider these salient points.

Have wide interests.
Be curious. Subject matter can vary widely when you work as a researcher. Quite simply, the broader your interests are the more skills you will be bringing to your work and the more likely you will enjoy your research.

Be critical.
Often a researcher is given the task of finding out everything there is to know about a certain subject. A good researcher must be able to sort through information and determine which details are relevant and which are not.

Know your sources.
For nearly every researcher, a research trip now begins on your desktop. The Internet has become a treasure trove of information making research faster and easier, and academic resources more accessible.

Persistent: [/b]You keep pushing through, even when faced with tough obstacles.

Outside the Box Thinker: Your creative brainpower gets a workout as you come up with innovative ideas.

Reliable: You can always be counted on to do a good job.

STORY EDITOR

We hardly come across a Story Editor in Nollywood film value chain. Nonetheless, let’s find out what the job of a story editor entails in other climes.
According to Wikipedia, Story editor is a job title in motion picture and television production, also sometimes called "supervising producer". A story editor is a member of the screenwriting staff who edits stories for screenplays.
The story editor has many responsibilities, including finding new script/breakdown writers, developing stories with writers, and ensuring that scripts are suitable for production. The story editor will work closely with the writer on each draft of their story and script, giving the writer feedback on the quality of their work, suggesting improvements that can be made while also ensuring that practical issues, like continuity and correct running time, are adhered to.

What Skills & Education do you need?

A university degree in English, creative writing, or film and television production with a concentration on scriptwriting is valuable education that places you ahead of the rest.
The majority of story editors first start out as show writers. The best way to get a job as a story editor is to break into the field as a staff writer, and then work your way up to a story editor position.

Finally, landing an internship or work placement at a production company is also an excellent way to break into the field. Even if your job isn't related to writing, per se, it may put you in contact with the people who are, which is a good time to slip them a spec script. If your internship or placement is with a writing team, take the time to learn how things are run and who does all the hiring of new writers.

Development & Pre-Production
Development: The start of a project differs, but generally will begin with development of a script, be that an existing script, a book, a brief story outline. Development may also start with a Director and/or Writer pitching an idea to a Producer.

Pre-Production: This is the phase where you would narrow down the options of the production. It is where all the planning takes place before the camera rolls and sets the overall vision of the project. Pre-production also includes working out the shoot location and casting. The Producer will now hire a Line Manager or Production Manager to create the schedule and budget for the film.

STORY DEVELOPMENT
Typically under story development we have the following people depending on the movie.
1. Screenwriter
2. Story Editor
3. Researcher
4. Script Reader
5. Literary Agent

Screenwriter:
Screenwriting is the act of writing scripts intended to be turned into movies or television shows. Those who write scripts are called screenwriters, and screenwriters are often freelance writers, which means they are self-employed.

Let start with some hard facts about selling a script to a movie producer or a big production company. To be totally honest, you don’t simply write a screenplay, market it, and then sell it for a million naira. That’s a myth.

In order to break into the movie industry (Nollywood) as a script writer you have to go in with a realistic viewpoint, if not your dreams will get crushed in a twinkle of an eye.

Here are some quick guides for a career in script writing.

BROADEN YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Acquire all the knowledge you can lay your hands on about script writing and the industry. Read as many produced script that you can lay your hands on. This will be the best education you get. Reading scripts. Reading produced scripts especially.
WATCH MOVIES, consume as many movies as you can. Do it like your life depended on it. It is also expected that you pay attention to details while watching these movies. Each scene matters. Each scene builds to the next. Each scene has purpose. Each scene is short, sweet, and to the point.

WHAT MOVIES DO YOU WANT TO WRITE?
Think long and hard about what you want to write and if your ideas are big enough, be it in comedy, horror, action, drama, or sci-fi (GOOD LUCK WITH THAT, YOU’LL NEED IT). Once you are able to narrow what genre of movie you will be writing, it will be easier to make a master piece with your scripts.
Kemi Adesoye, screenwriter for movies such as Figuring, Phone Swap, Doctors Quarters, Tinsel, said “There is need for you to have a particular pattern of writing especially now that the industry is growing and the world becoming a global village. You must come out of your comfort zone to write yourself into prominence.”

DON’T STOP! KEEP WRITING!!!
If you keep working on writing scripts cover to cover you are honing your skills before your big break into the industry. Your first script will and always will be your worst. Don’t fall into the trap of writing your first script and then going out and trying to market and sell it. You’re not ready.
Renowned script writer, Tunde Babalola, when asked how he has perfected his art over the years, his reply was “It is by continually writing. One never stops learning. The more one does it, the better one gets at it. Of course, there are books one can read on the subject and further degrees that one can study to enhance one’s craft, but I’ve always believed practice makes perfect.”[i][/i]
In the course of reading produced script you will pick up certain knowledge that will be very useful to you. You will learn that you need to draw your reader/viewers in from your first few pages, they have to engage the viewers, making them yearn for more.

HOW DO YOU MARKET YOUR SCRIPT?
Do your research and find out who to approach. Do not just pick the most popular producers/ Production Company and throw your script at their faces. Do your research. I will advise you find a way of getting their email address. Email is non-committal. They don’t have to talk to you. They have to read through their email. And response-wise, it’s as easy as clicking “delete” or “reply”.
When reaching out to prospective client/investor you should give basic introduction about yourself, logline, synopsis, and end by saying thanks for considering.
What if you can’t get an email? Well, if you can lay your hands on their phone numbers brace up and give them a call. Before you make that phone call rehearse your selling point and give it the best shot you can.

NETWORK!!!!
Attend industry related events where you can come across potential investors, a big producer, other aspiring script writers or a production company. When you find yourself in the presence of such personalities it is important you portray a good impression of yourself. You might only get that opportunity once and one opportunity is all it takes to set your care

SO HOW DO YOU SELL YOUR SCRIPT?
First thing is to have at least 2-3 great scripts you are 100% sure will have anyone hooked from the first few pages. You might ask why? Well, if you get the opportunity of meeting someone who seems interested they are probably going to ask you “what other script do you have?” They may love your writing, but the concept you have in the script they read isn’t something they want to produce. So they’ll see if you have anything else. If you don’t? “Great. Nice to meet you. Have a nice day.”
Have three great scripts and you’ll look more and more like a seasoned writer that’s ready to tackle this beast of a screenwriting career rolling.

Dandeedadrunk:
I also want update. Thanks

https://www.nairaland.com/3895417/careers-filmmaking-where-fit-nollywood

Follow Sir

The film industry in Nigeria, popularly referred to as ‘’Nollywood’’ is estimated to employ over 1 Million Nigerians, thus, it is the second largest employer of Labour in Nigeria after agricultural sector. It is also estimated to contribute about $600 Million to the nation’s economy annually, producing about 50 films weekly.
Various skilled personnel are responsible for bringing a film into existence, the main categories being directors, producers, screenwriters and actors.
However, there are hundreds, sometimes thousands (Hollywood) of jobs associated with filmmaking.
The Wedding party, highest-grossing Nigerian film of all time in Nigerian cinemas (₦453,050,000) was made by 400 extras, 75 crew members, 20 lead cast, 40 different contractors, about 20 luxury cars.
Therefore, for someone looking at the prospect of a career in Nollywood, it can be an overwhelming and confusing task to understand where your aspirations fit in amongst the dozens of artistic, technical, and logistical departments. Not too worry, this thread got your back.
The various career prospect will be divided under, Development and Pre-production Production and Post Production.

How many likes to go ahead with this thread?

Dandeedadrunk:
I also want update. Thanks

Alright..Will keep you posted too.

Hi Moendowed,
What is it you actually have the passion for?
Over the next couple of days I'll be writing an article on the various aspects/sectors that can be explored in Nollywood.
I'll be sure to keep you posted

They need to be specific with the distribution plan. Let's hope it doesn't fall into the wrong hands

homesteady:
The day I watched it, we were not up to 10 in the hall! That story was meant to be a money spinner, but surprisingly, it didn't!
Do you think it was because the cast were not all that popular, except Bimbo Akintola?

No i don't think so. Steve Gukas assembled the best cast for that movie. Somkele Iyama, Gideon Okeke, Danny Glover, Bimbo Manuel, Keppy Ekpeyong
Honestly, it had to do with poor publicity. I was hoping that since the movie was so relateable to the average lagosian during the Ebola outbreak it would have done well at the cinemas.

lonelydora:
I'm heading to cinema asap to see the movie. It will make sense shaa.

Unfortunately, i doubt if it is still showing at the cinemas. However, it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring it back to the cinema after winning best overall movie

homesteady:
I just feel like crying! 93 days won only one award - for lightening! The lightening was top notch though, I can remember one scene in the hospital where they did one light stunt, it was badass!

They didn't even win best film in West Africa! Chaii! This is just so bad! Somekele and Bimbo were robbed and I shared my 100 votes between both of them

I tell you man. People really did not get to see that movie and the work that was put into it. Poor publicity also on the part on the production crew/cinema whoever was in charge man.
That's my best movie for 2016

Best overall movie in a bit?

What movie will win this category?

Boom! 76

Best Director
Izu Ojukwu

Mix up with the nominees initially..
Well deserved award Izu...

enemmo:
Same here.

The Director of the movie Eric Aghimien did a fantastic job with visual effects though..

Best Actor in Drama/ TV/ Movies
Sambasa Nzeribe (Slow Country)

That was a surprise

Rapsowdee01:
She won something else.. See it here

I know...Trailblazer..

Best Actress in Drama/ TV/ Movies
Rita Dominic 76

Rita was good in 76, but i feel Bimbo Akintola deserves this award for 93 Days..

homesteady:
Chaiiii! E pain me for Somekele Idhalama, she really deserved to win the award for best supporting actress, she was flawless in that movie and got many thumbs up from critics!

Honestly, it just goes to show people did not see the movie.. Somekele deserved that award hands down..

christaddicted:
More please

stay tuned..break for now. Award resumes shortly

The Fifth award ceremony of the African Magic Viewers Choice Award has kicked off, here are the nights winners so far.

Best Make Up Artiste (Movies/TV series)

Oloibiri - Hakeem Onilogbo Ajibola, Perekeme Odon

Best Costume Designer

76 - Pat Egwurube

Best Art Director

76 - Pat Nebo

Best Sound Editor (Movies/TV series)

Vaya

Best Picture Editor (Movie/TV series)

Oloibiri - Nnodim Chigozie, Paula Peterson

Best Lighting Designer - Elliot Sewape for "93 Days"

Best Documentary - "Alison" by Uga Carlini

Best Short Film/Online Video - Ogo Okpue for "Cat Face"

Best Cinematographer - Lance Gewer for "Happiness Is A Four Letter Word"

Best Actress Mnet Series (Comedy)
Deborah

[b]Best Actor Mnet Series (Comedy)[/b]
Samuel Ajibola for the Johnsons

Best Actress Mnet Series (Drama)
M

Best Actor Mnet Series (Drama)
David Jones Dele (Hotel Majestic)

The #AMVCA Recognition Award for the best @MNet series goes to "Hustle"


Best Mnet Comedy Series - The Johnsons

Best MNet Drama Series -Tinsel

Artiste Lira Performing on stage now

[Best Indigenous Language Movie (Swahili) - Zilizala

Best Indigenous Movie/TV Series (Hausa)
Yaki Da Zuciya

Best Yoruba Movie/TV Series (Yoruba)
Somewhere in the Dark

Best Igbo Movie/ TV Series
Amonye Bu Onye

Best Sound Track/Original Score
The Encounter

Best TV Series
Jennifer's Diary (Funke Akindele) Receives her Award with her Husband JJC (Abdulrasheed Bello)
Plus cash price of N250,000

DNA performing on stage presently

Best Writer Movie/TV Series
Craig Freimond
Anthony Mafela & Co
for Vaya


Best Supporting Actress
Ebele Okaro ( Four One Love)

Best Supporting Actor
Rotimi Salami (Not Just Married)

Best Actress in a Comedy
Funke Akindele (Jennifer's Diary)

Best Actor in a Comedy
Imeh Bishop Umoh (The Boss is Mine)

Simi Performing Love Don't Care on Stage

TRAILBLAZER AWARD
SomKele Iyama
Going home with a Car

AMVCA Industry Merit Award
Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo
Going home with a car also

Best East African Film
Kati Kati

Best West African Film
Oloibiri

Best Southern African Film
All About Love (Elvis Chuk)

WAJE AND LIRA PERFORMING MOUNTAIN ON STAGE NOW

Best Actress in Drama/ TV/ Movies
Rita Dominic

Best Actor in Drama/ TV/ Movies
Sambasa Nzeribe (Slow Country)

Best Director
Izu Ojukwu

Best Overall Movie
76 Izu Ojukwu

AMVCA recognizes the following movie

Oloibiri, 93 Days and 76

Now! that's how you organize an award show..........

Good Night...

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Lagos chapter is set to hold a free two days Capacity Building Workshop for Actors.

According to the Guild, the workshop is scheduled to hold on February 9-10, 2017 at OJEZ, National Stadium, Surulere by 9:00 am prompt daily.

The following topics will be treated at the workshop:

Speech Therapy.
Acting Techniques.
Monetising your content
Acting Skills and Methods
Digitizing and building your brand as an Actor
An Actor in the eye of a Director plus Interactive and Practical sessions.
Facilitators will be drawn from Nollywood, ICT and the academia.
Interested individuals may contact Jude Orhorha: 0803 409 7508.

Go grab this unique opportuntity

homesteady:
I hope it would not be a sycophantic film, if it is, then he would lose my respect for ever!

Well, lets keep our fingers crossed. Word is that pre-production starts in March.

Nigerian filmmaker, Obi Emelonye is set to take his craft to the next level with Badamasi, a film which will chronicle the life of former Nigerian military leader, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

Obi made this announcement during a press conference on Tuesday, February 7, 2017.

The Filmmaker revealed that the Badamasi will reveal many of the “darkest” events in the life of Babangida.

Emelonye is know for such works as The Mirror Boy, Oxford Gardens and Last Flight to Abuja.

The time has come for Nollywood Filmmakers to make big bold moves such as this

A little background information on Obi Emelonye.

He was a former professional footballer
He has a degree in Law and Theater Arts
He practiced Law for a few years before turning to his first love: films
He was head of production at BEN TV for many years
He won Best Sound Editor at the 2014 African Magic Viewers Choice Award

Babzilla:
Guy Sorry to burst you bubble for women its not talent alone. Sleeping with producers is the norm in the industry as a producer or director you dont need to ask it will be given to you. thrown at you like frisbees. Take it from someone who has worked with actors and producers. Its so bad that even the friends of the producers get their share.
and this is a common practice from Nollywood to Hollywood

This is why we need to enlighten our young ladies to desist from such behaviors. It takes more than just sleeping around to get to the top of whatever career path you choose to follow. If eventually you get more features as a result of sleeping around with producer, then be rest assured you won't last a decade in the industry.
Like i earlier mentioned, Nollywood is fast evolving from just selling a pretty face to market a movie. Women are bringing more to the table right now. I am pretty sure actress like Somkhele Iyama (93 Days), kehinde Balogun(October 1st), Nse Ikpe-Etim, Judith Audu, also don't forget the Director of the highest grossing movies in cinema with over 405 million is a woman, Kemi Adetiba did not have to sell their bodies to achieve this feat.All these women and bringing more than a pretty face to the table.
There are some many other aspects of Nollywood women can delve into other than acting. Yo can decide to direct, edit, make-up, costume design etc. Selling your body to get a lead role honestly is not going to take you anywhere.
Know your strong point and work better on improving your skills. The sky is just the beginning.