(By Patience Ogbo, 234NEXT)
Photo: HYCINTH IYEREOSA, 234NEXT
The Nigeria film industry has experienced a boom from the era of the soap opera and television drama series of the early eighties. Nollywood, as the industry is known, is rated second in the world in terms of movies produced in a year. Though this position is commendable, some movie experts, say it is time Nollywood moved from quantity to quality in film making.
One filmmaker who has begun a passionate move to transform the Nigerian film industry, is Linus Idahosa, a CNN media consultant and the managing director of Del-York International.
Del- York's initial boost for Nollywood is the premiere of the New York Film Academy in Nigeria. The company is bringing the renowned film academy to the country in January next year. The Del-York crew On Tuesday, November 24 held a press briefing in Abuja to formally launch the academy's presence in Nigeria. In attendance were the Minister of Information, Dora Akunyili and film industry practitioners.
In this exclusive interview with NEXT, Idahosa reveals his passion for filmmaking; and provides details on the New York Film Academy in Nigeria.
Who is Linus Idahosa?
I am the managing director of Del-York international, a media consulting outfit here in Nigeria. We are the representatives of the prestigious New York Film Academy in Africa.
What is DEL-York International all about?
Del-York international is a media consulting outfit that is starting the maiden edition of the New York Film Academy to train filmmakers on the rudiments of filmmaking. We will also train those who have little or no experience.
When does it start?
We are starting in February 2010. The programme is a one-month intensive programme. The first one will kick off in Abuja at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria. Classes will commence from February 1 to 31, 2009 - then we move to Lagos and commence classes from March to April. We believe that after the programme, a first-time learner will be able to shoot his or her own movie.
Why this academy now?
I have a strong [desire] to see quality films come out of Nigeria and this academy will provide the necessary capacity building that will help Nigerians churn out the movies that can be internationally and commercially viable. Getting the guys from the NYFA to train us is indeed a big opportunity which will transform our movie industry because the NYFA is the most prestigious film academy in the world. They have a solid hands-on intensive programme, unlike other film academies. The first day you begin, you will handle a camera and be taught by renowned professionals how to write good scripts. The NYFA crew will be on ground with all their equipment to provide expert training in all our classes.
What are the courses?
We have lined up courses in Filmmaking, Broadcast Journalism, Advertising, Script-writing, 3D Animation, Directing - and any course relating to the media. Persons interested in taking any of the courses can register online at www.delyorkinternational.com.
What is the tuition fee?
It is 3,500 dollars, which is the fee charged by the NYFA the world over, so ours cannot be an exception. For people who cannot afford the fee, we can solicit sponsorship for them from corporate organisations and state governments. The Lagos State government and the Rivers State government have shown interest to sponsor some of their indigenes to attend the programme.
On Nollywood
We are doing a fantastic job despite issues of electricity and resource materials, but we need to begin to do quality films and that is why we are introducing this capacity building programme to add value to the industry and to achieve this. We have the support from the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and Nollywood stars are collaborating with us. Star actress Stephanie Okereke is our executive director.
Where do you see Nollywood in five years?
I promise you and mark my words, in two years, we will come out with a movie that will shake the world. We have what it takes to come out with a thriving industry; the stage has been set. I am passionate about this programme and I see it as my contribution to nation building.
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