Femi Odugbemi, anchor of DSTV MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy, said after Nollywood built an empire out of nothing by innovative means, “no matter how successful the town is, the gown has to come in to articulate why we do what we do and the academia need to use the power of cinema to drive development. Almost anyone will in the near future become a visual storyteller as things will have to be explained visually.”
The Dean, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, on Wednesday announced the commencement of admissions for the new programme, saying, it will cover four key knowledge areas: Scripting and Directing for Screen; Cinematography; Editing for Screen and Sound Design for Screen.
The course he added offers specialisation options in seven major film production areas of a short film, documentary, interview and feature film, serial drama, commercial film and music video.
According to him, a target of 30-60 students are expected to commence studies for the programme in October 2019 as the university is set to produce industry-ready graduates for the ‘new Nollywood of global standards’.
“The course starts amid renewed global interest in the study of Nollywood sparked by its mention as one of three market-creating innovations in an essay in the January-February 2019 issue of Harvard Business Review. Harvard scholars – Clayton Christensen, Efosa Ojomo and Karen Dillon in ‘Cracking Frontier Markets’, analysed Nollywood from the perspective of market-leading innovation.
“SMC will run the programme on the back of its deep interest in the industry including its Nollywood Studies Centre with a stock of over 10,000 films, and its ongoing collaboration with the industry serving as a curriculum guide for Multichoice Talent Factory Academy.”
Why the programme is essential: The master’s programme is designed to develop creative and competent professionals through intensive practical and theoretical courses which are similar to the ones offered by international film schools in London and United States. The film production programme has been structured to cover the artistic, technological, philosophical, and entrepreneurial aspects of Nollywood.
Also, considering the fact that many people unable to access the opportunities available for film production enthusiasts, upon completion of the film production course in the School of Media and Communication, Pan Atlantic University will provide a networking opportunity that will birth and foster working relationships. The school also plans to liaise with some sections of the Nollywood industry.
