DGN Collaborates With ROK Studios

By Perekeme Odon

Representatives of the custodian of the art & culture of film-making in Nigeria, Directors' Guild of Nigeria (DGN) paid a courtesy visit to the award winning Lagos based Africa TV & Film production company, ROK STUDIOS on Friday, April 16, 2021.

 

The DGN delegation, led by President Victor Okhai was cheerfully received by the Founder / CEO ROK STUDIOS, Mrs. Mary Remmy-Njoku at their Anthony Village office for an engrossing and enlightening muster.

 

The purpose of the visit was to establish a partnership between DGN and ROK STUDIOS to embolden the industry and its creativity to a point of global recognition across all standards.

 

In the course of the meeting, the DGN President commended ROK Studios for building contents vis-a-vis empowering filmmakers, providing jobs for practitioners, and also building a strong institution like ROK Studios for the industry growth. He updated her that the DGN is not unacquainted with her dogged altruistic resolve and constructive impact on the Nigerian film industry.

(l-r) Pere Odon, Mr. F. Otakponmwem, Mr. Victor Okhai, Mrs. Remmy-Njoku, Uche Agbo & Judith Audu

President Okhai who apprised about no two standards in film-making ensured the ROK boss of mutual benefits alongside members of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria, as a few directors are writers and producers.

 

“I want to thank and celebrate you for providing jobs and empowering filmmakers in the Nigerian film industry. I visited several sets in Enugu, Delta and Lagos when I was campaigning, and I saw a lot of your impressive inputs on content creation and development. DGN is fully aware of your extraordinary push, but one thing I want to assure you is that under my watch integrity, excellence, professionalism is key to us. We will not compromise or lower standards but compete favourably with the best global practice.”

 

The President of the apex guild in the audio-visual sector of the Nigerian creative industry went on to solicit how a joint collaboration can be attained for capacity building on members of the guild.

 

“Capacity building is very important for us. I want to see our members be part of the trainings you embark on, since a lot of them are already working with you. It’s an area we’ll like to partner with you to deliver the standard and quality that will elevate the works that you do; and whoever is directing is a member of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria.”

(l-r) Mr. Victor Okhai, DGN President & Mrs. Mary Remmy-Njoku, CEO, ROK Studio

Mrs. Mary Remmy-Njoku gleefully saluted the new leadership of DGN, and announced her acknowledgement of the need to take new initiatives to focus on the technical side of film-making. She informed that her producers are given free hands on selecting who direct their movies, but nevertheless would unreservedly incorporate the guild into her capacity programme since a conflation has been reached.

 

She enlightened that contracting directors is restricted to the production company assigned to the project. “It is only when the director performs below standard that a look in on his qualities would be made. We have our annual production like Susanna where we contract directors, but ROK don’t contract directors personally since we work mostly with independent production companies. We don’t dictate who directs for them, but we know who would not direct, and that’s based on a director’s personal past record of style, and lack of in-depth knowledge of the craft.” She confirmed.

A Cross Section Of The Breakfast Meeting

The ROK boss conversely thrashed around with pain on directors who learnt nothing on the job, but go about claiming to be experts without training, or having no knowledge of the required dexterity needed for the practice.

 

She disclosed that signs of mediocrity were piquantly spotted on various movies submitted to them that necessitated the dire need for the ROK capacity building scheme to inspire trust and professionalism.

 

“Most times, in every 200 movies submitted, after watching a hundred plus, you can only find two good films, thereby making producers believe we discriminate; overlooking that majority of films shown on ROK are not just movies we commissioned, but also other producers with no exclusive rights attached to contracts." She explained.

Mr. Famous Otakponmwem & Judi

In January 2020, a Corporate Social Responsibility capacity building scheme on light, camera, sound, colour grading, and even production to uplift industry’s professionalism was foisted into existence in Lagos and Enugu, with a follow up in January 2021 in Lagos and Asaba respectively. According to her, she had to include production since she discovered that producers have become middlemen between the director and post-production.

 

The ROK lady who prefers supervising her training programmes said, “If you need something done, you need to do it yourself. We are trying to see if we can have these workshops twice a year, as there are lots of directors and other below-the-line crew members out there that know next to nothing in film-making. I believe as a director, you must a little knowledge of everything about film production, whether camera, light, sound, colour grading, format to achieve a better production quality in your story telling. The need for capacity building to use these tools to achieve one's end arouse from our personal experience through movies tendered to us. However, if you’re not creative, you don’t have it because creativity is not learnt, but inborn.”

 

She vented her exhilaration to see great names in Nollywood attending ROK’s capacity building programmes in Asaba, and stressed to applaud the efforts of few filmmakers who with little exertion of pressure produced an unlimited film with good storyline.

 

“At the Asaba capacity classes for camera and lighting saw the likes of Michael Jaja, Ugezu J. Ugezu and other names which really gladdened my heart, because everyone needs to be trained and retrained. Believe me, I really extol the innovative prowess of few filmmakers trying to squeeze the juice of creativity with just little given them to produce.” She affirmed.

(l-r) Mr. Victor Okhai, Mrs. Mary Remmy-Njoku & Mr. Uche Agbo

The DGN President gave her an imperturbable tranquility on ways to go about the training by elevating the art of the industry.

 

“At the index of the creative triangle of the director, we want to be part of whatever you’re doing, because it’s the same people that will be working directly or indirectly with you since some of their works will be coming directly back to you. Our members are looking forward to more tactical negotiations and cooperation between DGN and ROK Studio that will benefit them in the long run since the director is first among equals.”

 

The umbrella body housing all professionally registered film and television directors in Nigeria was adeptly represented by Uchenna Agbo, National Secretary, Perekeme Odon, Public Relations Officer (PRO), Chief of Staff to DGN President, Mr. Famous Otakponmwem, and DGN Lagos State Chapter Secretary, Judith Audu Foght.

(l-r) Perekeme Odon, Mrs. Mary Remmy-Njoku & Mr. Victor Okhai

Mrs. Mary Remmy-Njoku, CEO, ROK Studios

Uchenna Agbo, DGN National Secretary

Mrs. Mary Remmy-Njoku & Mr. Victor Okhai

Mr. Famous Otakponmwem, COS To DGN President.

The DGN Mug

DGN & MultiChoice Nigeria Agree On Collaborative Professional Partnership

By Perekeme Odon

Nigeria's pioneer pay TV service provider, MultiChoice Nigeria received the executive of the apex guild in the audio-visual sector of the Nigerian creative industry, Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN).

 

The event was held at the MultiChoice headquarters on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 in Victoria Island, Lagos state.

This is to reiterate the new executive members’ commitment to shared values and the guild’s innovative strides following a successful restructuring process, which has delivered a new leadership.

 

DGN President, Sir Victor Okhai appreciated and commended MultiChoice Nigeria for their efforts, visions and widespread support for creativity, which others failed to see that fuel the passion of resourceful entrepreneurship in Nigeria, and Africa. “I think this is an idea whose time has come, because there is a synergy amongst us all. I am happy to be here for this strategic partnership which will foster excellence as there are no two standards in filmmaking.”

A Group Photo Between DGN & The MultiChoice Talent Factory Chairs.

Expressing faith in the new leadership, Multichoice Talent Factory Academy Director, Mr. Femi Odugbemi who emphasized his excitement to meet with the DGN said current realities and changes have made it imperative to have direct interface with the industry, particularly in the digital space. He went on to say the MultiChoice Talent Factory project was introduced to the last administration of DGN with the intention to have a partnership, but some how it didn't sail through.

 

“We are not strangers to the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria. That is the creative equity of the industry. When the MultiChoice Talent Factory started, we brought DGN along as we planned it. Some how we were not able to quite find ourselves; we proceeded and then nothing happened. The fact that we consulted with DGN at the beginning of the Talent Factory tells you that everyone on this side of the table have a clear understanding of the strategic importance of DGN to the Talent Factory initiative,”

 

President Okhai who had a history with MultiChoice from the New Direction days went down memory lane recounting his experience as an alumnus of the first MultiChoice / Mnet original production, Doctors Quarters where he was the assistant director. He was also part of those that were trained for daily soaps in South Africa.  

 

“I was part of the 14 Nigerians that were trained for daily soaps, including Mr. Femi Odugbemi to come back and start 'Tinsel'. I am like an alumnus that has come back home. I’m so happy about this strategic partnership because it is of interest to me and of mutual importance. The way you affect society is what makes the difference."  The President primed.

(l-r) Caroline Oghuma, Mr. Victor Okhai & Mr. Femi Odugbemi

The President assured that DGN, as a guild would work with MultiChoice Nigeria as partners for a mutually beneficial relationship that will advise and help all practitioners. “As we partner, we want to see growth and not a parasitic relationship. We are very much interested in the Talent Factory both as participants and facilitators, and also getting the MTF graduates to join us as members. Since we are both very keen on capacity building, this will be a win-win."

 

Similarly, Executive Head, Corporate Affairs, MultiChoice Nigeria, Caroline Oghuma highlighted that the MTF is resolute to ensure good public relations, and talent development which are the flagship of the organisation. She emphasized on the focus of their achievement is to build better crop of filmmakers and igniting Africa’s creative industry owing to a few success stories from their alumni.

(l-r) Perekeme Odon, 

Uche Agbo

 & President Victor Okhai

“The returns for now shouldn’t be the focus but the quality, and along that journey is the partners; the people that help you get where you’re going. That’s part of the ecosystem you’re building together for the future. We are very much on same page in that regard, that’s why from the beginning, we involved the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria and other industry practitioners because we can’t do it alone. We want people to benefit and give back. So I’m very grateful again for the opportunity for us to reopen this conversation, and believe me, everyone is on board." She explained.

 

DGN National Secretary, Uchenna Agbo extended cheers to MultiChoice Nigeria for the invitation and accentuated on the relationship and benefits of the mutual partnership. He proposed an agreed take off even though not holistically achieved at one meeting. “The MTF gives me personally confidence that the African filmmakers are beginning to get it right, since there is no expatriate seated among us. Our members are going to be excited seeing that someone with this kind of vision is at the helm of affairs. There should be pointers for a take off with an agreed immediate and long-term actionable plan for future results in mind. Most of our members need training and others are also qualified to train too. However, it all boils down to what MultiChoice really want from us, and what we too want from them so that we can globally compete favourably.”

Mr. Femi Odugbemi Making A Statement While Caroline Looks On.

Odugbemi who was thrilled vis-à-vis the timing of the DGN executive to the partnership meeting assured both parties of having what it takes to improve on the strong brand that the company has built over the years. He stated that the business of a directors’ guild is a very serious business, and not the business of money, but about the creative equity of a country. “Everybody keeps talking about who will win an Oscar. That doesn’t happen overnight. It happens when you build creative equity and that is not built through competition between one guy and another, or through anointing one person or another as our best filmmaker. Creative equity is built generationally.” He asserted.

 

The MTF Academy Director advised filmmakers to know what is relevant to the success of their future by understanding the junction between their creativity and the audience by building a brand out of it in an industry that already has a commercially viable ecosystem. ”The business of filmmaking is wrong in the industry because 80% of the film made don’t make money. Not because the audience is not there, but because somehow there is no business plan. We have a lot of successful filmmakers, but not many successful creative entrepreneurs”.

The Meet

He equally charged DGN not to handicap their creativity, but diversify and procreate what makes the creative entrepreneur works by bellowing against a particular genre and the absurdity the industry promotes because they are in charge of the creative equity.  

 

“Where is the power of the industry when it is all in one basket? We want people to make comedy, but we don’t want people to make only comedy. If there is anything this industry needs now is a DGN that understands the vision and speaks up when different voices are talking about creative direction. All genres have audiences. It is important that the DGN is able to engage necessary institutions in achieving this creative direction.” He affirmed.

 

According to him the present trend is just a sign of how badly we have misdirected training and mentorship, which is why this partnership with DGN is critical, since the industry is manufacturing a younger generation faster than our older generation can die.

 

He informed that the MTF is not the only training institution but he trusted they have the clarity since MTF is the only training institution that ensures students are not distracted while getting paid, accommodated, pampered, receive intensive trainings, learn the business, finance, distribution and interact with people relevant to their studies. There is no need putting a ceiling to creativity by defining an individual path to success.

(l-r) 

Uche Agbo

 , President Victor Okhai & Famous Otakponmwem.

Odugbemi said: “We are in an industry where there is no senior colleague. There are first time filmmakers who have amazing works just like there are older filmmakers who make craps. As far as I am concerned, if there is anything the industry really need now, is a DGN that understands the vision and speaks up when different voices out there talking about creative direction. The industry needs creative direction and less competitive nonsense surrounding what came out of theatre by defining how many tickets a film sold.”

 

The MTF boss encouraged the guild to be interested in the curriculum of film schools in Nigeria by engaging these institutions with an open coordinated national curriculum for standardization, and make it better since not everyone can be admitted into the MTF.

 

He reiterated his regard for the new DGN. “I really have a lot of respect for this new DGN, and I say it so you can understand why this engagement is important. So please, I have also spoken behind you, about you and the seriousness of the team that I see. I believe you have a lot of low hanging fruits, quick wins, and it all surrounds what kind of conversation is coming out of it. This is the first step, but relationships are built over time. They’re not constructed as transactions. Any of your questions will be responded with 24 hours maximum. What make a partnership work is inviting people from your end who are part of it as an eye on the inside to advise what works best for the industry.”

(l-r) Lagos State DGN Secretary, 

Judith Audu Foght

, Tolulope Olowo-Okere

Lagos State Secretary, Directors’ Guild of Nigeria, Judith Audu-Forte thanked MultiChoice for opening their doors for DGN, and furthermore disclosed her exhilaration when President Okhai informed her of the visit as capacity building would be fantastic for the entire industry even though many lie to themselves about the pros of filmmaking.  

 

“I’m really glad and excited about this visit and the future of DGN. Back then I queried why Africa Magic was boldly crested on my DGN jacket after the induction, and not just DGN, but this makes sense, and it’s only normal that this happens. The industry needs a lot of training, even though we lie to ourselves due to ignorance. We have a lot of people that want to be what they want to be, but they have no clue what exactly they are supposed to be doing.” She said.

 

The ecstatic DGN President who referenced his manifesto assured them of the guild’s strategic readiness to deliver remarkable values to the stakeholders without compromising sustainability, and expressed his delight of being on same page with MultiChoice to leverage every opportunity in terms of technological creativity to grow volumes and revenue. He educated that the guild would be having an important marriage between town and gown, and an annual lecture series.

Caroline Ogbhuma Presenting A Gift To President Victor Okhai.

“The guild has not scratched the capacity they have at all. Our stories are told be people outside, whereas the pioneers who were here are still here with us alive. For your information, the guild has no less than eight professors and a few PhD holders in film who are members of DGN. We want to also create an opportunity for those in the academia to start a local journal to document our industry and what we do.” The President stated.

 

The President poised that DGN has a vision to create a new Africa inspired by colours. It is understood that the Multichoice Nigeria intends to accomplish the vision by providing creative workshops, be they individuals or corporate bodies with products and services to help them create colourful and exciting spaces.

 

“Yes, the recruitment process in the film industry may be faulty, but what will remain faulty is if you do not build capacity. They may not have it all, but you must build capacity and make sure you lay down standards to be able to compete globally.”

Others present at the meeting were DGN Public Relations Officer, Perekeme Odon, Chief of Staff to the DGN President, Mr. Famous Otakponmwen, MultiChoice Specialist CSI Execution, Akaoma Onyeonoru, Programmes Manager, Multichoice Talent Factory, West Africa, Tolulope Olowo-Okere and Photo-Journalist, Akin Farinto.

Sir Victor Okhai, President, Directors'Guild of Nigeria (DGN)

Mr. Femi Odugbemi, Multichoice Talent Factory Academy Director

Caroline Oghuma, Executive Head, Corporate Affairs, MultiChoice Nigeria

Tolulope Olowo-Okere, MTF Project Manager

Uche Agbo, National Secretary, Directors'Guild of Nigeria (DGN)

Lagos State DGN Secretary, Judith Audu-Forte

Famous Otakponmwem, Chief of Staff To DGN President

Perekeme Odon, DGN PRO

(l-r) Caroline Oghuma Receiving A Gift From DGN President, Sir Victor Okhai.