Engr. Orlu Sets Up Film Academy In PH

The chairman of Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Rivers State chapter, Engr Reginald Orlu has set up a Film Academy in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital known as Our Film Resort Academy for people who are interested in making their career in Nollywood.

The movie producer who spoke with The Tide Entertainment in his office recently, disclosed that interested candidates would be trained in all aspects of movie making such as acting, production, directing, cinematography, costumering, make-up, set and props etc.

He stressed that already the academy has registered some candidates and training has commenced. According to him, there is no age limit and academic qualification is not a barrier. He noted that the academy is interested in those who have the talent in any area of their choice who could be groomed to stardom as well as providing job opportunities to them.

The AMP chairman reiterated that the academy will start with shooting of soap operas which will be aired in the Rivers Sate Television (RSTV) continually before going into shooting of movies. According to him, before this year runs out, movies shot by the academy would be in the market while not less than 1000 persons will be given job opportunities.

Engr Orlu also stated that plans had been concluded to acquire land for the permanent site of the academy and to create shooting areas for the movies. He contended that already some organizations such as Indomie, Pabod Breweries, Coca Cola etc have indicated interest to support the activities of the academy, while Rasa Hotels Limited has been of great help to Nollywood in the state.

He also disclosed that the inauguration of the academy is slated for the 23

rd of August 2013 at Lezoon Hotel, Iwofe Road Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt which would be preceded by a road show on the 22nd of August 2013. Some top Nollywood stars are expected to grace the inaugural ceremony.

Those expected at the ceremony include Fabian Adibe, Cynthia Okereke, Stella Ukwuegbu, John Okafor (Mr Ibu) and the AGN chairman, Lagos Chapter, Mr. Victor Osuagwu. Others are Columbus Iriosoanga, Gentle Jack, Walter Anger and Elder Okike amongst others.

The Ikwerre, Rivers State-born actor and film maker maintained that the academy which is the first of its kind in the state has come to stay and would not only help to groom young talents in the industry, but would help to improve on the acting career of upcoming stars.

He therefore urged those interested in making a career in Nollywood to utilize this rare opportunity instead of going to non-professionals for training. He stressed that what Wale Adenuga of the Super Stories fame is doing in Lagos is what he intends to do here in Rivers State.

On the activities of AMP in the state, he said the Association is faced with a lot of challenges which include lack of sponsorship, high cost of shooting films and poor returns as well as high cost of premiering films in cinemas and cost of acquiring ownership rights amongst others. He said these are major hindrances which have drastically reduced film production in the state.

On the N3 billion doled out to Nollywood by President Goodluck Jonathan, the AMP chairman said since the president released the money, Nollywood had been holding series of meetings on how to disburse the money, but up till date nothing positive has come out of their deliberations.