By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :
Anambra Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, has encouraged trainees in film production to be diligent, attentive, and serious about learning the skills provided for them in the training, noting that the hard work they put in today will pave the way for their success tomorrow.
The Commissioner stated this when he and his team visited the trainees at the Anambra Film Village, which is located inside the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) in Awka.
He said, “We came to supervise what you are doing and to ensure that you are undergoing the training as it is designed. Once in a while, veterans in the movie industry will come to visit you, discuss with you, and encourage you.”
Mr. Onyenji highlighted that some young people waste their time on unimportant things instead of learning valuable skills. He noted that the trainees are privileged to be given the opportunity by Governor Prof. Charles Soludo to receive free training in film production, which can lead to opportunities in the entertainment industry and create a bright future.
“This industry is one of the largest in terms of employment, especially in self-employment. In today’s world, happiness is crucial for progress, especially during times like these. Therefore, it’s important to be humble and absorb all the knowledge available to you here.”
In his address, Mr. Bob-Manuel Udokwu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment, Leisure, and Tourism, who is also a veteran Nollywood actor, advised the trainees that to succeed in the highly competitive entertainment industry in Nigeria and around the world, they must prioritize discipline to effectively enhance their learning.
“The creative industry is different from other industries because we work with intangible things. Unlike professions like engineering, medicine, and nursing, where their tools are tangible objects, our work is unique and closer to the act of creation. We create something out of nothing, much like how God created the world in the book of Genesis, where the earth was void and formless. We are here today because of God’s power and creativity, and some of us have been given the gift of creative impulse from Him.
“Therefore, pay close attention to everything you learn here, as nothing you learn in the creative industry is wasted. Among a crowd of a thousand people, your exceptional talent and captivating performance may set you apart. So, refine your skills and continue to develop yourself even after you leave this place,” he said.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Anambra Film Village, Mrs. Chinyere Ozoh-Okoma, emphasized the enthusiasm of the trainees to learn, stating that they are doing well. She mentioned that every trainee will have an understanding of all the courses before specializing in their respective areas.
“In order to excel in your chosen field, you must have a good grasp of the fundamentals. For example, if you are studying cinematography, you should be familiar with a color palette, how to use it, and have a basic understanding of light and sound, among other things.”
One of the trainees, Mr. Emecheta Innocent, expressed gratitude to Governor Prof. Charles Soludo for allowing them to participate in the training. He stated that the training was very professional and that he is learning a lot from it.
“I thought I knew half of the movie production, but when I came here, I discovered that I do not know anything, so I have to be attentive to learn. We have touched virtually every part of movie production, from acting to directing to designing and arranging the set, and even how to use the camera. From what I will gather here, I think I can do a little bit of my production privately,” he said.
He then urged all young people to seize every opportunity to learn new skills and develop their talents. He noted that there is massive unemployment in the country, which may worsen, and the only way to overcome it is by improving themselves to become employers of labour in the future.
Ifeyinwa Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
