21st November, 2011
In its vowed commitment to youth development and upliftment of the entertainment industry in Nigeria, the Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation recently sponsored 10 members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, to Los Angeles, USA to meet with the Screen Actors Guild of America, SAG.
The star-studded delegation was led by the National President of AGN, Mr. Segun Arinze, other members of the entourage include the National Secretary, Ejezie Emeka Rollas, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Bob Manuel-Udokwu, Kingsley Ogbonna (Dauda), Ejiro Okurame, Uchenna Nnanna, Obi Osotule and renowned film maker, Kingsley Ogoro.
The delegation was received in Los Angeles by the President of Screen Actors Guild, SAG, Prof. Ken Howard, members of the Executive Council and members of the Board.
In his welcome address, Prof. Howard tagged the visit, Nollywood Meets Hollywood, and revealed that it was the first time ever that SAG would be meeting any Guild/Association involved in film production from Africa.
Salient issues bothering on the development of the Nigerian film industry were discussed especially training and re-training of actors in particular and practitioners in general.
Series of meetings were held with both the Executives and Special Committees of SAG on the need for co operation and partnership in areas like setting up the AGN Foundation and providing template of standard contract for members as approved by the International Federation of Actors among others.
Both Guilds also agreed to protect the rights and welfare of members working within their territories and to equally curb the menace of mediocre and charlatans in the industry.
Henceforth no Nigerian actor can work in the USA without proper clearance from AGN and no American actor can work in Nigeria without proper clearance from SAG.
The AGN delegation also visited the famous Universal Studios where they met with top management of the production company.
During the meeting, AGN President invited them to visit Nigeria as the country is virile for film productions especially with our beautiful locations, rich cultural heritage and God-given talents. He informed them of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s interest to develop the entertainment industry and how the administration has provided an enabling environment for foreign investors especially in the motion picture industry which he holds dear. Mr. Arinze talked about the $200 million intervention fund provided for the entertainment industry by the Nigerian President as a clear demonstration of his love and interest to develop the industry. He assured them that Nigeria is a safe haven for film production.
The management of Universal Studio said they were glad to receive the AGN delegation and declared that Nigeria is the new frontier in film production and as famous filmmakers; Nigeria is certainly their next destination. They concluded that they have made a feasibility studies on making films in Nigeria.