In its avowed 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 Osotuleand 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 as Nollywood Meets Hollywoodand 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 Nigerianfilm industry, aka, Nollywood 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 the following areas;
Setting up the AGN Foundation
Provide Template of Standard Contract for members as approved by the International Federation of Actors, FIA
Organize Regular training for AGN members
Provide template for the AGN Screen Actors Awards
Involve AGN in all of their major developmental projects
Commence the process of twining Arrangement under FIA
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 also 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 the top management of the production company. During the meeting, AGN President invited them to come to 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’sinterest to develop the entertainment industry and the Administration has provided the enabling environment for Foreign Investors especially in the motion picture industry which he holds close to his chest. 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 safe and a haven for film productions.
The management of Universal Studio said they were glad to receive the AGNdelegation 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.
The AGN team were treated to a star studded Hollywood traditional Luncheon by their counterpart before departing to Nigeria. The trip was also supported by SIFAX GROUP.
The Board of Trustees, National Executive Council, NEC and the entire members of ActorsGuild of Nigeria, AGN, wish to sincerely thank the Chairman and Management of IFEANYI UBAH FOUNDATION, for the Sponsorship and also the Management of SIFAX GROUP for their support.
-Abubakar S. Yakubu
National P.R.O Actors Guild of Nigeria
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