In recent time, Nollywood has come under heavy
and unbearable criticisms. Many persons have
come to hate the way movies are churned out at
will without some finishing or professional touches.
In fact, some Nollywood movies look more of a
filmed stage drama or I should I say that some stage plays are more interesting to watch than a
full-length Nollywood film. Money has become a
bane of the industry not entertainment. The
questions become- whom do we blame? Whose
fault, is it? Okay, firstly somebody will scream Nollywood has
no proper funds to carry out its required projects. I
quite agree, but I will say every person involved in
the film production should be blamed. It’s their
fault for the general loss of interest in Nollywood
films. I’m not trying to sound as if I know everything, I want to tell our filmmakers that we
can reclaim our lost glory. As an up and coming
filmmaker, I so much believe that a film starts from
the script. Some people will say, a movie
production starts when a camera starts filming and
the director is shouting at the characters. No, a movie production starts from the script. In fact,
it’s what the characters see in the script will they
utter. A script tells you what sort of character will
fit into your story. You don’t necessarily revolve
your movie the same group of actors and
actresses. Try out new faces. Yes, you are crying about your investment. New faces don’t sale
films, but you have to. There are many Ini Edos,
Mercy Johns, Mr. Ibus, Osuofias, Olu Jacobs etc out
there begging for opportunity. Hollywood was
never built around Will Smith, Tom Cruise, Keanu
Reeves, Angelina Jolie etc. To get it right and be the best filmmaker, start with
your script. After writing, take to English
professionals for scrutiny. Some won’t agree you
and virtually calls your script ‘a piece of trash’.
Try next door, who knows the dude, might be
willing to help you. Did I hear you grumble about spending out of your budget? It is time for a change
and you must stand up for that or you want remain
in the dark age. The cinemas are back,
opportunities beckon. So let your script be written
in such a way all and sundry can understand. You
don’t necessarily need to make your audience tell the outcome of your film. Keep them in
suspense. A director should not be seen as a demi-
god. He must allow independent of his cast and
crew. No character should hide his or her ideas of
making the film a blockbuster. Don’t necessarily
say or do everything you see in the script and you boldly claim that you are neither the director or the
script writer. There is room for creativity. After all,
your name will appear on the film. Let every
Nollywood filmmaker avoid recycling or remixing
stories. There are million of stories yet to be told.
Okeke might have sold a billion copies of his film “Love in action” and Ade is already warming up
to replicate same film. No, change direction. Since
Okeke got a romance, you should go for a comedy
or thriller even action. Nollywood, it is time for a
change and the time is now!!!!!

http://www.ekwurekwu./2012/12/01/nollywood-blunder-how-to-get-it-right/

Well said!