By Perekeme Odon

Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution (TNTD) paid a courtesy visit to the newly sworn-in executives of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) on the 28th of July 2023, to discuss the way forward in ensuring effective and efficient collaboration that will benefit both parties.

Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution (TNTD) is a mainstream entertainment company focused on the distribution and marketing of local and international filmed content, with a distribution network that spans cinema, inflight entertainment, streaming platforms, and linear television networks within and outside Africa.

While welcoming the TNTD members to DGN, the President, reiterated the need for synergy between TNTD & the guild to achieve common goals. In his word, “We met, we spoke and what I heard was too good for my ear, but it’s not about what I hear but for what will benefit the guild. We need to improve our symbiotic relationship to achieve a common goal and make everyone responsible and add value to the creative industry,”

In her address, the TNTD Founder and CEO, Anita Oritsegbubemi Edwards delivered a descriptive narrative on film distribution, theatrical distribution, film production, film marketing, film licensing, production values, partnership with the guild and primed audience on how they can collaborate with DGN by taking away the burden from the producer and the director.

The TNTD CEO indicated that Tribe Nation assists producers to review their scripts as not every story is fit for the theatre or streaming, helps out with their casting and ensures they produce something fit for the market. TNTD consult for free and does not charge a dime for talking to producers. As distributors, they look at the money a filmmaker spends and do not see any existing structure that can furnish you with your return.

“We are very humbled to be here to share our vision for our theatrical distribution plans. Our goal primarily is to create value as we have the production background. Nigerian films are not cheap and I can tell you from data. We have a movie coming out in the theatre from a September shot with roughly about N60m. You have people willing to invest, but how do they guarantee their return on investment? We have seen producers and directors in good faith go out to make films that were not made for the market. Part of our partnership with DGN is training sessions and it’s going to be absolutely free. We’re going to give you the latest information and it’s going to be a unique opportunity that DGN members would have access to.”

She further stated that “If you do distribution well, if your producer fails, you fail. We can't pay salaries if you take a movie to a theatre that doesn’t sell. That’s not something we are interested in doing.

“As your distributor, it’s very demoralizing to tell your client you can’t make your money back. Most clients have failed due to bad financial decisions. So for that dream to be feasible, we need to be part of the creation of it.” She stated.

The Head, Co-Production & Special Events Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution, Lillian Amah-Aluko appreciated the President of DGN for receiving the team and reiterated the guild’s partnership with TNTD to advance the creative works of members of the guild in the Nigerian movie industry. She appealed for a better synergy between the two organizations, particularly in the training and distribution of members’ films through their platforms. She also advised filmmakers on having a business plan and to always vet their scripts no matter how passionate they are about the stories.

“A robust relationship between TNTD and DGN will go a long way to enhance access to creativity. We understand filmmakers’ passion for their stories, but at Tribe Nation, we always discuss and critique every script, rework it and fix the challenges before they hit location. A lot of clients are now becoming comfortable and interested in the idea due to the process and stages in fixing their scripts, coupled with making them a business plan to outline and know how much profit they can get on their return on investment in the future.”

She thanked the DGN for their creative prowess and advised filmmakers never to relent but to keep making films, even if they hit and miss. “We can continue the way we’re going. Keep making films, hit and miss. I’ve made my share of mistakes. It’s not because your story is not a good story, or you didn’t film it well. But different platforms are looking for different elements. If we want a difference in production, we need to sit down and do things differently. DGN is the primary guild for creativity and the home of the greatest directors this country has. There is a lot of creative energy in the room that is why we are here for partnership with the guild.” She declared.

In her closing remark, Anita Edward appealed to filmmakers to embrace knowledge and always be cautious and real before embarking on any project. She also advised the guild to look into the academic creative spaces to sieve out young talent who are eager to go into filmmaking. “A lot of creative despise knowledge. They love to dream, but they don’t want to know. Assumptions are dangerous when you’re dealing with people’s money. We deal with a highly capitalistic market where creativity ends on set, and after that, everyone is in the jungle. The guilds must rise to the occasion to influence laws enacted that would protect the interest of the guild members. If you think like a victim, you will always be a victim.”

In his response, the DGN President expressed the commitment of DGN towards a better working relationship with TNTD and assured them of taking the visit a lot further by partnering with the guild since there is no emotion in the business of filmmaking and also thanked them for their willingness to train our members professionally. He promised to make his members know about TNTD and their intentions to the guild.

“There are no two standards in filmmaking, and it’s not an excuse to dump your baggage because you’re partnering with anybody. I think from what we’ve heard, we can see the willingness to partner with them in getting our members to consider them as a choice platform for distribution, both locally and globally. I want to also thank you for considering training our members to help them know those things that are required and help us in a better position to win almost every time whenever we go to the marketplace.” He affirmed.

It will also interest you to know that, Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution (TNTD) is an entertainment company focused on the distribution and marketing of local and international filmed content. Their distribution network spans cinema, inflight entertainment, streaming platforms, and linear television networks within and outside Africa. They also produce commercial filmed content and are committed to becoming the leading global supplier of wholesome feel-good entertainment.

DGN Vice President, Mr Uchenna Agbo, and National Secretary, Mr Perekeme Odon witnessed the occasion.

Other guild members and filmmakers present are Mr Kingsley Omoefe, Dr Tony Akposheri, Dr Peter Fada Osiughu, Mr Chukwudi Ejiofor, Mr Stanley Stanfame Ajalaja, and Mr Cosmas O. Abasi