The Nigerian Film Industry, Nollywood, does not work as a singular body. It comprises of several associations and technically, everyone who falls under Nollywood registers under a division of Nollywood.
The industry is growing alongside these divisions as it is impossible to manage it as one body with one leadership.
How Does Nollywood Work?
There is an arrangement that has kept Nollywood going since the 1990s. Going back to the root, this is what Nollywood is, what it isn’t and how it operates.
Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN)
The Actors Guild of Nigeria was first named in 2000 which is also when offices were with Zack Orji as the first-ever president of AGN. To be part of Nollywood as an actor, people have to register at any branch of AGN which operates throughout the country.
They get a working permit after registration which grants them access to audition and shooting grounds.
Though it was done differently, only people who have registry could get roles in films. However, these days, anyone can almost get roles in Nollywood movies. Such people are, however, are expected to follow the due process or would be fined if they insist on working without registration and working permit.
The AGN has a sitting National President, Emeka Rollas. Others on the AGN leadership board include the Vice President(s)
- Kareem, Wassh Waziri Hong – North-central
- Lolo Oby Kate Okafor – North- west
- David Branch – South-west
Secretary General – Abubakar Sanusi
Assistant Secretary General – Chelsea Nwodo
Monalisa Chinda is the Pubic Relations Officer of AGN
Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria
Headed by Sele O. Sele, the Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria CDGN comprises of four departments. Film set costumes, prop management, set design and makeup artists.
Screenwriters Association of Nigeria
Nollywood also comprises of a writers association with the name Screenwriters Association of Nigeria. They are creators of Nollywood stories that subsequently become films. Screenwriters could be contracted to create content or they could write and sell to producers.
Film Distribution and Marketers Association
Films have to be marketed after production and the people who have to do that job also have a method. This is why the Film Distribution and Marketers Association was formed to manage the distribution of films in Nollywood.
Production Companies and Studios in Nollywood
Production houses in Nollywood are in charge of film funds. Many also operate studios where they work on certain movie scenes directly under their production banner.
Conclusion
These groups are open to all creatives in Nigeria as the name suggests and are not only to certain people. Creatives looking to showcase their talents on the screen just need to register in any of these guilds.
Each guild has chapters in different states of Nigeria. Both the AGN, the Writers and the CDGN operate individually, but usually have to be contracted by producers for film productions. All complaints are channelled accordingly through the guilds in Nollywood.
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