Afreximbank Ratifies Deal With Silverbird Entertainment To Build West Africa’s Largest Film And TV Studio In Nigeria

Hollywood & Entertainment Afreximbank Ratifies Deal With Silverbird Entertainment To Build West Africa’s Largest Film And TV Studio In Nigeria Josh Wilson Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. I cover film, TV, and entertainment through the lens of a producer. Following New! Follow this author to stay notified about their latest stories.

Got it! New! Click on the conversation bubble to join the conversation Got it! Nov 28, 2022, 09:15am EST | Press play to listen to this article! Got it! Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin African ExportImport Bank’s (Afreximbank) President Benedict Oramah gestures as he speaks during the . . .

[+] Tony Elumelu Foundation’s African entrepreneurship forum in Abuja, on July 27, 2019. – The Tony Elumelu Foundation hosts every year the largest gathering of startup entrepreneurs, policymakers, development institutions, business leaders and motivation speakers to debate and interact with a view to connect, forge networks and partnerships. (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP) (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images Afreximbank, an African import-export bank, recently closed a deal with Silverbird Entertainment at the Africa Investment Forum to build the largest recorded film and TV studio in West Africa.

At the end of 2021, the bank’s total assets and guarantees stand at roughly $25 billion, and its shareholder funds $4 billion. Named the Ben Murray-Bruce Studios and Film Academy (BMB Studios and Film Academy), the complex will house a comprehensive studio coupled with an educational institution – for both national and international students – to develop the skills of individuals seeking to enter the industry. Areas such as cinematography, directing, filmmaking, gaming, music, post-production techniques, producing, screenwriting, VFX, and animation, will all be taught.

The 32,725 sq m facility in Eko Atlantic City will have numerous elements alongside the education academy including, two large sound stages, a digital hub with music and broadcast studios, editing bays with numerous suites, production offices, screening rooms, and a sizable studio backlot for outdoor sets. The project is planned to be a big boost to the current film and TV sector within Nigeria and across the region, ultimately aiming to attract large productions to Nigeria, increase the skills of local talent , and attract international talent. Student film director Esther Abah (L) speaks to cameramen during production of a six-minute film .

. . [+] “Father Forgive Me” at Ebonylife Creative Academy in Lagos on May 25, 2022.

– A joint project between Ebonylife production house — a Nigerian film powerhouse — and Lagos State government, wants to train students to make African stories for a wider international public. Nigeria’s domestic film industry, known as Nollywood, is already massive, and prolific — second only to India’s Bollywood in terms of films produced per year and ahead of US Hollywood. (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP) (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images MORE FOR YOU Meet The Unknown Immigrant Billionaire Betting Her Fortune To Take On Musk In Space From Retrospectives To Member Spotlights: 5 Ways To Connect With Your Remote Team How NFT Brands Can Cut Through The Noise Mrs Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Intra African Trade Bank commented: “The deal we are signing today is of the utmost importance, not only for the significant support it provides to Africa’s burgeoning film industry, but especially because of the studio’s multipurpose potential to serve a range of sectors in the creative industries, from music and film to gaming and virtual reality.

At Afreximbank, we recognise the power of Africa’s youth and creative talents to catalyse Africa’s trade, create millions of jobs and promote the emergence of national and regional value chains . This industry is bankable, and we aim to support its growth, expansion, and sustainability. Afreximbank is proud to support this project.

” Another area of growth around the project is the country’s growing construction empire. Henry Goudreau a seasoned contractor that has taught contractors and construction professionals all around the world through his Golden Hard Hat Mentoring Program said it is another element that is often overlooked in the development of regions. “Often we pay so much attention to what is being built we forget about who is building it.

” He said. “The growth of construction infrastructure and planning across Western Africa over the last couple of years has been impressive. We have trained people all over to become contraction professionals and take advantage of the need for the growth of the construction trade in areas around the globe.

” Founding HG Associates, Goudreau is bullish on the opportunities in the sector specifically in developing nations and regions. “Whether it’s in North America or abroad, construction isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s ramping up like never before.

The current climate provides a lot of opportunities to teach best practices. ” Silverbird Group founder, Ben Murray-Bruce, opined that the development will accelerate the rapid growth of Africa’s creative sector. “From Netflix NFLX to Madison Square Gardens in New York, audiences are revelling in the magic of African storytelling.

Now more than ever does the African continent need the world-class technical skills and facilities that will propel our creative industries to the next level. The BMB Studios and Film Academy is a response to this need and one that I believe will be a catalyst to driving agility, expertise and innovation in the African film and television industries. ” HOLLYWOOD, CA – MARCH 23: George Kallis; Steve Gukas; Kunle Afolayan; Hakeem Kae-Kazim; Jimmy .

. . [+] Jean-Louis and Guests attend “Nollywood In Hollywood” Nigerian Film Events Co-presented By O2A Media And The USC School Of Cinematic Arts at the Egyptian Theatre on March 23, 2018 in Hollywood, California.

(Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images) Getty Images He added that the business models within the studio for revenue growth will be varied to account for the versatility of creative industries within the studio’s walls. “The Studio will be an environment where content can be produced, managed, and distributed digitally. The technical infrastructure will be the most advanced in West Africa designed to handle the large bandwidth demands of media businesses; future-proofed to manage the expansion in new media content.

” “We are creating a truly global platform for excellence in filmmaking, storytelling, and professional development. By 2030, I want the BMB Studios and Film Academy to represent the very pinnacle of what a studio and educational institution can be. ” Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn .

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