FRED AMATA LED DGN HOLDS ITS INAUGURAL EXCO MEETING IN LAGOS

By Perekeme Odon

(M) Mr. Fred Amata

The inaugural meeting of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria DGN took place on Tuesday July 10, 2018 at the DGN Secretariat in Surulere, Lagos state.

The new executives of the apex guild of the Nigerian movie industry tagged ‘Nollywood’ inaugurated its eight-member executive on Friday 22, June 2018 at the renowned cinema hall of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Obalende, Ikoyi- Lagos after a successful AGM / election in Abeokuta, Ogun state on April 13, 2018.

The President, Mr. Fred Amata welcomed the new Exco members and extended courtesies to all who came from far and near. He admonished members to be of good conduct in discharging their responsibilities, and expressed his dismay about the antagonism suffered by the administration despite the giant steps taken in the last two years.

DGN EXCO

Speaking further, the President highlighted,  “This is a relatively short meeting but it is nonetheless important to welcome you all once again. I recognize and thank the esteem executives for their unprecedented support in my first tenure. It feels good to be here and to have the opportunity to speak at another inaugural meeting. Nigeria is an emerging force in the world of filmmaking and needs no hindrance from achieving its full potentials and attributes by protecting the rights of the directors and take care of the welfare of its members, which is our constitutional responsibility, and most importantly, let every member speak with one cohesive voice to drive and dictate policies. We will do the best to foster a reasonable system for film production by setting goals “. The President underlined on the occasion: “It is far too easy to lose hope in life and the world. That is not an option. We therefore need to seek strength and protect ourselves by laughing more, crying more, exploring ourselves more to challenges. We need to let our world be turned upside down more often. Media habits have changed dramatically in the past five years and we know that streaming and home cinema systems are increasingly part of people's everyday lives”.

Tony Akposheri & Mac Collins Chidebe

In addition, the President emphasized that this tenure will focus on reinforcing the sustainable structures that entrenched the guild. The Physical Structures, including The Secretariat, The Administrative Structure; including Patrons, The Board, The EXCO, Zonal Coordinators, Committees, and the Legal Structure rooted in the Constitution.

TMr. Fred Amata & His Exco

He pledged to increase ties with the administrative operations by sourcing for reliable, well meaning and passionate individuals as patrons to support in driving the affairs of the guild and assured members that perfecting the constitution was priority. He likewise advised members to embrace the NollyINSURED welfare scheme, which is a one of a kind health initiative, tailored for the movie industry and promised members of an organized sensitization workshop at each zone in Nigeria to enlighten members.

President Amata deliberated intensely with its EXCO members on broadening the scope of the guild and defined major highpoints his administration will focus on which include setting up more zones where necessary, intensive capacity building and training programmes for members home and abroad and hosting of International Directors Day / Week / Award Night; where practitioners, Patrons, Fellows and Grand Patron will be honoured.

The EXCO

The DGN President furthermore respectively assured members on the need for appointment of new Zonal Coordinators with terms of reference, Code of Conduct Handbook, DGN press card for appropriate identification and easy access to location.

(L-R) Dan Chukwueze, Fred Amata & Perekeme Odon

In his modest remark, President Fred Amata thanked the executives for their enormous and brilliant contributions and implored them to stay focused and straight like an arrow. “This is not my task alone. Together we are stronger, and together we can. We must make this tenure a turning point by making the changes needed to move the guild forward. My first tenure was years of turmoil and laughter. It brought challenges and crises, at times pushing me to the limits. But it was also one of inspiration. The recognition by the global community of our abilities reflects your generous contributions and investment in our effort. That is why my vision is simply ‘Positioning DGN' with a mission to ‘Introduce globally recognized avant-garde practices which do not come as commercial to local cinema audience and expose local films and filmmakers to the world. We are the last generation who will be able voluntarily to take the necessary steps that will build the road to dignity for all”.

(L-R)Collins Chidebe, Uche Agbo & Tony 

Executive members present at the meet were Mr. Fred Amata (President), Mr. China Mac Collins Chidebe (Vice President), Mr. Uchenna Agbo (National Secretary), Mr. Tony Akposheri (Financial Secretary), Mr. Perekeme Odon (Public Relations Officer), Mr. Osita Okoli (Provost) and Mr. Daniel Chukwueze (Welfare Officer).

CASSANDRA ROWLAND DAZZLES NOLLYWOOD IN 'THE MONITOR'

By Perekeme Odon

Cassandra Rowland

The depth and range of female talent that is coming up in Nollywood is enormously impressive, and they deserve to have killer roles to take on. We are about to hit a real sea change with the kind of movies Nollywood is making, and fast rising filmmaker-cum-actress Onome Cassandra Rowland is up for the challenge.

Cassandra an entrepreneur actress and Mass Communication graduate from Nassarawa State University, Keffi may be far from a household name, but she has always wanted to be in front of camera and television. As a little girl growing up in Kaduna state, she had anticipated of grabbing some leading turns when the time comes. However, her first break as an actor was in 2010, though not a major role, but it was her first real baptism ushering her into Nollywood.

The last of four kids (2 boys and 2girls) as a child would always stage plays with her friends where she would act as Genevieve Nnaji, She highlighted: “As a child I wanted to be an actor, even when other kids would come up with professions like, law, banking, medicine and so on. I always tell them I want to be an actress like Genevieve when I grow up. Genevieve Nnaji remains a phenomenal goddess to me. There is just something special about herself and the way she interprets characters "

       

Cassandra finally looks ready to explode and making a giant stride in the next few months after a dazzling performance as ‘Jessica in her latest movie. “My latest movie ‘THE MONITOR’ produced and directed by Eazzy Ologe God's Power was a great booster for my acting skills. I played the lead role and acted alongside the eccentric actor Ninalowo Bolanle. It was quite challenging as my first big break to land a lead role and quite tough for me because I was a victim of rape, which led to an unwanted pregnancy. My husband abandoned me after finding out so I had to do a lot of crying.  I am so happy as it boosted my confidence”.

Cassandra Rowland

The Warri South actress loves improvisation and never allows personal issues alter her craft describes her acting style as intentional and thoughtful since she is methodical when learning a new character and likes to entirely internalize and externalize character development and characterization.

She went to talk about what happened on the set of ‘COOKIES POT’ directed by the whimsical actor/director LALA DAPO. “I had family issues and was not in the right frame of mind, but as an actor, you don't bring your personal problems to set because it won’t go down well with the director when he calls his shots. I had to put my personal problems aside, got into character and delivered the role”.

With Director Eazzy Ologe On The Set Of 'The Monitor'

Cassandra who adores factual human angle roles and stories that is captivating and answers topical questions to humanity believes she can change the narrative of how people perceive life by giving hope to humanity with her talent.

She believes the future is very bright, as she has started plan on bringing to live an entertainment talent show to showcase to the world. ” I see myself becoming a big brand in the future.  I have a story to tell the world through filmmaking. So look out world, Cassandra is coming”.

DStv, GOtv Raise Subscription Prices

By Hamzat

Pay television operator, MultiChoice is set to slash subscription price on its digital terrestrial television platform, GOtv, while increasing prices of bouquets on its digital satellite platform, DStv.

The price adjustment would take effect on August 1. When it takes effect, sources disclosed, subscribers on the GOtv MAX package would pay N3, 200 instead of N3, 800 currently being charged for the package. The new price regime would see prices on the five DStv bouquets go up slightly. 

The expected new price for DStv Compact is N500 higher than what customers currently pay, as the price goes up to N6, 800 from N6, 500.  Premium subscribers would pay N15, 800 instead of N14, 700 currently being paid, a difference of N1, 100. Compact Plus subscribers would pay N10, 650 as against N9, 900 currently being paid.

Prices of the two lowest DStv packages, Family and Access, are also to be similarly reviewed. Subscription for the Family bouquet would go up to N4,000 from N3,800, while that of the Access package would rise to N2, 000 from N1, 900. The company had not issued an official statement on the expected price adjustments as at the time of filing the report. In a related development, sports broadcaster, SuperSport, would from the start of the 2018/2019 season broadcast live all the 380 matches of the Italian league, popularly known as Serie A.

The matches of the league competition, which kicks off on August 19, would be available both DStv and GOtv platforms.  The development is sequel to an agreement reached between SuperSport and the Serie A.

DIRECTORS’ GUILD OF NIGERIA INAUGURATES NEW EXCO

By Perekeme Odon

It was another splendid day of fun and spectacle as the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria DGN inaugurates new Executive Members to mark the commencement of another two-year term of Mr. Fredrick Amata as President of the guild.

The inauguration of the eight-member executive, which took place on Friday 22, June 2018 at the celebrated cinema hall of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Obalende, Ikoy- Lagos, started at 12.30 pm amid topnotch filmmakers and stakeholders of the Nigerian entertainment industry present to witness.

The new executive was elected on April 13, 2018 after a successful convention / AGM in Abeokuta, Ogun State tagged ‘DGN-OGUN Nollywood Fiesta 2018’ from April 11-13 2018; with an official theme of “Bringing Nollywood To Rebuild Ogun Standard”, and hosted by the Ogun state Government.

Mr. Fred Amata being sworn in by Barr. Adebisi Oridate

It will be recalled that the Abeokuta election returned the administration and leadership team of Mr. Fred Amata who are Mr. Uchenna Agbo (former Assistant National Secretary, now National Secretary), Mr. Tony Akposheri (Financial Secretary) and Mr. Osita Okoli (Provost).

(L-R) Ugo Prince Res, Uchenna Agbo & Fred Amata

In order to fill up other vacant positions, a by-election was conducted in Lagos on June 22, 2018 and Mr. China Mac Collins Chidebe emerged Vice President, Mr. Perekeme Odon (Public Relations Officer), Mr. Prince Cres Ugo (Assistant National Secretary) and Mr. Daniel Chukwueze (Welfare Officer).

The swearing-in / oath of office ceremony was administered by Barr. Adebisi Oridate of Babatunde Ogala Esq, a Notary Public of Nigeria; who swore in the President and other executive members.

(I-R)Fred Amata & Mac Collins Chidebe

(L-R) Tony Akposheri, Daniel Chukwueze * Perekeme Odon

In his inaugural speech, the President Mr. Fred Amata thanked every member for standing by him and staying true to the guild’s agenda and policies. " First of all, I am cherished to be here to express my immeasurable gratitude to the support and trust given me. It is a remarkable honour to be chosen by my colleagues once again to lead our noble guild, and I critically look forward to taking on the challenges facing our members and industry. Today, DGN has spoken – and spoken unwaveringly. So let me speak decisively in return." Amata said in a statement.

A Cross Section Of The Executive Members

He went further to state that “Not only am I thankful for your support, but also for all the candidates who offer to serve the guild and seek solutions for internal and external problems. With your trust, I will work tirelessly on your behalf to help address challenges, and to secure lasting and meaningful improvement to quality. Thank you for the election. I promise you, as president I will do my very best to listen and ensure transparency. ”

DGN Executive Members

The President also used the event to inform members on progressive development on amending the constitution before the August deadline. He highlighted on the need to create more departments and committees in providing services, information and resources to DGN members; and finally illustrated on the many challenges in the guild, but believe we can overcome them if members rise above politics to do what is best for the guild.

Swearing In Of The Executives

The President thanked DGNEC 2018 championed by Barrister Tunji Bamishigbin as Chairman, Mr. Tony Anih (Secretary), Mr. Sam Azubuike, (Member), Mr. Ken Njoku (Member), Mrs. Tope Oshin (Member), Chief Ogie Ogedengbe (Member), Alhaji Abdulkareem Mohammed (Member) for their continuing service to the guild and wish them the best for the future.  

(L-R) Tony Akposheri, Aniedi Awah Noba & Perekeme Odon

Dignitaries present at the event are Lagos Zonal Director, Nigerian Film Corporation, Mr. Simon Inegedu, DGN first and former President, Comrade Mathias Obahiagbon, Frankie Oite, Aniedi Awah Noba, Eazzy Godspower Ologe, Isdore Chikere, Ejike Onyeukwu, Harrison Andem, and lovers of Nollywood.