THE WALE ADENUGA STORY
Contrary to the general perception that the film industry in Nigeria has made enormous leaps in the recent past and contributed to the growth and development of the economy, renowned film maker Wale Adenuga believes that the industry is merely glittering without substance on a closer look. According to him, there are unresolved issues internally and externally that have hindered the growth of the industry.
In a recent media parley, the CEO of Wale Adenuga Productions expressed his growing concerns and offered recommendations as well. For one who has been in the industry for over four decades, Adenuga’s groaning spurs from an experienced and versatile mind, and is directed at laying a good foundation for the unborn generations. He delved into the film making industry after his successful comic magazine Ikebe Super couldn’t satisfy its teeming fans. At the time, the industry was dominated by Yoruba productions. Thus, Adenuga scored a first with the release of Papa Ajasco as the first English comedy production at that time.
However, times have changed and Adenuga is upset at the various divisions in Nollywood today. According to him, the birth of Kannywood, Yorubawood and Igbo movies has further segregated the industry instead of uniting them. He aligns this with the argument surrounding the history of film making in Nigeria. In clear terms, he acknowledged that no tribe can solely take the glory of pioneering film in Nigeria. Therefore, he called for a unifying body that can govern the industry with discipline.
“It’s a shame that we don’t have a national body governing the film industry. Our industry is the only one in Nigeria where you do not have a national body or association. This country cannot speak of a national association of film makers, the way that doctors talk about the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), lawyers talk about the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and you gentlemen of the press have the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). It is true that we have all manners of guilds but these are all based on the sentiments.”
He continued: “I am persuaded to believe that our inability to come together under an umbrella is one of the reasons why we have some of the problems that detract from the development of the business in Nigeria.”
Perhaps, this is why the film maker has refused to produce any film till these problems have been resolved. His WAPTV channel on the StarTimes cable TV was recently recognised by Media Planning Services (MPS) Limited- which ranked all TV Channels across Nigeria according to Viewership/Popularity-as the most watched channel in Nigeria due to its rich content. Its series Super Story has become a staple in family entertainment. Since its debut over a decade ago, the series has produced unforgettable personalities such as Bukky Wright, Shola Shobowale (Toyin Tomato), Yemi Adeyemi among others. Other TV series from the film maker’s stables include The Ajasco Family, Binta and others.
Adenuga heavily frowns on piracy, which he has undeniably being a victim. He bemoaned the fate of producers and film makers that daily confronts this hydra -headed monster. According to him, this has made the profession less endearing as millions are lost to the perpetrators of this crime. He recommended a review of the Copyright Law that will proffer a stiffer penalty to subdue pirates in the industry. He also pointed out the need to build more cinemas across the country.”
“I am of the opinion that a major reason for the level of piracy is the direct to home video format. Government should therefore ensure that the cinema culture is promoted by the three tiers of government all over the country. I suggest the establishment of cinemas in all the 774 local councils in the country. If producers have the opportunity to screen their films all over the country, before releasing on home video, piracy would be greatly reduced.”
Other issues highlighted by the film maker include: Lack of quality control and lack of governmental support.
While acknowledging that the task is a herculean one, Adenuga hopes that all interested stakeholders will come together to project this vision of his that is void of personal aspirations.
Borrowing the slogans from the ruling and opposition party in the just concluded elections, Adenuga calls for an umbrella association that will accomodate and a broom to sweep away all the issues militating against the industry
After a five -year hiatus, Olakunle Soriyan returns with his Zero2Hero series. This time around, he will be taking his team and guest speakers to the