Inside the World of ACI Studios
A whistle stop at the ACI Studios in Lekki forecasts a promising future for multi-media production, transmedia storytelling and creatives in Nigeria. Yinka Olatunbosun reports
From the lounge, the group consisting of journalists and creatives descended the stairs to access the main building at Afinju Concept International, ACI Studios Lekki. On the right was the piano room with a secured surround glass. On the first floor of the building, the digital studio came into view. Right opposite it was an in-house producer for the analogue studio who got up from his seat which was facing the large mixing console. The studio caters to commercial voiceovers, animations or movie soundtracks.
Next, the group was led downstairs to the rehearsal studio for the screening of two short documentary movies that had been produced at the studio equipped to service as much as a 25-piece music band. The room has also been the venue of masterclasses in music and entertainment. At a media parley held at the facility last weekend, the audience included ace broadcast journalist Olisa Adibua, seasoned actor Segun Arinze and comedian, Koffi as well as theatre and film director, Bunmi Adewale who had previously done productions at the studios.
The creative solution provider, ACI draws its strength from being at per with global standards while sourcing from local expertise. Makinde Adeniran, the Chief Operating Officer, ACI Entertainment who is the current chairman, National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners Lagos described the studio as a contribution to the creative industry.
“We have all the facilities here and they are not just facilities but ones aimed at ensuring that the industry goes to the next level. There is a board in there. I doubt if there is another one in Nigeria. Apart from the audiovisual production, you can do all you have to do and still come around here to relax. We open the bar for artists to come around; do their meetings in a very serene environment for a pittance. Apart from the commercial aspect of it, we believe the company must come and enhance the industry where it belongs,’’ he explained.
ACI which was initially set up for music production has been around for at least eight years. In the last two or three years, the management decided to expand the scope of production to training manpower.
“The CEO, Adewole Adeniyi runs another arm of ACI in America where we have a collection of experts who are ready to teach and train people. You can buy any technology and what have you to put on ground. If hands are not trained, the industry will still not grow because we have seen a whole lot of machines in Nigeria but the human ability to operate those machines and take the industry forward is not there. One of such projects that we will devise is to ensure that some universities will build professional studios for them. We go into the universities, have partnerships with them and ensure that trainers come from abroad and help them,’’ he revealed.