Pan Atlantic University begins film production programme to drive Nollywood’s growth

Pan Atlantic University has begun a film production programme which targets Nollywood practitioners and hopefuls. The programme will lecture them on the core aspects of film production. It is also expected to drive the growth of the Nigerian film industry to Hollywood standard.

The university’s School of Media and Communication, which is offering a film production course at Master’s level, said it plans to change the narrative about Nollywood content, picture quality, and other essentials that are restraining the growth of film industry in Nigeria.

Why the programme is essential: The master’s programme is designed to develop creative and competent professionals through intensive practical and theoretical courses which are similar to the ones offered by international film schools in London and United States. The film production programme has been structured to cover the artistic, technological, philosophical, and entrepreneurial aspects of Nollywood.

Also, considering the fact that many people unable to access the opportunities available for film production enthusiasts, upon completion of the film production course in the School of Media and Communication, Pan Atlantic University will provide a networking opportunity that will birth and foster working relationships. The school also plans to liaise with some sections of the Nollywood industry.

The Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Ikechukwu Obiaya, told Nairametrics the following:

“We are in a particularly important moment in the entertainment industry in terms of communication, with this whole business right now that content is key, people are looking for contents.

“So, if we are able to produce graduates who will produce fantastic contents, I don’t think there will be a problem in getting people who will say yes I will be willing to support that. So that’s the angle we would take, we would hold up our people to be able to attract others to come and provide.”

Note that Pan Atlantic University also has an educational partnership with Multichoice Academy. The School of Media and Communication had previously partnered with Multichoice Africa for the Multichoice Talent Factory (MTF).

About the programme: The programme will begin in October 2019. It comprises of five semesters, which is about two and a half years. There are different access options depending on degrees of participants;

• Bachelor’s Degree in Film/Television/Motion Picture Production. Holders of this qualification shall be admitted directly to the third semester of the programme.
• HND in Film/Television/Motion Picture Production. Holders of any of this qualification shall be admitted directly to the second semester of the programme.
• Bachelor’s Degree/HND in any cognate discipline (Mass Communication/Communication Arts, Theatre Arts/Dramatic Arts, etc.). Holders of this qualification shall be eligible for some discretionary waivers, depending on the nature and strength of their previous work, as evidenced in their transcript/portfolio
• Also, Bachelor’s Degree/HND in any other discipline will be considered.

Course structure: Specialisation will be Scripting & Directing for the screen, as well as Cinematography.

Breakdown of specialisation includes;

• The short film
• The TV/film documentary
• The feature film
• Adaptation to screen
• The TV serial drama
• The commercial filmlet/TV commercial
• The music video
• The TV interview programme