The Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA) and the world’s leading streaming entertainment service, Netflix, have announced a training collaboration to empower Nigerian creatives further.
Under the initiative, which began in July, talented actors for the screen and experienced screenwriters are undergoing training to improve the local talent pool and promote Nigerian stories on the global stage.
They will receive hands-on training and guidance from industry professionals throughout the program. They will also have the opportunity to be part of a local production that will expose them to new audiences.
The Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, a dedicated effort to help identify, train and provide job placement for the next generation of talent from underrepresented communities worldwide, is funding the initiative.
Industry professionals Ajoke Silva, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Performing Arts, LAPA, filmmaker Femi Odugbemi, Ronya Man and OmonorSomolu auditioned interested applicants.
The successful ones have since been upskilling under the watchful guidance of Silva, Toyin Oshinaike, Makinde Adeniran, Bunmi Adewale, OmonorSomolu, Ronya Man and Tosan Ugbeye are all acting instructors.
Zara Ejoh is the movement teacher, while Juliet Akighir Onyekachukwu is the voice instructor. The screenwriting instructors are Ololade Okedare and Eniola Ayobola.
A statement from the LAPA described the collaboration as a significant milestone in its decade-long efforts to develop and nurture young talents in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
It added that the partnership will enable the Academy to leverage Netflix’s global reach and industry expertise to produce quality content that reflects Nigeria’s rich culture and diverse stories.
“We are excited to partner with Netflix on this groundbreaking initiative. The Academy has always been committed to promoting the Nigerian arts and entertainment industry, and this partnership is a significant step towards achieving that aim. We are confident that the selected actors and writers will gain invaluable skills and experience through this program, and we look forward to seeing them contribute to the growth and development of the industry,” stated Silva
Ronya Man Art and ACCELERATETV have joined as technical and creative sponsors to boost the initiative further.
“Their expertise and creative support will help ensure the success and quality of this groundbreaking project. We are pleased to have them as partners and look forward to this exciting journey together,” LAPA added.
Apart from Silva, LAPA’s management also comprises Ifeoma Monye, OmohImoukhuede, Soji Jacobs, Bunmi Adewale and Richard Ojadi.
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