By Damiete Braide
Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts recently collaborated with Netflix to train talented actors for the screen and experienced screenwriters in order to improve the local talent pool and promote Nigerian stories on the global stage.
•The Screenwriting Instructors were Ololade Okedare (Netflix-trained Story Development Executive) and Eniola Ayobola, among others.
This initiative is funded through 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 around the world.
The collaboration is a significant milestone for Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which has been developing and nurturing young talent in the Nigerian entertainment industry for over a decade.
With this partnership, the Academy will leverage Netflix’s global reach and industry expertise to produce quality content that reflects the rich culture and diverse stories of Nigeria.
The selected actors and screenwriters received hands-on training and guidance from industry professionals throughout the duration of the programme. They had the opportunity to be part of a local production, which gave them exposure to new audiences.
Speaking on the partnership, Joke Silva, the Co-CEO, Performing Arts said, “We are excited to partner with Netflix on this ground-breaking 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.”
We are excited to announce that Ronya Man Art and Accelerate tv, joined as technical and creative sponsors for the collaboration between Netflix and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. Their expertise and creativity support will help ensure the success and quality of this ground-breaking project. We are pleased to have them as partners and look forward to this exciting journey together.
During the training, there was an audition panel made up of renowned artistes like Ajoke Silva, Femi Odugbemi, Ronya Man and Omonor Somolu.
LAPA’s management team was made up of the Co-CEO Performing Arts, Ajoke Silva; Co-CEO Strategy and Operations, Ifeoma Monye, Operations and Strategy, Omoh Imoukhuede; Head, Business Development & Programme Director, Soji Jacobs; Programme Supervisor, Bunmi Adewale and Administrative Officer, Richard Ojadi.
Acting Training Instructors included Ajoke Silva, Toyin Oshinaike, Adeniran Makinde, Bunmi Adewale, Omonor Somolu, Ronya Man, and Tosan Ugbeye; while Movement Instructor was Zara Ejoh, as Voice Instructor was performed by Juliet Akighir Onyekachukwu.