By Alex Eyengho

Here is the concluding part of my essay on the benefits of Nigeria’s membership of the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations (FIAPF) through the platform of the very dynamic Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP). Enjoy it.

…A stable commercial and regulatory environment should ensure the production, financing and distribution of films: Legislation must ensure the most favorable environment to guarantee meeting consumers’ demand for creative content, both in the offline and online world.

Indeed the commercial viability of film distribution services online fully depends on the consumers’ demand and on building effective commercial mechanisms that allow the producer to recoup the investment in the film as well as continue to produce films.

Not only that, Governments and the organized private sector should work with local film communities in educating the public and creating a climate in which the role of a producer, the investment necessary to create a film, and the importance of producers’ economic and cultural contributions are clear.

A promoter of international business-driven solutions: By joining FIAPF, Nigerian producers will have an on-going interaction with important industry bodies set up at the international level for the benefit of the whole film sector, e.g.: (a). AGICOA and ISAN: FIAPF is a founding partner of the Global Producers’ Royalties Agency (AGICOA) and of the International Standard Audiovisual Number Agency (ISAN-IA); FIAPF is a member of the governing bodies of both organizations.

(b). FIAPF accredits and regulates international film festivals to ensure that the strictest standards of quality and reliability apply, for the benefit of the film producing community and the film industry at large.

A unique think-thank for producers and opportunities   of networking:  FIAPF Members meet in General Assembly twice a year – during Berlinale (Germany) and Cannes (France) Film Festivals, offering many opportunities to set up bilateral relations between members. Separate regional meetings are also organized.

FIAPF also proposes to its members to be part of Sectorial Working Groups serving as strategic platforms for the film producers’ community. Pivotal issues are discussed there including rights’ management in the digital environment, co-productions and financing, distribution, Labour and working conditions, etc.