Creative Industry Stakeholders Converge For AMCOD 2024 Business Conference in Lagos

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

Scores of critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s creative industry convened for the 2024 edition of the Association of Movie Content Owners and Producers/Distributors of Nigeria, AMCOD, annual business conference held on Thursday 19 December in Lagos.

The business conference, held at the Resource Centre of the Lagos State Treasury Office in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos themed, “Sustainability of Movie Production/Distribution in the Digital Era”, was in partnership with the Lagos State Film & Video Censors Board.

Coming at a time when streaming platforms continue to disrupt the movie distribution chain, the one-day conference featured high-power networking sessions with an exciting series of discussions, and offered key stakeholders unique opportunities to brainstorm and explore innovative solutions to stay ahead in the evolving digital landscape.

Attendees and featured speakers include Dr. Shuaibu Husseini, the Executive Director, National Film and Video Censors Board; Mrs. Bukola Agbaminoja, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board; Mrs. Lynda Alphaeus, Director, Nigeria Copyright Commission; Tayo Adetunji, Channel Manager, Africa Magic; Mahmood Alli-Balogun, Chairman, Audio-Visual Rights Society; Prince Jide Kosoko, movie veteran; Bolaji Amusan, TAMPAN Global President; Victor Okhai, President, Directors’ Guild of Nigeria; Queen Blessing Ebigieson, President, Association of Movie Producers; Fidelis Duker, CEO, Abuja Film Festival, Teco Benson, Ace Producer/Director; Samuel Olatunji, CEO, The Hype Agency and Ope Ajayi, CEO, Cinemax.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Husseini, the keynote Speaker emphasized that in the digital era, there are lines between production, distribution, and consumption which have become increasingly blurred.

He noted that the rise of streaming platforms, social media, and other digital channels has changed the way to create, distribute, and engage with movie content.

“As we navigate this complex and rapidly evolving landscape, it is essential that we come together to share knowledge, experiences, and insights. We must explore innovative strategies, models, and technologies that can ensure the sustainability of our industry,” Husseini stated.

He added, “Sustainability in the Nigerian movie industry requires a multifaceted approach, incorporating innovative distribution strategies, collaborative production models, and adaptive business practices. To achieve sustainability, we must focus on three key areas of innovation, collaboration, and regulation.”

Also speaking at the conference, Mrs. Agbaminoja described the event as a unique platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas.

According to the Lagos Censors Board boss, in recent years, there has been a remarkable advancement in technology that have transformed the way contents are created and consumed —from the rise of the streaming platforms to innovative filming techniques— the opportunities are vast.

She however said with these advancements come attendant challenges that require united effort to overcome.

“It is essential that we foster collaboration, share insights, and support one another as we navigate this ever-changing terrain,” Agbaminoja stated.

Earlier in his welcome address, Alhaji Toyin Uthman, AMCOD National Chairman said the conference and its theme was essential as film production in a digital era came with its own peculiar challenges.

He noted that the digital space presents a wealth of opportunities including new platforms, broader reach, and innovative technologies yet “it also challenges us to rethink traditional models, safeguard intellectual property, and ensure inclusivity in this rapidly changing environment.

“As we address critical areas of digital transformation to give our stories global visibility; intellectual property protection and securing the rights of our creative and investors in the face of piracy and other threats; capacity building with skills needed to remain competitive in the fast-evolving landscape and collaborative partnerships to build stronger ties across all levels of the industry, this year’s theme is not just a call to action but a collective vision for our future.”

Uthman then challenged stakeholders at the conference to actively participate in the growth and transformation taking place in the creative industry.

Also in attendance at the conference are Tade Ogidan, Teco Benson, Olurotimi Aina-Kusoro, Femi Adebayo, Theo Akatugba, Adebayo Tijani, Antar Laniyan, Abdulrasaq Abdullahi and Allwell Ademola.