The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on Tuesday commenced its first phase of the Digital Marketing workshop for Kannywood filmmakers in Kano state.
The training, which is taking place at the Prof Bjorn Beckman Hall of CITAD’s Kano office, is scheduled to run for three days from the 6th to the 8th of June 2023.
During his opening remarks the Center’s Executive Director, Engr. Y.Z Ya’u said that the acquisition of digital skills for filmmakers in order to market their films has become imperatively a necessity.
He then highlighted the program’s objective, dressing that it is meant to enhance the capacity of filmmakers to utilize technology effectively.
He noted that the training was part of CITAD’s efforts to support Kannywood in creating employment opportunities and generating wealth, particularly in Kano state.
Engr. Ya’u rued the discrepancy between the quality of films that are usually churned out by filmmakers and their poor sales.
He added that while filmmakers are always primarily focused on the creative process, the marketing aspect is often neglected.
The CITAD Boss stressed the importance of filmmakers being knowledgeable about marketing, sales, and promotional channels to ensure profitability and, subsequently, invest in other ventures that can create employment opportunities, thereby addressing social issues like street crime.
On his part, the Chairman of the Motion Picture Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN), Kano State, Malam Ado Ahmad Gidan Dabino acknowledged the challenges faced by filmmakers in marketing their movies digitally and highlighted intellectual property theft as a significant concern, involving both local and international channels.
He noted that there is a need for filmmakers to establish legal agreements with regulatory bodies in international film industries.
