The Ghana Oscar Committee on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, held a day workshop for filmmakers, actors and media.
Themed International Oscars Submissions: Language, Film Styles, Campaigns and Requirements, the discussion had three sessions.
The first session had American and Ghanaian filmmaker, Leila Afua Djansi moderating the discussion on Technical Requirement with her team of experts, Anmol Nankani, Okyeame Quophi educating stakeholders in the Film Industry on the requirements of getting a good video and sound.
The panellists advised that reaching the technical requirement goals, filmmakers must adopt the international standard for sound and cinematography.
According to Okyeame Quohpi, a sound design requires both technological and artistic skills.
He added that a sound designer needs to develop excellent knowledge and techniques in recording, mixing, and special effects in order to create unique and interesting sounds.
Monitoring the second session, TV/film producer, Nicole Amarteifio was joined by her team of experienced filmmakers, George Bosompim – GAFTA, Kwabena Gyansah – Director of Azali movie, Laurene Manaa Abdallah – Producer of Keteke Movie briefed stakeholders on Oscar submission requirements.
Explaining to participants, Mr George Bosompim stated that the Foreign Language Film category name has been changed to International Feature Film.
He noted that international feature film is defined as a feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States of America with a predominantly non-English dialogue track.
Bosompim said animated and documentary feature films are permitted. Only one film is accepted from each country as the official selection.
Ending the workshop, actress Nikki Samonas chaired the last session with Movie campaign strategists.
The panellists, Ama K. Abebrese, Nicole Amarteifio and Leila Djansi in a lengthy discussion schooled participants on branding, promotion, marketing and hiring a publicist or a media person.
According to the three panellists, film promotion generally includes press releases, advertising campaigns, merchandising, franchising, media and interviews with the key people involved with the making of the film, like actors and directors.
The workshop equipped filmmakers with submission requirements, reaching technical requirement goals and navigating the world of campaigning to get films seen by mainstream movie audiences and Oscar voters.
With regards to issues concerning industry support for filmmakers and actors, a consensus was reached that a campaign should be held to address concerns regarding getting support to promote more Ghanaian films.
On behalf of the Ghana Oscar Committee, Leila Djansi selected Kafui Danku as the leader for the Oscar campaign in Ghana.
Danku is expected to raise funds for training and campaign for the selected Oscar film.
Held at the Accra Tourist Information Centre [ATIC], the successful seminar had actors/Producers/Directors like Kafui Danku, Roselyn Ngisah, David Dontoh, Prince David Osei, Pascal Aka, Students of NAFTI, staff of Ghana Tourism Authority and media taking part in the discussion.
The workshop was sponsored by Frytol, GTA, Alife Soap and CherryPicks.
