Film Professionals drawn from various Film Industry Companies on Tuesday tipped Ugandan Film Actors and Producers on the importance of playing films with an element of local content if they are to attract many viewers and customers for their products. The call was made in a one day engagement with Ugandan film producers and actors at the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) on Tuesday.
Ms. Sekisozi Racheal Nabuwufu,Vision Bearer and Founder, Sci Ease Lore, said the Ugandan Film Industry faces challenges of financial constraints, lack of marketing skills and limited social impact among others. She advised film makers to endeavor to put in place scenes in their films that are in line with the desires of local communities to attract more viewers of their films instead of copying foreign film content.
She cited the story of Uganda Martyrs and King Mwanga, as stories that would inspire local communities to like the film around the history of martyrs and how they were persecuted for their faith in Uganda.
Talking on financial muscles to run the film industry, Ms. Sekisozi called on local film makers to endeavor solicit grants from development partners and other prominent organizations interested in promoting the film industry. She cited the British Council as one such development partner that can support those interested in growing the film industry because; the British Council has a budget for that.
“The moment no one applies for such grants to develop their film industry talents, the British Council will not be able to release funds not applied for”, she said.
Mr.Joel Mayira, the Creative Director at Saladin Media, said social media presence by film actors and producers is very important for self-branding and marketing. Citing the example of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, Mr. Mayira called on film producers and actors to at least post not less than 20 posts per day.
Ms. Eunice Gachugu, the Talent Director at Saladin Media, said the local film industry players should in addition start looking at international markets.
“You need to produce a film that resonates with the audience. Film Industry has a big audience because every television station channel has a movie on a daily basis”, she said.
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