Hollywood actor Idris Elba, has disclosed in a meeting with President Nana Akuffo-Addo on Friday, February 3 at the Jubilee House that he has plans of constructing an ultra-modern film studio in Ghana.
Idris Elba said that he was working tirelessly with his partners and the National Film Authority in Ghana to ensure that the facility is constructed to help curb the issue of lack of film facilities in the country.
Speaking to President Akufo-Addo during his courtesy visit, the actor explained that although so much can be achieved in the film industry in Africa, facilities are lacking and film makers are unable to make quality movies as a result of the challenge.
he further added that he's s convinced that the project, when completed, will be robust and competitive to attract filmmakers to choose Ghana for their productions.
“Currently, we call it West African Studios, but that’s a working title. We’ve been working on this for three or four years to raise a plan that puts a facility at the centre of African filmmaking. There’s a lot for African filmmaking, but the facilities are lacking.”
Idris Elba added that although their plans are in place, they believe that there needs to be policies that would encourage filmmakers to make the trip to Ghana and other West African countries.
He stated that in their preparations and research, they put together the parameters for the policy, adding that they sought to understand what international filmmakers need from Ghana.
The ‘Beast of No Nation’ actor stated that without the policy framework, the country can have as many film studios as possible, but it will not attract filmmakers. He further advised that the director of the Creative Arts Agency liaises with the Tourism Minister to look through the proposal presented, in relation to what the Ministry is doing to ensure there are no gaps. He stated that this will ensure the film industry has a comprehensive document that guides their activities.
