Biyi Bandele: "And then We All Got Typhoid" Making Half of a Yellow Sun

When the shoot finally began, the drama didn't stop. "Myself and several members of my crew and cast got typhoid. Some even had malaria. Thandie Newton got typhoid too, but she was incredible. She was really suffering but didn't take a single day off work. It was like she was possessed by God knows what. The experience of shooting was tough, but every single day I woke up and wanted to be on set, because you just didn't know what was going to happen."

Chiwetel Ejiofor as "Odenigbo" with Onyeka Onwenu as "Mama".

See Photo gallery of over 40 images from "Half af a Yellow Sun".

Read the full report on http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/sep/19/biyi-bandele-half-yellow-sun-interview.

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Thanks To Nollywood, Nigeria Overtakes South Africa As Africa's Largest Economy

Majid Michel on Nollywood’s success
Nollywood actor Majid Michel talks about the African film industry’s success.

Nollywood, Nigeria's booming film industry has been noted as one of the key contributors that helped in boosting Nigeria to overtake South Africa as Africa's largest economy.

"Nigeria has moved to be the largest economy by GDP size in Africa and has moved to be the 26th largest economy in the world," finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said.

"On a per capita basis, Nigeria is number 121 in the world. So, we have a total GDP size where we have moved up to 26th," the former World Bank managing director added.

The widely expected results are based on calculations taking into account a range of new sectors and industries that were negligible or non-existent in 1990.

They include the mobile telephones market - Africa's largest - music and the hugely popular local film industry, Nollywood.

~ The Telegraph of UK.

The Telegraph noted that Nollywood, now estimated to be N853.9 billion (£3.1bn) has boosted the GDP by contributing "1.2pc of GDP". And Nollywood is actually the biggest and largest African film industry with the Nigerian government investing over $200 million in grants and loans to expand the industry.

The Wall Street Journal and CNBC also credited Nollywood for boosting the Nigerian economy in the last 20 years.

After a half-decade effort aimed at better capturing economic activity, Nigeria has announced that gross domestic product in 2013 was $510 billion – some 89% larger than previously estimated. In its new guise, service industries now make up more than half the Nigerian economy, versus less than a third previously. The Nollywood film industry alone has emerged to contribute 1.2% of GDP, Renaissance Capital says.
Wall Street Journal: Nigeria’s Nollywood Boost.

 Nollywood helps Nigeria double its GDP

Jenny Cosgrave | @jenny_cosgrave

Monday, 7 Apr 2014 | 4:18 AM ET

 "If you're not in Nigeria, you're not in Africa. And you're kidding yourself." Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said at a press conference on Sunday.

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Strategic Global Coverage of the International Premieres of "Invasion 1897"

The World Premiere of "Invasion 1897" is scheduled for the first weekend of June, 2014, to celebrate the Nigeria Centenary in Benin City, the centre of the historical epic in Edo State.

“Invasion 1897” has been endorsed by endorsed by the Benin monarch, Oba Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopolo Erediauwa 1, Crown Prince Eheneden Eradiauwa of Benin Royal Dynasty Trust, Sir. Chief (DR) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of the Benin Kingdom, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) and the Obong of Calabar, HRH Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Out.

There will be international premieres in over 30 selected countries; including the UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Brazil. Followed by a school tour of selected colleges and universities in Nigeria and abroad with Art Exhibitions of the bronze artworks, including a boat made in bronze, the first in the world.


The Nigeria Centenary epic film "Invasion 1897" has been strategically scheduled for local and international premieres for the global coverage of the Art Exhibitions of Benin Bronze Artworks that will be part of the premieres of the historical film in Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, UK, US, Canada, France, Brazil, Japan, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago.

KEY MILESTONES OF THE LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL PREMIERES OF “INVASION 1897” FROM JUNE-NOVEMBER 2014.

JUNE

•    Royal unveiling Official Prograame of the World Premiere and global tour of “Invasion 1897” in Benin City, Edo State.
•    World Premiere of Invasion 1897” and Art Exhibition of the Benin Bronzes in Benin City, Edo State.
• Brazilian premiere  with road show and Art Exhibition of Benin Bronze Artworks in Brasília, the federal capital of Brazil during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on the match free day of Friday June 27 , 2014.

JULY

• UK Premiere of “Invasion 1897” with Art Exhibition of Benin Bronze Artworks at the British Museum in London.

• France Premiere of “Invasion 1897” with Art Exhibition of the Benin Bronze Artworks in Paris.

AUGUST

•   Canada Premiere “Invasion 1897” in Toronto with Art Exhibition of Benin Bronze Artworks. 
•    Jamaica Premiere of “Invasion 1897” with Art Exhibition of Benin Bronze Artworks. 
•    Trinidad and Tobago Premiere of “Invasion 1897” with Art Exhibition of Benin Bronze Artworks. 
•    U.S. Premiere of “Invasion 1897” with Art Exhibition of Benin Bronze Artworks in New York City.

SEPTEMBER

• ABUJA Premiere of “Invasion 1897” at the 11^th Abuja International Film Festival with Art Exhibition of Benin Bronze Artworks.

• South Africa Premiere of “Invasion 1897” with Art Exhibition of Benin Bronze Artworks in Johannesburg.
• Japan Premiere of “Invasion 1897” with Art Exhibition of Benin Bronze Artworks in Tokyo. 
•  Ghana Premiere of “Invasion 1897” with Art Exhibition of Benin Bronze Artworks in Accra.

OCTOBER

• Lagos Premiere of “Invasion 1897” with Art Exhibition of Benin Bronze Artworks on October 1, for the Independence Anniversary.

• Calabar Premiere of “Invasion 1897” with Art Exhibition of Benin Bronze Artworks.

NOVEMBER

• Commencement of nationwide school tour of “Invasion 1897” to 45 schools, including selected secondary schools, polytechnics and universities in Nigeria.

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XSCAPE-Long Awaited New Music From Michael Jackson, Out On Epic Records May 13

XSCAPE-Long Awaited New Music From Michael Jackson Out On Epic Records May 13

 Epic Chief L.A. Reid Teams Up With Top Producers To "Contemporize" Songs From Iconic Artist's Archive

NEW YORK, March 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 13, Epic Records, in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will release XSCAPE, an album of new music by the internationally beloved music icon and King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The project features eight new tracks, which the world will be hearing for the very first time on the new album. For the ultimate fan experience, XSCAPE will also be available in a Deluxe Edition, which includes all of the sourced Michael Jackson recordings in their original form. The XSCAPE standard and Deluxe Edition's are available for pre-order beginning April 1 on iTunes.com/MichaelJackson and elsewhere, and available at all retailers worldwide on May 13.

XSCAPE is executive produced by Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid, who, after an initial mining of Jackson's archives by the Estate, was granted unlimited access to the treasures representing four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals.

Reid curated the final list of recordings to deliver to the producers, who retooled the production to add a fresh, contemporary sound that retains Jackson's essence and integrity. It's a process Reid calls "contemporizing." The album's lead producer, Timbaland was one of a handful of producers Reid believed had the gravitas, depth and range to creatively engage with Jackson's work. Additional producers include global hitmakers Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome "Jroc" Harmon and John McClain.

"Modern music and artistry would look and sound completely different if not for the groundbreaking contributions Michael Jackson gifted to the world," remarked L.A. Reid. "Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with. We are extremely proud and honored to present this music to the world."

The title of this album honors Michael's album naming process. He always chose a song from the album to name his projects and, beginning with THRILLER, used only one word titles, each with an edgy quality to them. This is true of the new project. Written by Michael Jackson and Jerkins, and produced by Jackson and Jerkins, "Xscape" has further significance in that it is the one track on the album that was 'contemporized' by the producer who recorded it originally in the studio with Michael.

John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson said,
"Michael was always on the cutting edge and was constantly reaching out to new producers, looking for new sounds. He was always relevant and current. These tracks, in many ways, capture that spirit. We thank L.A. Reid for his vision."

XSCAPE is a long awaited collection of exciting new music that will thrill the legions of fans of one of the world's most revered and best-selling artists, as well as attract a whole new generation discovering his artistry for the first time. In conjunction with the release of XSCAPE, Epic / Sony Music will launch an unprecedented global campaign with the One Sony sister companies, Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications, and Sony Network Entertainment International drawing from all of Sony's strengths and consumer reach.

"Michael has long been a treasured member of the larger Sony family," said Kazuo Hirai, President and CEO, Sony Corporation. "Starting with the release of 'Off The Wall' in 1979, Sony Music Entertainment has since released all of Michael's recordings. We are thrilled and privileged to be collaborating as One Sony to celebrate Michael's latest legacy, and bringing his fans an exclusive experience through our upcoming initiatives with our products and services."

More news about Michael Jackson's upcoming album will be revealed in the coming weeks. Keep visiting www.michaeljackson.com for new details.

ABOUT MICHAEL JACKSON:

Michael Jackson is one of the most beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time. He was also a dedicated philanthropist and an astute business professional. To date Jackson has sold 1 billion records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and "Thriller" as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 17 Grammy Awards including 8 in one year, a record in itself, and received 26 American Music Awards, including the Artist of the Century Award. Jackson defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking short films as "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and the classic "Thriller," which in 2009 became the first and only music video inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. In his short films "Black or White", "They Don't Care About Us", "Bad and "Smooth Criminal" and others, Jackson set an aesthetic standard for video production that remains unsurpassed even today. The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil have produced two top shows: Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour is the #9 top grossing tour of all time; and MICHAEL JACKSON ONE, a new permanent show at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, which is breaking box office records and receiving critical raves. Jackson's sound, style and dance moves continue to inspire today's performers and new generations of fans worldwide continue to discover his artistry.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140331/NY93882

SOURCE Epic Records

CONTACT: Lauren Ceradini, Epic Records, 212-833-7965, Lauren.Ceradini@epicrecords.com

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Top 10 eCommerce Facts About Nigeria

Top 10 eCommerce Facts About Nigeria

1. According to the World Bank, 32.9% of the population in Nigeria was dependent on the technologies of this age like, High-speed Internet, Broadband and LTE Broadband amongst others, as of 2012.
2. Nigeria ranks 8th out of a total of 212 member countries of United Nations in terms of number of internet users. Contrastingly, it occupies 128th spot in terms of internet penetration.
3. Although, the number of internet users in Nigeria are more in absolute terms but internet penetration in percentage terms is much lower than other African countries.
4. According to Internet World Stats, there were 55.9 million Internet users, representing 32.9% of the population of Nigeria in 2012. During the same year, number of Facebook users totaled to 6.6 million, being the most popular internet activity amongst Nigerians.
5. According to World Economic Forum, out of every 100 urban Nigerians, 50 access the internet monthly, 58 have internet capable mobile phones and 21 have smart phones.
6. Public expenditure on internet technologies is $3.14 per capita. It is noteworthy that 25% of expenditure on internet is due to e-government initiatives in Nigeria.
7. According to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the number of payments in the country made by mobile phone more than doubled, to 2.4 million, in the first half of 2012, while Internet payments rose 9.3 per cent.
8. Among urban residents, it is estimated that 99 per cent have access to mobile phones and 50 per cent go online. 
9. Social networking is the most popular online activity, followed by reading news and watching videos.
10. In general, urban Nigerians are more than twice as likely as the average African Internet user to conduct transactions online.

Source: BUSINESS DAY.

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Using Black Magic for Nollywood Movies

Using Black Magic in Nollywood By Daring Filmmaker C.J. “Fiery” Obasi

Why I Shot My Horror Feature OJUJU on the Black Magic Cinema Camera
By C.J. “Fiery” Obasi

I shot about 50% of my upcoming feature film on the Black Magic Cinema Camera.
My verdict?
It is a brilliant camera.
Like many filmmakers and tech geeks I was waiting for an opportunity to use the BMCC, way before it was even released. Soon as I got the opportunity, I embraced it with both hands. Literally.

First, I was making a horror feature film OJUJU on a budget (mostly without a budget), and I had weighed first my pocket, obviously and the cons that come with shooting with a typical high-end digital camera such as a Red-Epic or an Arri Alexa without having access to world-class post-production equipment. In my experience, besides the fact that they can afford it (I couldn’t) most filmmakers in Nigeria shoot on a RED because they want crisp pictures, and that’s fine. For me though, I wanted to shoot on a RED because I wanted to project a finished project on 4k. Now, realistically speaking, most filmmakers I know end up projecting in full HD (1080p) anyway, even after shooting on 4k. Which makes me wonder – what’s the point? Why would I spend all that money (which I don’t have, need I remind you) hiring a RED 4k and above camera, shoot, and then only to have a finished film in 1080p. Not to mention the post-production hurdles that you’re going to face when you’re not equipped to handleits post-production demands. I would rather save my money (again, which I don’t have), shoot on a BMCC, light properly, get my film look, and end up with easily manageable rushes that I can edit on the go, even on my laptop, as I see fit. I can have the entire rushes saved in a 1Tb external hard drive. Get an extra one or two, just for back up. But ultimately edit on the go, from one external hard drive. I don’t need a super computer to achieve this. I wish I had one. But I’m making a film on a budget, and as much as I would loooooove to have some Paramount pictures level type of editing suite, we make do with what we got. We’re gonna make pictures. Thanks to the French New Wave, Dogme 95 and John Cassavettes we can conceive an idea, script it, and get on real locations making our dreams come alive, edit it and voila, we have us a picture. And thanks to the BMCC almost any filmmaker can get that film look, without worrying too much about what happens after principal photography.

Me (Left), An actor (centre), and DOP, Tunji Akinsehinwa (Right)
DOP Tunji Akinsehinwa who has worked on celluloid, as well as with high-end 4k cameras on International projects enjoyed using the BMCC for the first time.

Actors Gabriel Afolayan and Meg Otanwa play a ghetto couple Romero and Alero respectively...will their 'ghetto love' see them through, when the plague of OJUJU strikes!

Romero’s (Gabriel Afolayan) neighbourhood is in trouble. People are suddenly manifesting symptoms of rabid river blindness . With his friends, Emmy (Kelechi Udegbe) and Peju (Omawunmi Dada) he struggles to understand how the neighbourhood’s sole source of water supply could have been infected. However, there’s no time to ponder because they all must survive and fight their way through to escape the infested neighbourhood.

Starring:
Gabriel Afolayan, Omowunmi Dada, Kelechi Udegbe, Meg Otanwa, Chidozie Nzeribe, Brutus Richard, Jumoke Ayadi, Paul Utomi and introducing Kelechi Joseph. - See more at: http://www.nigeriansreport.com/2014/03/using-black-magic-in-nollywood-by.html#sthash.sdFGuYdA.dpuf

See more on http://www.nigeriansreport.com/2014/03/using-black-magic-in-nollywood-by.html.

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Legendary Broadcast Journalist Tom Brokaw to Narrate IMAX® Theater Film "D-Day: Normandy 1944"

Legendary Broadcast Journalist Tom Brokaw to Narrate IMAX® Theater Film "D-Day: Normandy 1944" 3D Entertainment Distribution To Release Film Worldwide As Of March 2014

LOS ANGELES and PARIS and LONDON, Jan. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- 3D Entertainment Distribution announced today that legendary journalist and author Tom Brokaw will narrate "D-Day: Normandy 1944," written and directed by Pascal Vuong and produced by N3D LAND Films. The 40-minute film brings a new perspective to a monumental event in history that changed the world. It is slated for a staggered release worldwide in 3D and 2D, 15-perf./70-mm film and digital formats beginning in March 2014.

"What I was drawn to in this exceptional giant screen film is that it tells the story of D-Day in a manner that gives such clarity to one of the most important events in the history of mankind," said Brokaw. "By using digital technology, as well as stunning live-action images, audiences have an idea of the geography involved, the personalities involved, and it will allow a new generation a chance to understand it in a way they would not with traditional, grainy black & white footage. Upon seeing the initial few minutes of the film at the IMAX® theater, I found it irresistible."

A well-respected and trusted figure in US broadcast journalism, Brokaw is best known as the managing editor and unique anchor of NBC News. In this role, he produced and reported documentaries and extended expertise in breaking news events and election coverage. During this time, he was credited for his work in various film and television appearances, radio broadcasts, and several bestselling books, including "The Greatest Generation" and "The Greatest Generation Speaks." Brokaw has also won every major broadcast journalism award, including a Peabody Award, two DuPonts, and several Emmys. He is also recognized for his charity work.

"We are thrilled to be working with such an iconic journalist as Tom Brokaw, who is also known for his strong passion and interest in preserving the stories of those who participated in and were affected by World War II," said director Pascal Vuong. "He is, without question, the perfect voice for 'D-Day: Normandy 1944.'"

D-Day itself is a well-known event, yet only a few know in detail exactly why and how, from the end of 1943 until August 1944, Normandy became the most important location in the world. The 70th anniversary of D-Day will be marked by national and local commemorations on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as in Asia and Australia. "D-Day: Normandy 1944" is dedicated to the millions of men and women, soldiers and civilians, who gave their lives in this battle for freedom.

The official trailer is available at www.DDay-Normandy1944.com

About 3D Entertainment Distribution
3D Entertainment Distribution (3DED) is the theatrical sales and marketing arm of 3D Entertainment Films, a vertically integrated company founded in 2001 and focused on the production and the distribution of innovative 3D films for giant screens both in 15/70 and digital cinemas worldwide. The cornerstone of the Company's film catalogue is a unique underwater film trilogy presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau that has grossed over USD 86 million at the box office. In 2010, the Company successfully launched its first acquisition, the USD 20 million-grossing "Sea Rex 3D: Journey to a Prehistoric World" by French production company N3D LAND Films. This was followed up with 2012's "Air Racers 3D," narrated by Paul Walker, and "Kenya 3D: Animal Kingdom" in 2013. Beginning in March 2014, 3DED will release "D-Day: Normandy 1944," from the director and producers of "Sea Rex 3D: Journey to a Prehistoric World," in 3D and 2D at IMAX® and digital cinemas worldwide. This large format documentary, produced entirely in 3D, provides a new, penetrating look at this monumental event that forever changed the course of history. The Company's upcoming line-up for 2015 includes "Oceans 3D" (working title), the first large format film directed by ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau, as well as "Patagonia 3D: Sea Life Haven" (working title). The company has offices in Weybridge (UK) and Los Angeles (California). For more information, please visit http://www.3DEfilms.com

About N3D LAND Films
N3D LAND Films is a production company founded by the four creators of the award-winning large format 3D documentary "Sea Rex: Journey to a Prehistoric World," with Catherine Vuong as producer, Pascal Vuong as film director, Ronan Chapalain as VFX and 3D supervisor, and Sylvain Grain as line producer. Since its release in 2010, "Sea Rex: Journey to a Prehistoric World" has garnered numerous awards, including for the quality of its 3D, and was named "Best Earth Sciences Program" at the 2011 Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival. Described by the media as "making education cool," the film has been enjoyed by more than 4 million viewers to date, in 30 countries and 24 different languages. In 2011, thanks to the skills developed during the production of "Sea Rex" and encouraged by the response of international audiences, N3D LAND Films launched the production of the first large format 3D documentary devoted to D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. In 2013, it signed a partnership with 3D Entertainment Distribution for the worldwide release of "D-Day: Normandy 1944" in conjunction with the 70th anniversary of D-Day. For more information about our company, please visit http://www.N3DLAND.com

Press Contact:
Alexandra Body, 3D Entertainment Distribution, +1-323-284-4131, alexbody@3defilms.com

IMAX® is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation

SOURCE 3D Entertainment Distribution

• Famous Ocean Explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau Directs His First IMAX® Theater Film, "Secret Ocean 3D"
  
  Posted On Mar 20, 2014, 08:43 WAT
  

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