Renowned Ghanaian film producer and director, King Ampaw, has shared valuable advice for filmmakers in Ghana.
In a recent interview on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, King Ampaw, best known for his iconic 1983 movie ‘Kukurantumi: Road to Accra’, cautioned filmmakers against solely relying on government funding for their movie productions.
He emphasized that government funds allocated for film productions are often insufficient to cover the real costs involved in creating a successful commercial production.
King Ampaw stated, “To put the facts down, commercial productions have got very little, not much to do with government. It is purely private business because of the money involved.”
The veteran filmmaker suggested that while government funds may provide some cushion for filmmakers, it is essential for them to seek additional financial support from private investors. King Ampaw highlighted the importance of having a strong script that can attract investors and secure funding for movie projects.
Drawing from his own experience, King Ampaw revealed that he had never received funding from the Ghanaian government for his films.
Instead, he had garnered support from entities like the European Union and the German government. He underscored the need for individual producers to take proactive steps in seeking financial assistance for their projects.
In light of these insights, King Ampaw encouraged Ghanaian filmmakers to adopt a more proactive approach in securing funding for their movie productions. He emphasized the significance of having a compelling script and reaching out to potential investors to support their creative endeavors.
Meanwhile, the National Film Authority has reassured filmmakers of plans to establish the Film Development Fund. The fund aims to provide financial support for the development and production of full-length feature films, television productions, and initiatives promoting public education on cultural values.
