THE DEARTH OF ADEQUATE RESEARCH IN FILM MAKING IN NIGERIA: A CRITICAL EVALUATION

摘要

Research is very important in every facet of human endeavour. This is more so in modern times where information (the by-product of research), is power, and has shaped and reshaped the world constantly. Research is very important in film making, more than any other element in the production chain. This is because research comes into the pre-production, production and post- production stages; in the scripting, through location and setting, casting, equipment sourcing, editing, publicity and marketing. The success of most popular and successful films ever, has been linked to adequate and effective research. However, Nigerian film makers have always taken adequate research for granted, and the result is obvious in the quality of their films which cannot effectively compete in the global market. Some directors (many of them highly untrained), have not gone beyond a script writer's 'prescription' to produce films that even non-professionals take to the cleaners in terms of criticism. This paper therefore evaluated adequate research in films and condemns the dearth which has worked against quality, professionalism and therefore grossly reduced the value and global acceptability of Nigerian films. This work is a qualitative research. The result emphasizes the importance of research in film production and advocates that the National Film and Video Censors Board, and other regulatory agencies, should pursue the enhancement of the quality of Nigerian films by ensuring that film makers carry out adequate research at all the stages of a production in order to meet the global standard and demands in the art and science of film making.