Junior Pope: Veteran filmmaker, Teco Benson unveils safety guidelines for Nollywood practitioners

Dear Nollywood Stakeholders,

I write to address a recent tragedy that has profoundly impacted our community.

In the past three days, a major actor, Junior Pope, and four other crew members lost their lives in a boat accident on the River Niger while travelling to a movie location. This tragic incident not only has caused a significant loss to our industry but has also drawn negative attention to Nollywood due to the lack of safety measures observed.

To prevent such tragedies in the future and to enhance our industry’s reputation, I propose the following steps:

*Mandatory Safety Measures:*

– Life Jackets:

All individuals on set, including actors and crew members, must wear life jackets when boarding any water vessel for film production.

– Swimming Certification:

We should insist that all actors and crew members receive swimming certification to ensure they are capable swimmers in case of an emergency.

*Introduction of a Code of Ethics:*

– Proper Channels of Communication:

We should establish and adhere to clear communication channels for reporting and managing incidents. Only designated representatives should address the media to avoid misinformation.

– Sanctions for Violations:

Individuals who breach communication protocols or share unauthorized accounts of incidents should face serious sanctions.

*Risk Assessment and Safety Protocols:*

– Risk Assessment:

Production companies must conduct risk assessments before engaging in any water-based activities, identifying potential hazards, and creating safety plans.

– Training and Briefings:

Provide safety training and pre-production briefings for all individuals involved in water-based scenes.

Collaboration with Local Authorities:

– Emergency Services:

We should establish collaborations with local emergency services for quick response and assistance in case of accidents.

– Compliance with Regulations:

Ensure compliance with local maritime laws and safety regulations.

Promoting Industry Unity and Professionalism:

Self-regulation:

We should work towards regulating our practice by ourselves using the professional guilds and the Federation of Nollywood guilds as the Umbrella. Waiting for government to do it for us may be counterproductive.

– *Support Networks:*

Establish support networks for those affected by accidents, including counseling and assistance.

-Industry Oversight:

Encourage industry-wide oversight to promote unity and ensure all production companies adhere to the established safety standards.

Conclusion:

The recent tragedy has been a sobering reminder of the risks involved in our industry. By implementing these measures, we can work together to prioritize safety and professionalism, ensuring the continued growth and respectability of Nollywood.

I urge all stakeholders to consider these recommendations and work towards a safer and more professional industry.

Sincerely,

Teco Benson, MFR

Filmmaker/ceo, TFP Global Network.