USAID and Ascend Studios Launch $3.5 Million Initiative to Empower Nigeria’s Film Industry
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Ascend Studios have unveiled the Africa Creative Blueprint, a transformative $3.5 million initiative designed to revolutionize Nigeria’s film industry and elevate African storytelling on the global stage. This partnership marks a significant step forward in the development of Nigeria’s creative sector and aims to provide the necessary tools to empower young Nigerian creatives.
The initiative’s core goal is to train 3,500 Nigerian youth in TV production skills by December 15, 2024. By offering intensive, hands-on training, the program seeks to build a world-class TV production workforce capable of competing globally. The project will also bring together at least 200 young Nigerians to collaborate on the creation of a high-quality, music-infused 13-episode TV drama, providing a platform for the youth to showcase their talents and promote African culture to a wider audience.
To ensure access across the country, the training will be conducted in six major Nigerian cities. This widespread approach aims to address critical challenges in Nigeria’s film industry, such as limited distribution channels, production quality issues, and inadequate intellectual property protections. By bridging these gaps, the initiative aims to create more sustainable revenue streams for filmmakers and elevate the country’s creative economy.
This collaboration between USAID and Ascend Studios is poised to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a hub for creative talent and cultural exchange, fostering opportunities for young African storytellers to gain international recognition. Applications for the training and cast/crew positions are now open, with a deadline of December 15, 2024.
