Board advises movie producers to first obtain permit

NAN-H-32
Permit
By Bolaji Buhari
Lagos, March 30,2017 (NAN) The Lagos State Film and Video Census Board (LSFVCB), has urged movie producers to obtain permit before filming in any part of the state.
Mr Dele Balogun, Executive Secretary of the board gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Lagos on Thursday.
He said it was illegal for film-makers to shoot their works in the state without the necessary approval from the board as any transgression of the law attracted a sanction.
Balogun added that obtaining permit was in the best interest of producers as it would enable the board to respond adequately in case of harassment by hoodlums while filming.
“We are calling on our movie producers to always do their business within the confines of the law. They should get permit from the board before shooting in any part of the state or be ready to face sanction.
“Moreso, obtaining the permit would give them the protection against hoodlums who might want to pose a problem to them at their locations’’, he said.
Balogun said some hoodlums recently invaded a movie location in the state, disrupted activities and vandalised equipment.
While describing the incident as unfortunate, Balogun said the situation could have been averted if the producer had obtained authorisation as the board was not aware of the work until after the incident.
He said the board would continue to sensitise producers on the importance of obtaining permit and would work with them to ensure compliance.
On piracy, Balogun said the board was waging a sustained war against those pirating the intellectual works of practitioners in the movie industry.
He said about N10million pirated CDs and equipment were recently impounded and destroyed by the board during one its raids, adding that efforts were being intensified to deal decisively with piracy.
“I advise those who are still involved in this shady business to stop or risk being caught by the law.
“Piracy is killing the movie industry and we are partnering with producers, the national census board and other stakeholders to ensure that we get rid of piracy in the state’’, he said. (NAN)
BHB/IEA
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Edited by Idahosa Asowata