LAGOS, NIGERIA (Jan. 11, 2016) ; First Bank of Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc and Nigeria’s most valuable bank brand has launched another first – a pivotal filmmaking reality TV show called FirstStars, in partnership with EbonyLife TV, Africa’s first Global Black entertainment and lifestyle network.
Set against the canvass of ‘passion’ and ‘people’, two of the core corporate values of FirstBank, FirstStars showcases the business behind the stars and the opportunities in the film industry, bringing attention to the knowledge, skills, talent and passion of the Nigerian creative mind. This is in line with FirstBank’s support of the creative arts industry as a major contributor to economic growth.
EbonyLife TV, whose sister company, EbonyLife Films, produced FIFTY, one of the most successful and longest running cinema feature films in Nigeria, will be producing the FirstStars reality TV show. The channel is recognized globally as Africa’s media and entertainment powerhouse for its pristine production values, premium programming quality and creation of some of the most inspiring content with an African soul that showcase the best of the continent for a global black audience.
FirstStars is ready to take the audience on an intriguing and emotional journey of the filmmaking process, beginning with the electrifying process of selecting the most outstanding talents. The talent hunt is open to all Nigerians through a sequence of auditions and contests which will attempt to identify the brightest talents in five key categories: directing, producing, art directing, script writing and acting.
The winners will be rewarded with cash prizes of 5 million naira and mentorship by notable professionals in the industry and will also be opportune to work together to create a feature length movie which will be premiered by FirstBank and shown on EbonyLife TV as well as in theatres nationwide.
According to Folake Ani-Mumuney, FirstBank’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, “FirstBank is passionate about the arts, and is partnering with EbonyLife TV under the First@arts strategic initiative to produce FirstStars. FirstBank is committed to promoting the Creative Arts industry, and to promoting home-grown human capacity development across several art platforms. Through this strategic initiative, the Bank will foster the development of the arts sector and preserve the nation’s cultural heritage.”
For Mo Abudu, Executive Chairman and CEO of EbonyLife TV, “FirstBank continues to be a staunch supporter of the entertainment industry and we’re very proud and thrilled to be partnering with the institution on yet another first! We believe FirstStars will not only help our teeming youth population hone and develop their filmmaking skills and ultimately become some of Africa’s leading actors, directors, producers, script writers and art directors, we are also convinced that the initiative will help to inspire excellence in the industry.”
Call to auditions will last from February 3rd to March 9th 2016. Online application is open at http://firststars.firstbanknigeria.com and www.ebonylifetv.com. Entries will be screened and successful applicants will be contacted.