Dramatic Script Writing and Its Effect on the Performance of Actors and Actresses in Nollywood Films

Abstract

The Nigeria film industry called Nollywood is universally recognised as the third largest film industry in the world. As a film producing industry, it is important to know that the survival of such industry depends more on the quality of products produced. Scripts are the foundation of any film or video producing organisation as presentations seen on video productions come with the dynamics of a script. The Nigerian film industry, despite its record of achievements still battle with the problem of script writing which affects the performance of Nollywood actors and actresses.

This study evaluates the quality of a good dramatic script and the role of a dramatic script on the quality of films produced. The study examines how the Nigerian films industry is affected by the quality of script used in its production. It proffers recommendation on how improvement can be achieved for professional development. It clearly states the usefulness of the study to both the film industry, governments and non-governmental bodies who seek to use the medium of film for national development. As an evaluative and prescriptive study, data for analysis were generated through documentary or historical sources.

Finally, the study concludes that film industries and home vidoes generally are fundamental weapons for development in the global world. Nollywood should rise to the global challenge facing the industry and the right drive should be put in place to tackle the problems. Nollywood as a film producing institution should know that it is important for Nollywood script writers to undergo a formal training on drama script writing. Also thorough field research work must be conducted by script writers for practical improvement in the art of drama script writing.

Keywords: Scripting, Film, Performance, Actors, Nollywood