HRH Chief Nana Dakrabo I (also known as Michael B. Pratt) has partnered with WEG Studios in Washington, DC, musician/producer Koby Maxwell, actor Michael Blackson, and other notable people to develop “Dakrabo 1 Studios,” a state-of-the-art film studio and production house.
This world-class studio will be built on 321 acres in Ghana, making it Africa’s first of its kind. The $350 million project will create thousands of jobs and revitalize Ghana’s entertainment industry.
Nana Dakrabo’s team consists of leading industry executives, architects, studio developers, entrepreneurs, executives, investors, and celebrities who share a common goal of making Ghana an African entertainment hub.
Dakrabo, Nana I believe it is time for Africans all over the world to band together and bring to Africa what we have brought to the rest of the world… entertainment.
Nana Dakrabo I told the media, “Entertainment is my greatest passion.” I was born in Los Angeles and grew up surrounded by celebrities and business executives. Essentially, I grew up in the shadow of Hollywood, and now I get to bring Hollywood to Ghana.”
“My vision is to develop a Hollywood ecosystem in Ghana,” he continued. Beyond the film studio, I want to see professionals in all creative industries realize their ‘Hollywood’ dreams without having to leave the continent, as well as a thriving entertainment industry that attracts talent and attention from all over the world.”
With Nigeria’s Nollywood being the world’s second largest film industry (producing over 2,500 films and employing over 300,000 people per year), Ghana has a huge opportunity to attract a massive number of productions to produce high quality, world-class productions.
“A film studio in Ghana will tremendously improve the industry with high-quality productions and it will unlock untapped potential and opportunities for international distribution,” said Koby Maxwell, a popular Nollywood Film Producer.
The studio is well-positioned to capitalize on the African film market, gaining a significant share of productions from neighboring countries while also attracting productions from around the world.
Dakrabo 1 Studios, once completed, will include seven soundstages, a 240-acre backlot, a blue-screen water tank, a recording studio, pre/post-production facilities, screening theaters, a concert hall, office space, a hotel for cast and crews, and, most importantly, a film and music school. Dakrabo, Nana I want to foster creativity and give students hands-on experience in the classroom and on the studio lot.
“Our education and technology partners are working together to create an educational experience that allows industry leading teachers from Los Angeles to teach virtually in Ghana,” Nana Dakrabo I said of the school. “It’s critical that we properly educate aspiring professionals on best practices and techniques directly from the industry’s best,” he continued. This will enable us to create content on par with a Hollywood blockbuster.”
Every structure on the property will be named after an influential African from around the world. This is Nana’s way of honoring our forefathers and implying that this project is only possible because Africans all over the world have triumphed and are uniting for the first time since our great dispersal.
Ghana has no chance of competing on the world stage in entertainment without a major production facility. President Nana Addo, on the other hand, has launched a Film Pitch Series, and Honorable Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal is committed to developing Ghana’s film industry. “Having nothing but support from Ghana’s government makes all the difference in the world,” Chief Nana said, adding, “I couldn’t ask for a more encouraging and progressive government to work with.”
He is confident that Ghana will attract massive investment and major productions to the studio. The industry will benefit not only the country’s GDP and employment, but also tourism. However, in order for this to happen, filmmakers must have access to a cutting-edge facility, cutting-edge equipment, top-tier education, and capital.
Dakrabo, Nana With hybrid production teams and film financing, I am excited to bridge the gap between Hollywood and Ghana. United Filmmakers, one of his production partners, is a TV/Film Production & Distribution company that specializes in African American and African productions across multiple platforms. They give the creative control of the projects through filmmaker-friendly distribution contracts and transparent annual reporting.
His team has over 40 years of experience and has built relationships with some of the industry’s top networks and streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Roku, Tubi, Pluto TV, BET, TV One, HBO, SHOWTIME, and OWN. They intend to make it easier for African filmmakers to distribute to major networks around the world.
“We have a really strong team, and collectively, we have access to most of Hollywood’s major networks, and collectively, we want Ghana’s creative to have the same access,” Nana Dakrabo I stated. Nana Dakrabo I has been focusing on his duties as Mpuntuhene (Development Chief) of Akonoma in the Asebu Kingdom since his enstoolment.
“I’ve been given the incredible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many people.” It is not something I take lightly. “I am grateful to King Okatakyi Dr. Amanfi VII for entrusting me with such a massive responsibility and for his support of my visions,” he stated.
Nana Dakrabo’s talents extend beyond entertainment. I am very interested in education, technology, and development. He is developing a strategy to renovate schools in his Traditional Area, build affordable housing, advance education through technology, and create job opportunities in a variety of industries.
Dakrabo, Nana “It’s all about helping others,” I said. God has blessed me with the ability to bless others. That is a true dream come true.”
Source; Kubilive.com
