CONVERSATION ON THE USE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE PRODUCTION OF KUNLE AFOLAYAN'S ANIKULAPO MOVIE

Abstract: The Nigerian film industry (Nollywood) is Africa's most popular movie industry in terms of both the number and frequency of annual film productions. The introduction of digitalisation into film production has brought about remarkable changes in the industry, which, however, has been sparsely investigated in Nigeria. Therefore, this study investigated the application of digital technology in Kunle Afolayan's Anikulapo film production. The objectives of the study were to: examine the influence of digital technology on the production of contemporary Nollywood Films, as well as examine the entire process of making a film, focusing on the adoption and use of digital technology in the production of films in Nigeria. This study utilised the Diffusion of Innovation Theory as well as the Technology Acceptance Model to explain the influence of digital technologies on the production of the Nollywood industry. The qualitative research design with the use of visual analysis and Key Informant Interview (KII) methods was adopted for the study. The film purposively selected for visual analysis is Kunle Afolayan's Anikulapo. Key Informant Interviews were conducted with purposively selected film experts as well as members of the academia. The study found that standard digital cameras, software, studio and visual effects technologies, and drones are the identified digital technologies used in Kunle Afolayan's Anikulapo; Consequently, this study recommends independent filmmakers and film studios should adopt Kunle Afolayan's technology integration, by embracing the use of VFX (Visual Effects) as well as other film technologies to enhance the quality of their films as well as improve storytelling. Also, they should acquire more skills in handling digital technology for the production of films as well as inject more funds into the purchase of digital equipment.

Keywords: Nollywood, Film Industry, Digital technology, Influence, Dominant stages, Contemporary.

Published: June 2024

Issue: Vol 1 (3) 2024: PLASU JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION STUDIES