Ghanaian filmmakers have been encouraged to rethink traditional film distribution models and take greater advantage of digital platforms to improve their earnings and expand the global reach of their productions.
Award-winning documentary filmmaker, producer and director George Bosompim said television should no longer be the first option for filmmakers seeking to distribute their work, particularly where broadcasters were unwilling to pay for content.
Speaking in an interview with GNA Entertainment, the UniMAC lecturer said online platforms and digital distribution agreements offered creatives alternative avenues to generate revenue from their productions.
He urged filmmakers to explore the growing number of digital channels available and negotiate proper distribution arrangements instead of giving away their content without adequate compensation.
Mr Bosompim also called for better coordination among institutions and structures within Ghana’s creative industry to ensure that filmmakers benefited from other revenue streams, including insurance and royalties.
He said the success of a film should not be measured only by the immediate income generated after its release.
“There should be insurance, there should be royalties, and there are a whole lot of things that we have to look at,” he said.
Mr Bosompim welcomed the government’s GH¢20 million fund for the creative arts sector but urged managers of the fund to ensure transparency in its administration.
He said the fund should support high-quality productions capable of competing on the international stage, including at the Oscars.
As a member of the Oscars Committee, he also advised Ghanaian producers to study the rules and eligibility requirements of international film awards before submitting their works.
He said filmmakers needed to be more deliberate in their approach to international recognition and should understand the regulations before completing and submitting productions.
Mr Bosompim further urged young filmmakers to embrace mentorship and apprenticeship rather than attempting to learn every aspect of filmmaking alone.
He said working under experienced professionals could help young creatives build their portfolios while avoiding mistakes already made by others in the industry.
He also encouraged greater collaboration among filmmakers, saying the complexity of modern film production made it difficult for one person to handle every stage of a project effectively.
According to him, different professionals should contribute their expertise across pre-production, scriptwriting, production and post-production.
Mr Bosompim said stronger collaboration, better professional training and improved digital distribution would help Ghanaian filmmakers build sustainable careers and compete more effectively in the global film industry.
