Los Angeles-born entrepreneur Nana Dakrabo I is partnering with Washington DC-based WEG Studios to develop a major studio complex in Ghana.
With a projected cost of $350m, Dakrabo 1 Studios will be spread over 321 acres of land in Ghana and include seven sound stages, a 240-acre backlot, blue-screen water tank, a recording studio, pre/post-production facilities, screening theatres, a concert hall, office space, a hotel for cast and crews, and a film and music school.
The team behind the studio hope to capitalise on the burgeoning African film industry by hosting productions from neighbouring countries, as well as attracting international film and TV projects.
Dakrabo I (also known as Michael B. Pratt) and WEG Studios have also teamed with musician/producer Koby Maxwell and actor Michael Blackson to build the studio complex.
“My vision is to develop a Hollywood ecosystem in Ghana,” Dakrabo I said. ”Beyond the film studio, I want to see professionals in all creative industries realise their ‘Hollywood’ dreams without leaving the continent and to see a thriving entertainment industry that attracts talent and attention from all over the world.”
Speaking about the film and music school, Dakrabo I added: “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. It’s critical that we properly educate aspiring professionals on best practices and techniques directly from the industry’s best. This will allow us to create content at a calibre that rivals a Hollywood blockbuster.”
The new studio complex aims to create thousands of jobs for the local entertainment industry.
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