By Stephen Kwabena Effah
Saturday, 20 October 2007.
Martin Loh, Director of the National Film Television Institute, has observed that one big problem in the African film industry is the issue of soundtrack , noting that most soundtracks on African films are not of African origin and where it is, not of good quality.
A good soundtrack is an indication of the quality of the film, he pointed out.
In an exclusive interview with the Times after the opening of a two-week regional workshop on writing and composing music for film in Accra on Thursday, Mr Loh said, some soundtracks do not match the mood as it was not purposely composed for that particular film.
Professionally, he said, films must be seen by the composer of the soundtrack so as to write and compose a song that reflects the mood in the film, but noted that normally film makers just pick already made songs from libraries for their films.
The workshop, which is sponsored by the French Embassy in Ghana, is being attended by 10 delegates from Burkina Faso, Ghana and Togo. It is expected to give them the necessary training in writing and composing film soundtrack to help the industry in Africa.
The problem arises because there are not many professional writers and composers in Africa, and therefore training of people to take up the challenge is something which must be given attention.
Mr. Loh expressed the hope that the workshop will widen the scope of the participants to help boost the film industry which he said is still developing in Africa.
Therefore, he urged film makers to make every opportunity available to improve it, adding that the industry has a responsibility to enlighten the people.
On his part, a professor of the University of Ghana School of Performing Arts, William Anku, said "people do not understand that music should be properly composed for films.
He indicated that "good music alone can sell the film. Many films are known because of their soundtrack."
He said that it is important that filmmakers look for professional composers who understand what is needed to go into the music.
Prof. Anku expressed concern about the current state of Ghanaian music in general and underscored the need for proper musical education to improve its status.
"A lot of what is going on today is drawing on other people’s experience. We don’t have creativity to take our music and turn it into a work of art," he observed.
He said that if Ghana wants to really develop its music industry for the international market, it has to start serious training of people from an early stage.
Prof. Anku indicated that through training, "you can explore traditions and cultures, and so will be able to know whether you are copying," adding that it is important that those who are into music delve deep into indigenous cultures.
He said that not only should they bring the indigenous cultures out, but rather "transform them to the works of art, which would be applicable to various users," adding that "a lot of things should go into music to make it appealing"
He also observed that the government has not done enough in the development and promotion of Ghanaian music, a contributing factor to the poor quality of most of our music.
The French Ambassador, Pierre Jacquemot, said soundtrack is very crucial in films but unfortunately, African film makers do not see it as such, adding that there is the need to prioritise soundtrack in making their films.
He said the embassy is happy to partner NAFTI in assisting to improve the soundtrack standard in the industry through training.
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