Cultural transposition and challenges of policy making: a review of select Nigerian television series

Abstract

Cinematic entertainment, it is safe to say, cannot be wished away. Indeed, as a child of necessity, the film and by extension the Televised Drama-series industry have come a long way. However, African countries like Nigeria today continue to grapple with issues of Genre, Form, Cultural imperialism and so on. This has
consequently raised questions on issues of policy making and realistic interpretation as expressed by film scholars and critics and as observed through the eyes of the regular viewer. Furthermore, the issues of cinematic language or style, raises another concern as this is capable of engendering different levels of psychological involvement or emotional attachment from the viewing audience. Thus, factors such as the social, political and even religious make up of the intended audience become imperative for the director who must fuse these thematic, artistic and technical aspects in order to truly engage his audience on the discourse of the moment. This research work finds that there appears to be a disconnect on how the average Nigeria Television drama series is packaged and presented from its original thematic content. The question of cultural transposition further emboldens this view as directors seem to infuse certain values as seen through dialogue, dressing, set and so on; and as such distract and in some cases prevent the audience from accessing the real message behind
the story. The researchers employed the qualitative research method which entails the analysis of text, online journals and handbooks for proper and objective content analysis and appreciation. The researchers also analyzed two Nigerian series; that is The Johnsons and Professor Johnbull. The study recommends that discussions in the area of Cultural transposition and policy making especially as it concerns the film medium should be intensified as this would not only encourage a more, Professional approach to Film and Television. Drama industry, but would allow for the enthronement of content above glamour as well as engender more believable and realistic story telling.