…TMC also set to launch $10 Million USD Creative Fund

Fast-growing talent agency, Temple Management Company (TMC) today expanded its operations within the lucrative Nigerian creative industry with the launch of a new subsidiary, Temple Motion Pictures Limited.

In another development, TMC will also offer subscriptions to a $10 Million creative fund which will provide greater flexibility and independence for its entertainment clients and partners. The details of the fund are still being finalised but it is set to launch by December 2017.

TMC’s expansion is the latest in a series for the pan-African agency which began operation in the first quarter of 2016. Last month, the company launched a music arm, Temple Music (TMPL) and unfolded artists on its platform such as Jeff Akoh, 9ice, DJ Jimmy Jatt and Bisola Aiyeola.

In a statement signed by Terfa Tilley-Gyado, Director of Communications, TMC, the entertainment powerhouse announced experienced cinematographer, Tokunbo Opaleye as Managing Director (MD) of its latest business interest. 

Temple Motion Pictures will focus on developing new full-budget theatrical films, branded content production, music videos and television shows based on the best projects, primarily for an African audience. In addition to its Managing Director, the new entity will also staff top-level writers, directors, editors and sound engineers with the remit of producing in-house and collaborating with outside studios.

“We started out last year primarily as a talent management company run by a group of young professionals with varying experiences in sports and entertainment,” explained Idris Olorunnimbe, Group Chief Executive of the Temple Group of Companies.

“Our experiences since have outlined how we are constantly having to repurpose the supporting infrastructure for entertainment and all its ancillaries. Netflix and other companies saw what we were doing and started to come to us for logistical and planning expertise in local shoots. To manage these projects and others, Temple Motion Pictures was born.”

Speaking about the new organization, Tokunbo Opaleye said he was excited to be part of the new project and couldn’t wait to get started. “I see Temple Pictures basically as an incubator for writers, filmmakers and all lovers of the silver screen,” Opaleye said.

“We have procured some first-rate equipment and will churn out world class productions that can continue to propagate the African narrative to a global audience.”

Group Chairman, Tunde Folawiyo envisages a fresher approach to filmmaking. “We want to promote African creativity and culture in Africa and worldwide,“ he said. “They may seem disparate but we all essentially want the same things. Visual storytelling lends itself to instant identification and Temple Motion Pictures will tell African stories in a unique, compelling and relatable way, showcasing and promoting the Africa we know and not the tired stereotypes.”