MOTION PICTURE PRACTITIONERS’ ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA
MOPPAN
CODE OF ETHICS
ENDORSED BY THE
MOTION PICTURE COUNCIL OF NIGERIA
(MOPICON)
Content
Introduction
PART 1
Administration of the Code
PART 2
General standards for Motion Picture Practice in Nigeria
3.1 Crimes Against The Law
3.2 Religion
3.3 Cultural/Ethnic/Tribal Diversity
3.4 Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Distributor/Marketer
3.5 Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Exhibitor
3.6 Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Producer
3.7 Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Director
3.8 Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Actor
3.9 Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Cinematographer
3.10 Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Writer
3.11 Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Sound Recordist
3.12 Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Production Manager
3.13 Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Editor
3.14 Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Production Designer
3.15 Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Technician/Craftsman/Artisan
3.16 Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Videogram/Mart Operator
3.17 Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Lighting Technician
PART 3
Violations and Penalties
Appeals
Enforcement
CODE OF ETHICS FOR MOTION PICTURE IN NIGERIA
INTRODUCTION
1.1 This Code of Ethics for Motion Picture Practitioners is designed to enhance the ideal of social responsibility and social relevance among Nigerian Motion Picture Practitioners, thus ensuring high standards in the technical and artistic qualities of their projects.
1.2 The motion picture industry is an important medium of communication, which cuts across national and cultural boundaries; a tool of national economic, social, cultural and political development and a powerful medium for the promotion of national ethics as well as national mobilization.
1.3 Motion Picture Practitioners in Nigeria recognizes the high trust and confidence that have been placed in them by the people of Nigeria especially as motion picture constitute a universal form of entertainment.
1.4 They recognize their responsibility to the public because of this trust and because entertainment and art are important influence in the life of a nation and the projection of its image and culture globally.
1.5 Hence, though regarding motion picture primarily as entertainment without any explicit purpose of teaching or propaganda, practitioners know that the motion picture within its own field of entertainment is directly responsible for spiritual or moral progress and for higher types of social life, and for much correct thinking.
1.6 In view of the power of the ultimate among communication media, Motion Picture Practitioners should realize the necessity and the opportunity of subscribing to a code to govern the production of talking pictures and of acknowledging this responsibility.
1.7 Motion Picture Practitioners, while demanding from the public understanding of their purposes and problems and a spirit of co-operation that will allow them the freedom and opportunity necessary to bring the motion picture to a still higher level of wholesome entertainment for all the people, are obliged to be conscious always of the necessity to be committed to the principle of social responsibility and the need to preserve common national ethos.
1.8 Based on the foregoing, Motion Picture Practitioners in Nigeria shall endeavour to always use the film and video medium:
as a vital instrument for international image building;
to positively protect, project and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and national aspirations (in the process of development, industrialization and integration);
as a tool of national cohesion;
as a vehicle for public enlightenment, education, entertainment and national mobilization;
to motivate the people by propagating ideas which promote national pride, solidarity and consciousness.
1.9 The provisions of this code represents the minimum standards for the profession and shall strictly be adhered to by all professionals.
PART 1
ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE
2.1 Complaints against the professional conduct of a practitioner may be made in accordance with PART IV of the enabling law by an individual or a corporate body. Such complaints may emanate from what is perceived to be:
Unethical or unprofessional conduct by a member of the profession,
Offensive or an unacceptable project.
All complaints not resolved by the appropriate Guilds/Associations should be in writing and addressed to the Registrar, Motion Picture Council of Nigeria.
Complaints will be treated as appropriate by:
The Investigating Panel, and
The Disciplinary Arbitration Panel.
Decisions of the Council on all complaints will be appropriately communicated and shall be binding on all parties.
This Code applies to the entire contents of a project, including all
words and numbers (spoken or written), visual presentations, music and sound effects;
PART 2
STANDARD FO|R MOTION PICTURE PRACTICE IN NIGERIA
3.1 CRIMES AGAINST THE LAW
Every criminal offence depicted in a given context in a storyline must be punished.
RELIGION
No religion or form of worship shall be depicted in a manner that will expose it to ridicule.
3.3 CULTURAL/ETHNIC/TRIBAL DIVERSITY
No project in any form shall be allowed to derogate any cultural, ethnic and tribal diversity of a people.
3.4 CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS FOR THE DISTRIBUTOR/MARKETER
(a) Understand the market in all ramifications here in Nigeria;
(b) Build a trust-based relationship with the producer in ensuring that all agreements are properly documented and without ambiguities;
(c) Endeavour to ensure that the Producer gets his copies of the box office return statement and that payments are made when due;
(d) Market and promote the Motion Picture material aggressively on all media fronts;
(e) Have a marketing strategy for each Motion Picture Product as no two products are the same;
(f) Maximize Box Office returns by ensuring only genuine tickets are sold;
(g) Pay all local taxes and levies;
(h) Ensure the motion picture material obtains proper classification;
(i) Prevent and assist the right owners to fight copyright infringement and Piracy of Motion Picture material in his/her custody;
(j) Schedule and programme Motion Picture material release for optimal returns;
(k) Encourage the growth and development of all primary and residual marketing channels;
(l) Comply with operating Motion Picture set down rules and regulations.
3.5 CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS FOR THE EXHIBITOR
(a) Ensure compliance with local/foreign content regulations;
(b) Ensure the theatre hall is strategically located and well kept and ensure the motion picture is well promoted and advertised (posters and trailers);
(c) Adhere to the Distributor’s/Producer’s schedule and programme;
(d) Ensure tickets received are well kept and accounted for and that only genuine tickets are sold;
(e) Ensure exhibition equipment (Projector and sound system) are in optimal working condition and are periodically upgraded;
(f) Monitor the Motion Picture performance and regularly inform the Distributor or Producer;
(g) Prepare Box Office statement of account for each screening of a motion picture material;
(h) Protect the motion picture material in his/her custody against copyright infringement and piracy;
(i) Develop a network of cinema/theatres/halls;
(j) Insure the cinemas;
(k) Obtain permit/license (cinematography, fire, police, business premises, NFVCB, etc.);
(l) Ensure security and safety conditions are met e.g. hygienic and lighted premises;
(j) Ensure comfort and adequate conveniences for the viewing audience;
(k) Comply with operating Motion Picture set down rules and regulations.
3.6 CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS FOR THE PRODUCER
(a) Be responsible and accountable to the financiers of/investors in the motion picture project;
Enter into contractual agreement with the financiers/investors, writer(s), consultants, cast and crew, etc;
Provide all human and material resources needed;
Draw up a realistic and achievable budget;
Draw up a realistic and attainable production schedule;
Ensure the security, safety and protection of cast and crew;
Ensure the welfare of cast and crew;
Guard against copyright infringement;
Ensure proper distribution and exhibition (marketing) of Motion Picture material, where applicable;
Ensure Rights control of script/screenplay and the final motion picture;
Ensure Projects which are reflective of local culture and heritage;
Provide insurance for the production, covering cast and crew whether loss or accidents, etc;
Ensure proper auditioning and casting and crew selection is supervised by the Director;
Shall not produce motion picture that ridicules Nigerian laws or creates sympathy for its violation;
Comply with operating Motion Picture set down rules and regulations.
3.7 CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS FOR THE DIRECTOR
No Director is allowed to be on more than one project at a time;
Augment, enrich and infuse life into the screenplay;
Guide, motivate and inspire actors in interpreting the story in terms of the (their own personalities vis-à-vis) characters to be played;
Strike a fair balance between quality and cost;
Tell a story honestly and not underestimate the intelligence of the audience;
Entertain, inform and / or educate the public;
Respect and comply with contractual obligations;
Preside over post production;
Keep abreast of technological/innovative developments by attending seminars, workshops, exhibitions, etc;
Ensure professional judgment in dealing with artistes;
Edit their pictures after shoots.
Comply with operating motion picture set down rules and regulations.
3.8 CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS FOR THE ACTOR
Shall not be on more than one project at a time;
Respect and comply with contractual obligations;
Obey call times;
Respect camp and set/location rules;
Attend and participate in rehearsals;
Attend and participate in script conference;
Insist on complete copy of the script;
Behave in the most professional manner on any project;
Comply with operating motion picture set down rules and regulations.
3.9 CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS FOR THE CINEMATOGRAPHER
Respect and comply with contractual obligations;
Ensure all equipment are bench tested before the shoot;
Ensure competent crew hands are hired;
Ensure safety of all equipment;
Respect and enforce call times among the crew;
Ensure visual interpretation is in tune with Director’s vision;
Be professional in his/her job attitude;
Supervise and provide leadership for the crew;
Ensure all cinematographic material are not expired or are at usable generations;
Ensure all equipment are returned in good working order;
Advice the director honestly on every take, and confer with him regularly;
Attend and participate in all daily conferences;
Keep daily log;
Keep abreast of technological developments by attending seminars, workshops and exhibitions, etc.;
Comply with operating motion picture set down rules and regulations.
3.10 CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS FOR THE WRITER
Respect and comply with contractual obligations;
Avoid plagiarism and copyright infringement;
Comply with all deadlines;
Ensure proper and detailed Copyright Control of the script/screenplay;
Have submission agreements with Producer;
Keep abreast of developments by attending seminars, workshops, exhibitions, etc;
Comply with operating motion picture set down rules and regulations.
3.11 CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS FOR THE SOUND RECORDIST
Respect and comply with contractual obligations;
Ensure optimal sound quality;
Respect and keep Call Times;
Ensure all equipment are bench-tested before the shoot;
Ensure all materials have not expired and are at useable generation;
Attend and participate in all Daily Conferences;
Keep daily log;
Keep abreast of technological developments by attending seminars, workshops, exhibitions, etc.;
Advise the Director on every task and confer with the Director regularly.
Comply with operating motion picture set down rules and regulations.
3.12 CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS FOR THE PRODUCTION MANAGER
Co-ordinate departmental activities and needs to ensure the effectiveness of each;
Respect and comply with contractual obligations;
Provide and enforce workable production schedule;
Ensure the welfare of cast and crew;
Ensure and provide a genial working environment and atmosphere;
Ensure the Director has all the human and material resources needed to work efficiently;
Ensure budget compliance;
Ensure all contracts are provided and duly signed;
Comply with operating motion picture set down rules and regulations.
3.13 CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS FOR THE EDITOR
Respect and comply with contractual obligations;
Comply with all deadlines;
Ensure editorial interpretation is in tune with the Director’s vision;
Ensure all equipment are bench-tested before editing commences;
Ensure all edit materials are in adequate supply;
Ensure a professional edit;
Keep abreast of technological developments by attending seminars, exhibitions and workshops;
Comply with operating motion picture set down rules and regulations.
CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS FOR THE PRODUCTION DESIGNER
Respect and comply with contractual obligations;
Use best endeavour to carry out assignments/duties;
Respect and obey call times;
Ensure costumes, props and make-up kits are handy and in good condition;
Keep abreast of technological developments by attending seminars, workshops, exhibitions, etc;
Ensure that the medium of film remains responsible and sensitive to the values and standards of society;
Ensure that materials and designs contemptuous of racial, religious or other groups are not presented;
Advise and confer wit the Director on every design concept;
Comply with operating motion picture set down rules and regulations.
CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS FOR THE TECHNICIAN/CRAFTSMAN/ARTISAN
(a) Respect and comply with contractual obligations;
(b) Use best endeavour to carry out assignments/duties;
Respect and obey Call Times;
Ensure tools and equipment are handy and in good working condition;
Comply with operating motion picture set down rules and regulations.
3.16 CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS FOR THE VIDEOGRAM/VIDEO MART OPERATOR
(a) Respect and comply with contractual obligations;
(b) Ensure the film is well promoted and advertised (posters and trailers);
Adhere to the Producer’s/Marketer’s/Distributor’s schedule and programme;
Ensure sales’ receipts are well kept and accounted for;
Be accountable to Producer/Marketer/Distributor;
Ensure that only genuine tapes, VCD, DVD, etc. are sold or rented/franchise legally and ensure only genuine source of supply;
Monitor the film’s performance and regularly brief the distributor;
Protect the motion picture material in his/her custody against copyright infringement and piracy;
Develop a network of outlets;
Insure the outlet(s);
Obtain all permits/licenses;
Comply with operating motion picture set down rules and regulations.
3.17 CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS FOR THE LIGHTING TECHNICIAN
(a) Respect and comply with contractual obligations;
(b) Use best endeavour to carry out assignments/duties;
Respect and obey Call Times;
Ensure tools and equipment are handy and in good working condition;
Comply with operating motion picture set down rules and regulations.
PART 3
VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
4.1 Failure to comply with any provision of this code shall constitute a violation and shall be liable to penalties:
as prescribed in PART VII of the Motion Picture Practice Enabling Law and other laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or State, or by local government by-laws, and/or
as may be prescribed by the Disciplinary Arbitration in accordance with PART IV of the Motion Picture Practice Enabling Law.
5.0 APPEALS
Appeals against disciplinary judgment of any court in the land shall be by the statutory judicial process.
Appeals against the verdict of the Disciplinary Arbitration shall be to the Governing Board of the Council in the first instance and then to any court of law as provided for by the Enabling Law.
6.0 ENFORCEMENT
(I) To enforce compliance with this Code, the Council shall secure the services of law enforcement agencies as may be appropriate and in accordance with the Motion Picture Practice Enabling Law or any other laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
