As movie enthusiasts and practitioners begin preparations for the sixth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), a new head of jury has been appointed in the person of veteran film and television professional, Deborah “Debbie” Odutayo.
With over 30 years’ experience spanning television production, content creation and administration, Debbie who is taking over from former judge, Desiree Markgraff, is known for being one half of the brains behind Nigeria’s content creation and production company, Royal Roots Communication Network, which birthed Royal Roots Television (R2TV) and Royal Roots FM (R2 92.9FM) in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking on Odutayo’s appointment, the Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said: “Debbie Odutayo is a respected and seasoned television professional who brings extensive experience and renown to the AMVCA judging process. Her appointment as Head Judge is in tandem with the AMVCAs being the biggest celebration of film and television talent in Africa, with its impact seen in the improvement of the quality of entries, year after year. Debbie’s appointment reiterates yet again our commitment to excellence and professionalism, even as the AMVCAs mark another milestone by entering the sixth successive year.”
“Besides being renowned and respected in the African film and TV space, Debbie also boasts experience with the AMVCA judging process, having worked on all previous editions. We are thrilled to have her with us as Head Judge, and we ask that our viewers stay tuned as preparations for the show enter the final stages,” Mba-Uzoukwu added.
Read: The 6th Edition of AMVCA Is Coming In September!
NET gathered that the event was delayed by a busy production calendar, as the Big Brother Naija show kicked off in January and ended in April, while the anticipated FIFA World Cup set to kick off this June- thus these events would have clashed with the production of the AMVCA.
Africa Magic announced the 2018 AMVCAS in February. Entries for the awards opened on the 1st of March 2018 and closed on the 30th of April, 2018 with films, made-for-television movies or television series previously entered into or nominated for an award, being eligible for submission. The 2018 AMVCAs will hold on the 1st of September, 2018.
