Not Quitting Movie Production – Shirley Frimpong-Manso

Chief Executive Officer of Sparrow Production, Shirley Frimpong-Manso has debunked news in the media landscape of her intention to quit movie productions.

The award-winning producer cum director a few weeks ago, suggested in an interview with Joy Prime’s Ibrahim Ben-Bako that she was considering laying down her tools for lack of support from industry players.

However, in a recent conversation with JoyNews’ MzGee at the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) in Lagos, Nigeria, Shirley said, her initial comments were out of frustrations.

She added that her emotions had the best of her.

“Yes, I was emotional. My manager says I shouldn’t say that again. I don’t know sometimes it gets really difficult, it gets really tough and then you are thinking what am I doing all this for? Especially when you almost feel like you are not getting the support especially from your own place. But look, I love what I do and no matter where I find myself, I will continue to do it,” she said.

Shirley called on the government and stakeholders to take a cue from the support AMVCA gets from Nigerians and support the arts in Ghana.

“I just hope that we take a cue, the country takes a cue from all of these. Support the industry and let’s take it to the next level,” the producer noted.

She managed to get herself a role at TV Africa recently but unfortunate the position she occupied couldn’t last for that long, barely 3 months of operation, she resigned from the position at the media entity.

The re-branding process of TV Africa brought on board Ghanaian politician and journalist, Obuobia Darko Opoku, actress Nikki Samonas and Khadijat El- Alawa as morning show hosts.

Actor Ekow Blankson until recently was the Managing Director of the station. Shirley, who has a media background has over 30 films to her credit. Her company, Sparrow Productions, was once the franchise holder of the Miss Ghana beauty Pageant.

Unfortunately, Sparrow Productions’ optimism of picking at least an award of their four nominations at this year’s awards did not come to fruition.