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These days we get to see more actors delve into movie production; what is your take on this?
Personally, I believe it takes extra effort to want to combine acting and at the same time be a producer. It is really good to step up your game as well but putting at the back of our minds that we just have to make them match-up together. I believe it is a good idea actors coming in as producers too because they get to value the producer who handles their jobs better.
This brings me to the recent, Chioma Akpotha’s first movie as a producer; how will you rate her first job as a professional director?
Professionally, it’s good and of high picture quality considering that it is her first major production as a producer and I must confess that it she really did well and more importantly, there is always room for improvement. It’s her first and for me personally; she did impress me so well. Good story line, fantastic cast and smooth delivery, the sky is definitely going to be her starting point.
You have been a versatile actor, producer, director and a family man; how have you been able to combine them all?
Whoa!! Sincerely, I don’t know how I have been able to work them out well but all I know is that it all takes the glory of God to match them up well. I so much cherish my family and as such my work does not make me any way neglect my beloved families. However, talking about my acting, producing and directing tactics, I design how I want things to work out for me each time I am handling a job; take for instance I acted and directed Kiss and Tell movie, so each time I am to be on set, I would have done the proper planning of how the directing will look like and at the end of it all, it comes out been perfect.
When you’re not working, what do you spend your time doing?
I’m just at home, as I’m mostly filming or travelling it’s an opportunity for me to just chill and be with my family.
As an Economics graduate from the prestigious Lagos State University; how did you find yourself in the movie world?
I had starting practicing and mimicking how to act even before I gained admission into the University because all my major aim then was to graduate with good grades which I actually had and just find myself in the banking sector; but then acting was just something I loved as an hobby and not as career as it is right now and I must say I’m enjoying every aspect of it to the fullest.
All through your acting career; what will you say actually shot you into limelight?
Most definitely, it will be the Soap Operas that I did with the likes of Everyday people, Saint and Sinners, Super Story and the host of others because at the time when I starting acting, I thought I needed the experience and exposure for people to actually know me and the soaps really helped before moving into films.
You have started directing Yoruba movies with Dayo Amusa’s flick belling the cat, what actually prompted that?
I believe she (Dayo Amusa) has seen and watched some of the films I have directed and as such among the several directors we have around; she considered me the perfect match for her job under the Amzadol production owned by her. I am also happy I did direct her movie Unforgiveable, which is currently on the post production stage and ready to hit the cinemas soon. I believe she is also projecting herself on the international standard of film production.
How will you describe working with her?
Fantastic I say because she was always ready to listen to the director’s point of view because at a particular stage in the film shoot; I had to make alternation on the script and made her see reasons for the change which she honorably agreed and we continued shoot because not all actors will allow their director alter their script; they want it shot the way they have presented the script. I enjoyed working with her because all the cast raging from Fathia Balogun, Mike Ezuronye, Adeniyi Johnson, Bidemi Kosoko and other crew members were amazing.
Will you be willing to work with her and other intending colleagues who want you to handle their jobs?
My doors are always open to everyone who believes in my directing dream and I am willing to work with anybody in the entire movie industry and for Dayo Amusa, I am handling another job from her stable titled My Shadow, a blockbuster movie also.
Who out of the Nollywood actors and actresses would you say you get along with the most?
I get along with everybody because I don’t have enemies at all as far as I’m concerned. Believe me sincerely, I loved working with Uche Jombo because she is a very good friend and a sister from another mother that I move along well with; then Ini Edo, although we fight a lot but we are still very close, Genevieve Nnaji, Monalisa Chinda and a host of others while for the guys, most definitely Ramsey Noah, my closest and craziest pal.
You are married with four beautiful children. How have you managed to handle travelling, work and your family all at the same time?
Well it’s a two-way thing that you can’t handle alone. You will always need the love, blessing and understanding of your spouse. And in my case, my wife has been more than unbelievable because at some points you ask yourself ‘how am I going to tell my wife that I have to travel again’ – sometimes I find myself waiting till the last minute to gesture it or you try to down play it in your head; you think of a trip and say ‘oh I’m going to South Africa but before that I have to stop in London first and on the way back I need to have a meeting at so and so place’.
Do you plan on having more kids?
Definitely, I want to have a big family like 7. But not now, when my wife is more rested and the kids are grown more and also when I have more money just so I can give them all the best. I love kids so yes, definitely we’ll have more.
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years time? Acting, producing or directing?
I want to be seen as one of the best and greatest distributors of African film in Africa.
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