From the outset, Kingsley Omoefe, the high standing director of the celebrated “Everyday People” TV Soap Opera had always dreamt of being a pilot. However, his childhood fantasy, died immediately he learnt that it involves flying high into the sky on regular basis. That was how he embraced his second choice which is movie directing. Since he started, he has handled successfully top jobs in Nollywood, including RMD’s “out of bounds”. He took our Contributing Editor, IFECHI OKOH down memory lane recently on how it all started for him years back, touching on how he came into directing, top soap operas, including his hay-making “Everyday People”, TV serial which may have projected him most as a director, the vibrant professional who can't manage non-professionals of any sort, carpeted most Nigerian directors, insisting that they love copycat jobs. This insightful close-up also touched briefly on his other concerns, which he quickly justified. It’s a compendium! Savour it!!

Who is Kingsley Omoefe beyond the kleiglights?

I am the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Golden Heritage Limited. We produce shows and events, we manage projects and do consultancy jobs too. I am the Vice President of Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria. (ITPAN). I’m a family man, married with kids.

What was your childhood fantasy and why?

I wanted to be a pilot. I was fascinated by flying. I also wanted to be in the movie business.

Did it change along the line and what factors led to it?

Becoming a pilot did change, I realized I am scared of heights and did not really like flying a lot. Of course, I did become a film maker.

Who were your role models as a child?

My dad was my role model.

What factors pulled you into directing and have your dreams been realised despite the challenges?

I never wanted to be a director!

Once I started working in the movies, I realized I needed to be involved more. I actually wanted to be one of the best production managers that the industry will have. That was my focus. So, we were on the project RMD’s “Out of Bounds”, Tade Ogidan was directing, I was the PM. He was so impressed with my level of managing the project that he said to me, “Kingsley, you will make a good director;” I said I don’t want to be a director. However, here we are today. I did realize my dreams as a director.

Which TV directing shot you into focus?

Everyday people.

Can we know the one that opened the floodgate and others in chronological order which finally helped to establish you as a top TV director till date?

“Everyday People”, “One Love”, “Domino”, “Just the 2 of Us”, “Spider”, “State of the Heart”, “Yours Faithfully”.

Can you still remember how celebrated TV serial “Everyday People” came your way?

I was recommended for the job by one of my mentees, Afolabi Silver.

How can you assess your directing prowess so far?

As far I am concerned, I have done well in the field. I have spent over 20 years directing, it’s not a mean feat. Anyway, there is always room for improvement. Technology has come to change the way we used to do things.

What do you frown at in Nigerian TV serials and movie directing and how can it be improved?

A lot of the directors today find it difficult to differentiate between the approaches to directing and the genres. We like doing copying; and copying the wrong things. We just need to be trained and retrained in whatever genre we find ourselves. If you are to direct TV series or a film, just read up and study the styles. Finish!

Have you brought this formally to the Directors Guild of Nigeria?

DGN has nothing to do with this, it is an individual thing. Just study to show that you have improved.

Are you a member of the Guild and what is your reservation?

Yes, I am a member of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria. The guys in charge are trying their best to make sure we meet up with international best practices.

Can you help us place your romance with gospel music whose awards you have been packaging over the years till date?

I grew up with Christian music. A lot of it was played in my house while I was growing up.

I have been involved a bit with gospel music. I was late Sammie Okposo’s first manager.

Coming to the gospel music awards, it is a calling and a ministry.

We gathered that some international Christian corporate bodies have just shown interest in the award project, giving it an international appeal. Did this change anything?

Definitely, the outlook of the awards has to change. We recently launched a new identity, a new logo. The modus operandi has to change to accommodate new trends and more gospel artistes within and beyond our shores. As you may have observed, the gospel music industry has grown significantly over the years, with a lot of gospel ministers emerging and producing quality music that inspire, encourage and uplift the soul. As such, there is a need for us to also upgrade.

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