A filmmaker and the Chief Executive Officer of Nu Koncept Studio, Steve Sodiya, has talked about his career of over 30 years, and other issues especially what prompted you to pursue a career in filmmaking, adding that “I started my career with an advertising agency. Back then, filmmaking in Nigeria was just starting to get interesting. The late actor and filmmaker, Alade Aromire, became successful with home videos, and that caught the attention of many of us who were already into advertising and television production.

“I started with post-production, making sure the quality of the film remained at its best, and the story could be reshaped in a better way, just before the final output. My years of experience working with top producers and directors back then formed my decision-making abilities. Significantly, my journey with Tunde Kelani and his remarkable impact on African films molded my thinking and approach to filmmaking. Approaching filmmaking from a technical and editorial point of view gives me more clarity and an in-depth view of storytelling whenever I’m producing or directing films,” he said.

On his most significant takeaway from working on the ‘King of Boys’ project, he said “Working with Kemi Adetiba on King of Boys was such an experience. She is a producer and a director that does not leave any stone unturned. When we were filming the second part of the movie— the Return of the King— it was such a trying time. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we had to carry out testing, in order not to have an outbreak on set. Most producers decided not to film during that period. While we were doing the best we could, the #EndSARS protests happened. That was the height for us. It was such a nightmare. But, with the tenacity of the producers, actors and other crew members, we were able to pull it off.”

He added that his biggest highlight of his filmmaking career was the recognition by the Presidency for a beautiful film titled, Being Mrs Elliot, produced by one of Africa’s finest filmmakers— Omoni Oboli, adding that “the then-President Goodluck Jonathan hosted us (cast and crew) at the presidential villa and applauded our efforts on the project. That moment was a very proud one for me.

According to him, “Nigeria is a peculiar place when it comes to filmmaking. The urge to go all the way in expressing one’s creativity is always subject to the environment and availability of resources. Whenever people compare our productions with those of Hollywood, I just smile. I cannot argue with the consumer, but the reality of the business is something we grapple with each time we need to produce a film. Our marketing structure is not as vast as that of Hollywood. The number of screens (cinemas) in the whole of Nigeria is nothing but a small fraction of what is available in the countries we are being compared with. Thankfully, things are getting better, and that is why we have been seeing a significant improvement in the quality of our productions. We desire to go all out to give our audience the best, but the reality is that we must strike a balance on how to recoup the resources expended on the project.

“For all aspiring producers and directors just coming into the industry, my first advice to them is that they should come with passion. They should not let any obstacle deter them from getting to great heights. Lastly, they should always remember that nothing good comes easy,” he added. (Story adapted from the The PUNCH)

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