INTERVIEW: ‘I confronted molestation from producers, actors, together with married males, girls’

His coiffure stands him out within the crowd.

Both braided, in cornrows or packed up in bantu knots, Filmmaker Ajemba Stanley’s hair is about his first distinguishing signature within the business.

Also referred to as Stanley Ontop, the filmmaker has been working in numerous capacities in Nollywood, since 2013.

From set and props designer to producing in Nollywood in Asaba, Delta State, Stanley has been demonstrating his resilience and willpower to interrupt into the massive league.

Whereas he ultimately gained notoriety, it was linked to the dying of his colleague, Jnr Pope. He was instrumental in informing followers, media, and colleagues concerning the circumstances that surrounded Jnr Pope’s dying and the opposite 5 crew members who died.

Subsequently, he bravely stepped ahead as a vocal advocate for the usually silenced crew and manufacturing groups in Nollywood, who had lengthy endured unfair therapy, wage disparities, and mistreatment.

Furthermore, through the notorious Ladipo kidnapping incident in Mushin, Lagos State, in July, it was Stanley Ontop who broke the information that one of many infamous slain kidnappers, Henry Odenigbo, who was shot by the police, was a filmmaker and ‘ringleader’ of the abductors.

These occasions have generated controversy round Stanley Ontop and thrust him into the general public eye.

On this unique interview with PREMIUM TIMES, he mentioned his humble beginnings, the therapy of crew members in Nollywood, and different points.

Excerpts:

PT: When did you begin your profession in Nollywood?

Stanley: I joined Nollywood in 2013 or 2014. I got here to Asaba trying to find greener pastures and found that my buddy was going to a movie location at some point. I’ve admired appearing all my life, so once I noticed him, I stated, ‘Let me go along with you to this set’. Once we reached the situation, I discovered it very fascinating. I began as part of the crew members who share meals on units; we name it welfare in Asaba . That’s the one factor we do. From welfare, I migrated to being a Manufacturing Private Assistant, carrying generator units and doing any chores on the location. I migrated From a Manufacturing Private Assistant to a Private Assistant for some stars.

I don’t wish to point out their names. I used to be a Private Assistant for 3 months. After that, I switched to Assistant Manufacturing and Units. From there, I grew to become my boss in property and set. I’ve labored on many motion pictures, akin to Spirits of Music and Yemoja. I’ve labored on a minimum of 200 behind-the-scenes motion pictures and as a producer.

We collected cash from folks and produced for them as a result of we would have liked extra to generate revenue and construct a portfolio for ourselves. From there, I grew to become an Govt Producer. So, I stop working as a props and set designer as a result of it was very disturbing. I began making my motion pictures, promoting them to African Magic after which importing them on YouTube.

I’m the Delta State Chairman of the Artistic Designers Guild of Nigeria (Nollywood), comprising make-up artists, costumers, props asset managers, and stylists.

PT: What have been among the early challenges you confronted?

Stanley: The early challenges I confronted included molestation from producers and actors. Many individuals wished to sleep with me, together with married males, married girls, and other people in positions of energy.

In our business, now we have gays, lesbians, and bisexuals, and so they disturbed me lots. Finally, they began denying me jobs and blacklisting me. I went by means of many issues: molestation, tried rape, and each different dangerous expertise you’ll be able to think about in Nollywood.

PT: In what manner do they strategy you?

Stanley: They are going to simply come as a result of they’ve energy. They see you want a job to outlive, and they’re going to come out plain to you. They received’t miss a phrase however will come instantly and say, ‘Come, let’s go to my resort, let’s do that, let’s try this’. They know you can’t reject them. For those who do, you might be completed since you are an upcoming producer or a crew member.

Typically, Nollywood treats crew members as trash, though a lot of the crew members are those making the movies end up completely.

After seven or fourteen days of manufacturing, you’ll be able to see a PA getting paid N10,000. In the meantime, they’ve paid actors N1.7 million, N2 million, and N5 million. A make-up artist or costumier may obtain N40,000 or N30,000 for seven days, six days, or one week of labor.

PT: Which position do you discover extra creatively fulfilling, and why?

Stanley: I’m not an actor, and that’s what many individuals get unsuitable. I performed a sub-lead in virtually 70 scenes in one in all my motion pictures, ‘Royal Ravage’. I appeared for a teen actor who may act and ship what I wished, however I couldn’t discover anybody.

I needed to shave my hair, appear like an adolescent, and play the position, which I did properly. So, I don’t act. Appearing and crew work could be very disturbing. I can’t be appearing and producing on the identical time; my psychological well being can be at stake.

PT: What has been your most memorable expertise as a producer?

Stanley: Essentially the most memorable expertise I had was the day I went to shoot a film referred to as Yemoja in Ibadan. Our boat virtually capsized within the river, and it was by God’s grace that we survived as a result of we weren’t carrying life jackets. This occurred in 2020. We shot the film in Ibadan, and I used to be the set man there. It was the largest film I’ve ever labored on, and the final one I labored on was as a propsman. That made it essentially the most difficult movie I’ve ever shot.

PT: What themes or messages do you convey by means of your film; how do you strategy storytelling to attain them?

Stanley: In most of my movies, I inform how a poor boy who has nothing turns into a wealthy man. In most of my motion pictures, I inform my life story. I share my life experiences and issues which have occurred to me so that individuals can study.

I began from nothing, from a spot the place we didn’t have sufficient to eat. My household didn’t eat rice on Sundays. We didn’t know what rice was. The one time we ate rice was possibly on Christmas Day.

We have been so poor that it was powerful for us to get sufficient meals. My mother and father stopped paying for my education once I was in Junior Secondary Faculty class three (JSS3). I supported myself from JSS3 to SSS2.

That was once I wrote my exams and completed college. So, in a lot of the motion pictures I produce, there are classes to be realized by the top of the movie. You’ll see that being dangerous isn’t good, and being variety is sweet.

PT: In your opinion, what makes a film extra impactful and memorable for the viewers?

Stanley: Primary is the story. If the story is participating and well-crafted, it’s completed. It will have a extra vital impression on the viewers. Quantity two is your digital camera. You want a high quality digital camera that may permit the folks within the film to be seen clearly. Quantity three is sound. These three components are important; your motion pictures can’t promote with out them.

storyline, high-quality visuals, and clear sound are essential. It’s not nearly that includes star actors in your movie; you’ll be able to work with an actor who isn’t a star however can successfully interpret a task.

PT: Which administrators or producers have influenced your type, and the way have they impressed you?

Stanley: The one that has impressed me essentially the most is Ernest Obi. He’s a Nollywood movie producer and director and top-of-the-line within the business. I contemplate him my favorite as a result of he’s assured in his work and encourages others by saying, ‘’You are able to do this’’.

One other one who has considerably impacted my manufacturing journey is Oma Nnadi. She has influenced me together with her African tales and the way she treats her crew members. I fell in love together with her work. Even once I was working together with her on my first film, ‘Madam Landlady’, she was very supportive and nice.

PT: What has been your most fun mission?

Stanley: The mission I’m most enthusiastic about is ‘Royal Ravage,’ which I produced for a Nigerian lady primarily based in Germany. She despatched me N3.8 million to make the movie. I transferred the full quantity to the director as a result of I trusted him. I didn’t know the director had taken a bit of the cash after we bought to the set. He didn’t pay a lot of the actors.

I didn’t need us to have any points on set. I labored laborious to make the film, and it turned out nice. The movie we produced for N3.8 million generated greater than N30 million for the lady who financed it. That was my greatest film.

PT: What do you consider is unsuitable with Nollywood?

Stanley: Many individuals don’t know something about Nollywood. They don’t even know what filmmaking is. They really feel they’ve cash and will produce something by paying actors. They really feel like N10 or N20 million—if they offer it to somebody, they’ll make motion pictures. No, you must study filmmaking. Filmmaking is an expert enterprise.

It is advisable study and perceive what it takes to be a producer. It’s essential to are available in and be greater than only a nominal producer. I’ve advised the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) that they need to declare all of the folks holding their playing cards invalid as a result of many people who haven’t been recognised or registered have discovered their manner into Nollywood.

As soon as they’re handsome and charming, they’re given an ID card as a Nollywood actor, even when they’ve by no means acted in any film and find yourself utilizing it for different functions. On the manufacturing aspect, they (unrecognised producers) really feel like after getting N10 million, they’ll come and provides them (Nollywood Guilds) N100,000, and they’re going to register them within the Producers Guild or others and provides them ID playing cards.

They (Nollywood Guilds) ought to scrutinise and examine earlier than admitting anybody. They need to know concerning the particular person. Lately, a producer was revealed to be a kidnapper. We have now lots to debate about Nollywood.

PT: You alleged your colleague, film producer and CEO of Ason-Wealthy Film Manufacturing, Henry Odenigbo, was the ‘‘ringleader’’ of the kidnap gang killed within the Ladipo shootout. How did you arrive at this conclusion?

Stanley: The suitable our bodies ought to scrutinise everybody who comes into Nollywood. You can not simply carry kidnapping cash and make investments it in Nollywood. It’s not good.

Nollywood loves cash. You possibly can bribe them and do something. You possibly can even bribe them in Nollywood and kidnap any person there. They love cash. They’ll promote something for money in Nollywood. They worship cash an excessive amount of. That’s their (Nollywood) drawback.

PT: How can the business higher deal with this example to guard its popularity and guarantee equity?

Stanley: Earlier than anybody involves Nollywood and says they wish to act, they need to undergo the audition course of. Then, earlier than they situation anybody an ID card as an actor, the particular person ought to have been featured in at the least 50 motion pictures. Once more, earlier than somebody turns into a producer, you have to examine their funds. Examine their accounts.

Examine to see if they’re ex-convicts or have performed something unsuitable within the nation earlier than accepting such an individual into the Producers Guild. However right here, our guild operates in a different way: after getting cash, you’ll be able to bribe one or two folks. For N100,000, they’ll admit you into the guild.

PT: What measures have to be proposed to enhance transparency, accountability, and commensurate fee in Nollywood?

Stanley: A make-up artist ought to be paid at the least N100,000 and probably extra due to inflation charges. The costumier ought to be compensated with at the least N500,000, relying on the film’s script and wanted supplies. Moreover, props and a set designer ought to obtain the identical quantity because the costumier—N500,000.

The actors starring in a single, three, or 4 scenes ought to be paid pretty. It’s unacceptable to pay them N2,000 for only one or two scenes. I’ve seen and heard that elders (older actors) who act alongside Igwe (the King in Igbo motion pictures) obtain N10,000 after their efficiency.

No, they should be paid very properly. As soon as they’re invited to a movie set, the producer ought to present them with a type to finish. There ought to be accountability, however presently, that’s totally different. For those who communicate up, they’ll blacklist you and cease providing you with roles. I’m talking out now as a result of I’m now not working for anybody; I’m the grasp of myself.

That’s why you see me coming on-line to voice my issues. Earlier than, I couldn’t communicate out; if I did, I wouldn’t get employed once more.

PT: You alleged your colleague, Jerry Williams, was into medication; how do you assume Nollywood can handle the consumption of illicit medication within the business?

Stanley: Initially, on 15 July 2023, Jerry Williams was suspended for the consumption of illicit medication. It was his neighbours who referred to as the AGN as an alternative of the NDLEA. Consequently, the AGN swung into motion. After they broke down the door, one of many actresses who was utilizing the identical medication as him fled by means of the window whereas they caught Jerry Williams. From there, they took him to rehab.

Whereas in rehab, a member of the family stated, ‘Our brother is okay. Why are you placing him in rehab?’. That was how they fed him false reassurances. He returned and continued utilizing medication. For those who have a look at Jerry Williams now, you’ll not recognise him. He has bought some properties, together with his tv and centre desk. For those who enter his home, there’s nowhere to sit down. He has used medication extensively.

The medication he takes are referred to as colos, that are among the most harmful medication on earth. As household and mates, now we have repeatedly advised him to cease this. ‘Cease this! We’ll take you to a different rehab.’ We have now talked to him so many occasions and despatched delegates to his home, however he has refused assist and continues to be utilizing medication.

That’s the reason I got here out on-line; earlier than, folks in Nollywood didn’t say something. Now, one of many producers has stated, ‘You guys ought to cease giving him film roles. Take him to rehab in order that he can get assist. We don’t wish to wait till he dies after which say we didn’t do something.’

I’ve posted about this, and a few persons are bashing me. All of the Nollywood actors and producers know that what I’m saying is 100 per cent true. Nonetheless, these exterior the business are within the feedback part, speaking nonsense—they don’t know something.

I need Jerry Williams to be taken to rehab instantly. In my final video, I stated, “For those who assume I’m mendacity and that you just (Jerry Williams) are usually not taking medication, please sue me for defamation. I’ll pay you. However earlier than I pay you, you have to take a drug take a look at.” He has not responded to me, and I’ve not seen any lawsuits. So, I’ve spoken up.

PT: Do you assume motion pictures affect many actors to change into hooked on medication?

Stanley: No, I don’t assume so. A lot of the cigarettes, smoking or alcohol consumed on film units are make-believe. It’s simply mime. That’s what we name make-believe. They don’t drink it; they only puff it out.

PT: What position can Nollywood leaders and different establishments, together with the federal government, play in addressing this situation?

Stanley: It’s the authorities now as a result of Nollywood and AGN have tried. The final time they put Jerry Willims in rehab, the household stated that AGN wished to kill their brother, and AGN pulled again. So, I feel the NDLEA ought to step in.

They need to bundle him up and take him to rehab as a result of he’s authorities property as an actor. For about one 12 months, he ought to give attention to calming himself down. I’m calling on the federal government, particularly the Delta State Authorities and the NDLEA, to rescue him, not Nollywood once more.

PT: How do you view the impression of social media on the general public notion of actors and filmmakers?

Stanley: Most belongings you see on social media are usually not actual. Take Nollywood actors and actresses, for instance. Most of those actresses you see do medication. It’s not simply Jerry Williams; there are numerous others. They take medication and live a faux life.

Nollywood actors, primarily actresses, usually go to locations like Lagos, Dubai, and the UK to sleep with web fraudsters who give them cash. Then, they return to Nigeria to supply motion pictures. They’re intercourse staff at night time and producers within the morning. That’s what they do. They’re residing a faux life. That’s what I see with a lot of the feminine actors.

They purchase homes, purchase land, and purchase automobiles. In the meantime, the male actors are poor. The picture they current on-line is faux.

PT: Ideas on happenings in Nollywood?

Stanley: I’d inform Nollywood I’ve not even began exposing them; that is only the start. I’ll name out anybody who does something unsuitable. In case you have an issue with that, sue me—we’ll go to courtroom. However don’t use the police to intimidate me as a result of I’ve police contacts. That is simply the genesis of publicity in Nollywood, which can expose many individuals and lots of issues.

I finished producing as a result of each time I referred to as actors for film roles, they’d say they have been an opportunity in December and nonsense. They’ll go forward and examine producers’ YouTube channels and inform them the channels are usually not rising or making waves; therefore, they (actors) settle for the position.

PT: You witnessed the boat mishap that claimed Jnr Pope’s life; are you able to give us the small print about it?

Stanley: I wished to discuss one thing apart from Junior Pope once more, however I’ll simply offer you some hints. I’m not going into full particulars. I’ll present a touch about what made me come on the timeline. My buddy referred to as me and stated, “Have a look at what occurred. The boat that TC was in capsized. They haven’t seen TC; they haven’t seen Junior Pope.” I lodged near the resort the place they have been filming, so I needed to drive instantly to the scene. As I used to be driving and nonetheless on my manner, they stated they’d rescued TC and 6 different folks however had not seen Junior Pope.

I stated, “Okay,” and continued driving. Once I was getting near the river financial institution, I noticed the divers coming in direction of us, and so they introduced Junior Pope. He was already useless as a result of the mariners there had carried out CPR and confirmed him useless. My ache was that the producer was supposed to offer these folks life jackets.

They alleged that the manufacturing supervisor gave Junior Pope a life jacket, however he stated it was soiled. What occurred to altering the life jacket? There have been many new jackets in that marina. Junior Pope was a celebrity. A celebrity got here to you and stated this life jacket is soiled; get me a brand new one. You ignored him and took off the boat on the water as an alternative of getting him one other one.

I feel they need to cost the producer with manslaughter. That’s my opinion. Then once more, when the incident occurred, I didn’t go dwell. I used to be sober. I used to be even crying uncontrollably till we went to the hospital. Once we bought to the hospital, we discovered that Junior Pope was not even taken to the hospital; he was taken on to the morgue. So we raised the alarm. We stated, “No, they need to take him to the hospital.”

They bought a name as a result of the President of AGN, Emeka Rollas and the chairman of the AGN of Delta State have been there. Then, I used to be not the chairman of CDGN; I used to be simply the duty power chairman of CDGN. My chairman was there, so the person from the marine referred to as and stated they need to carry Junior Pope to him in order that they might carry out some rituals to carry his spirit again from the river after which take him to the hospital.

PT: You additionally stated Jnr Pope was taken to a local physician.

Stanley: That was once I went dwell. That they had already determined to see the native man so he may carry out some rituals. The one offence I dedicated was going dwell and telling the nation that their celebrity was nonetheless alive. I used to be not the one who confirmed it; he was nonetheless alive. I had 25,000 followers on my Instagram then, and once I went dwell, I had virtually 50,000 views. I used to be tense and speaking lots. My solely crime was going dwell and telling people who this man was alive. I didn’t comprehend it was against the law in Nigeria as a result of I’ve by no means seen it in legislation. I used to be not the one who took Junior Pope to a local physician. For those who watched my Instagram dwell that day, you’ll realise that I wasn’t even driving. I didn’t drive my automobile.

Thank God I’m an influential particular person. If I wasn’t robust, I might need dedicated suicide by now. The stress was so nice folks would insult me, name me a killer for making a video, and threaten to take care of me. In order that was what occurred, that’s it.

PT: However a few of your colleagues allegedly used the scenario as content material.

Stanley: Lots of people used it as content material. Individuals even stated that I’m the clout chaser and that I’m utilizing Junior Pope as content material. I requested myself how as a result of I don’t have a Fb web page or generate income from Fb, however I would like to search out out what a Fb web page appears to be like like. I make my cash from crypto, not Fb. So, even these Nollywood actors and content material creators have been utilizing it to monetise their Fb pages, making movies, posting them, and spreading faux information. In Nigeria, folks love phoney information greater than authentic information. That was it.

PT: How do you assume such incidents may very well be averted on a movie set?

Stanley: They need to have at the least three or 4 divers with their separate boats if it’s skilled filming on or round water. Even when the actors don’t wish to put on life jackets as a result of the scene doesn’t require them to, it is best to have divers behind the digital camera, near the place they’re filming.

In case of an accident, the divers will dive instantly and rescue them. And once more, on this case, they weren’t even filming on the water; they have been crossing over. Why didn’t they get additional boats with divers to observe them? That’s skilled filming. If you’re filming within the water, you have to have divers and life jackets. If you’re crossing the water, it is best to put on life jackets. It’s even an offence for somebody to not put on a life jacket; it’s punishable underneath Nigerian legislation.

Nollywood ought to be seen as an expert enterprise. 4 or 5 divers ought to escort the celebrities throughout the river in a separate boat if you’re filming on water. This incident wouldn’t have occurred if they’d this sort of precaution.