By Gregory Austin Nwakunor
23 November 2024 |
2:21 am
Seyi Akinsola is pushed by a easy aspiration: attaining excellence in each endeavour. Alongside my spouse, I co-founded Astrocraft Productions. We first registered Astrocraft within the UK in 2013, laying the groundwork for what has now turn into a major pursuit.
• Set For November 24 Premiere
From November 24, cinemagoers could have alternative of seeing a wealthy historical past and tradition advised in extremely cinematic medium. On this interview, the manager producer, Seyi Akinsola, unveils the brand new movie t what to anticipate.
So, who’s Seyi Akinsola, the manager producer of Ogbedun?Seyi Akinsola is pushed by a easy aspiration: attaining excellence in each endeavour. Alongside my spouse, I co-founded Astrocraft Productions. We first registered Astrocraft within the UK in 2013, laying the groundwork for what has now turn into a major pursuit. I’m devoted to carving a novel path within the trade, aiming to determine myself as a producer identified for tasks with unmatched scope, worldwide enchantment, and cultural range. Already, we’ve a mission deliberate for subsequent 12 months that shall be filmed each within the UK and Nigeria.
My foray into filmmaking in Nigeria stems from my tutorial background, having earned my first diploma in Theatre Arts from the College of Ibadan. I used to be lucky to be tutored by a few of the most revered minds in filmmaking, drama and dramatic criticism, together with Dr. Hyginus Ekwuazi (as he was then), the late Professor Dapo Adelugba, and Professor Femi Osofisan, amongst others.
Though I ventured into completely different fields after college, my ardour for filmmaking by no means waned. In 2019, I started to significantly ponder returning to filmmaking, however the onset of COVID-19 delayed these plans. By 2021, I managed to govt produce two movies directed by extremely proficient people. The relative success of those movies inspired me to tackle a bigger mission to solidify my place within the trade, which led to the place I’m immediately.
Astrocraft Productions, below my management, focuses on well-packaged, high-quality storytelling that is still genuine and unique. One in every of my objectives is to find and nurture new expertise. The teaser for Ogbedun, my newest mission, obtained optimistic suggestions from audiences, reaffirming my dedication to perfecting my craft. Finally, I goal to create movies that meet the excessive requirements of cinemas and worldwide streaming platforms. Regardless of the challenges introduced by streaming giants equivalent to Netflix, I’m decided to interrupt into international markets, significantly, within the UK and Nigeria. Our upcoming mission shall be a wealthy portrayal of African tales advised in an genuine manner.
I have to additionally acknowledge that my dedication will not be purely skilled; my spouse is an integral a part of my journey. Humility and resilience are core values that illuminate my profession path.
Your newest film will start its cinema run this month. What’s all of it about?It’s actually a exceptional achievement to see Ogbedun set for launch in cinemas on November 29. To me, this movie goes past being only a mission; it embodies artistic collaboration, belief, and shared imaginative and prescient. The concept for Ogbedun originated as a private enterprise — I needed to create a Yoruba movie with an all-Ijesa-speaking forged, one thing I hadn’t seen achieved earlier than. I initially approached a buddy with intensive data of my hometown, Ijebu Jesa, who shared the legend of Ogbedun. I felt an instantaneous reference to the story owing to its highly effective human feelings. Realising I wanted a talented director to deliver this story to life; I reached out to Farouk Abisoye, a extremely proficient and impressive younger filmmaker who had already impressed me together with his work on a earlier mission.
Farouk might not be broadly identified but in Nollywood, however his expertise is simple. I believed giving him a platform would contribute to the expansion of the trade. The story of Ogbedun revolves across the character Ogbedun, the illegitimate son of the late Oba Agana, who was enticed to a kingdom in turmoil after many years of exile. The throne’s emptiness triggers fierce energy struggles amongst influential households. The narrative, wealthy in historic drama and private redemption, explores the conflict between morality and ambition, paying homage to Shakespearean themes.
The movie boasts a stellar forged, together with Jide Awobona, Jide Kosoko, Akin Lewis, Antar Laniyan, and Babaseun Faseru, all delivering charming performances. Ogbedun shall be distributed nationwide by Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution. It underscores the message that fact and justice finally prevail, regardless of the obstacles.
Who wrote the film? And who directed it?The story idea originated from my buddy, Niyi Ajifowobaje. Recognising its depth, I collaborated with Farouk Abisoye, whose writing expertise matched the story’s emotional and thematic calls for. Farouk and I co-developed the storyline to reinforce its cinematic influence whereas staying true to its core. My background in screenwriting, bolstered by coaching from the College of Ibadan and a brief course on the New York Movie Academy, geared up me to contribute successfully to this mission. This movie is one I’m immensely happy with, each as a producer and storyteller.
What was the inspiration for the film?The inspiration for Ogbedun started as a private mission in my native dialect, Ijesa. I needed to have fun my heritage and showcase my hometown, Ijebu Jesa. The story idea, launched to me by Niyi Ajifowobaje, completely aligned with this imaginative and prescient. Collaborating with Farouk, we noticed that Ogbedun had the potential to achieve past a distinct segment viewers and resonate on a bigger scale whereas retaining its cultural roots. We determined to supply it in English, guaranteeing its accessibility with out sacrificing its authenticity.
What challenges did you face in the course of the making?Producing Ogbedun got here with quite a few challenges that examined my dedication. One of many greatest hurdles was balancing authenticity with sensible limitations. Staying true to the cultural setting meant sourcing conventional costumes, props, and areas that authentically represented the period. This concerned intensive planning and coordination, made much more tough by the truth that I used to be exterior the nation and arrived simply in time for filming. Farouk’s tireless efforts in scouting areas and getting ready the set had been invaluable.
Moreover, managing the logistics of a large-scale manufacturing with veteran actors like Jide Kosoko and Antar Laniyan required navigating complicated schedules. The group that Farouk assembled proved important, serving to us push by setbacks with willpower and collaboration. The journey additionally concerned steady script refinements to steadiness native authenticity with common enchantment, making it a difficult but rewarding expertise.
Was there help for it?‘Financially demanding’ doesn’t even start to explain it. Ogbedun was totally funded by Astrocraft Productions, the corporate I co-own with my spouse. We risked our life financial savings to deliver this mission to life, overseeing the whole lot from financing to manufacturing coordination. Regardless of the excessive prices, we had been dedicated to sustaining high quality in each facet, from set design and costumes to casting top-tier expertise. The post-production and advertising levels had been much more financially taxing, however the finish result’s a movie we’re actually happy with.
What ought to the viewers anticipate?With Ogbedun, audiences can anticipate a charming story of betrayal, energy struggles, and justice, deeply woven into the cultural material of its setting. The movie explores common themes by a culturally wealthy narrative, delivering an emotional and immersive expertise. The journey of the protagonist, Ogbedun, and intense efficiency from the forged makes for an distinctive cinematic expertise. Beginning December 6, Ogbedun may also be displaying in cinemas throughout 9 African nations, increasing its attain and influence.
