interview
Strategy expert and former editor of The NEWS, Jenkins Alumona, speaks about his movie production debut, ‘Breathless’, a flick scheduled to be premiered today
What has brought you into movie making?
Interest and the belief that I have something to contribute. The Nigerian film industry is a huge one. It is lauded all around the world. Filmmaking is communication and I have been a communication person all my life. I was a journalist; I still think of myself as one. I later went into marketing communications, where you’d still find me. So, I haven’t jumped into something I have no idea of. Filmmaking is also part of communication. As a matter of fact, one of the companies in the Strategic Outcomes Group, of which I am CEO, is involved in production. It is called Flykite Productions and has made and continues to make documentaries and television programmes for a variety of clients. Our work as a production company puts us in regular contact with movie people, something that has opened our eyes to how they work. Basically, I am in it because I have some ideas that I believe can help the industry make progress.
The other thing is that I am a big fan of movies, foreign and local. I own a large collection of original movie DVDs. My interest in movies has regularly provoked a desire in me to go into movie making. The desire was not activated before now because I wanted to do it with the right people, equipment and materials. It was when I found the right combination that I got into the game via Breathless, which will be premiered today and will debut at the cinema on 1st July.
Breathless is a joint production between Flykite and Creative Unit run by Charles Uwagbai, a young and brilliant movie director. Charles’ brilliant ideas persuaded me that we could work together and make some contribution towards the growth of the movie making.
Movie making in Nigeria has really grown despite what some critics say. Its contribution to the GDP, has been acknowledged. If our movies were as bad as they are made out, the contribution to the GDP could not have been possible. That said, we are not there yet, meaning that there is still room for improvement. But it is unfair to tar the people in the industry and their art with a negative brush. We must realise that we have succeeded despite a number of challenges.
What we seek to do with Breathless is broaden the scope for improvement in movie making. When you see the movie, you will agree that we have done that. The cast and crew of the movie consist of some of the best in Africa. The equipment deployed are modern, locations superb and performances terrific.
What is Breathless about?
Many things and well put together. It is a story of sibling rivalry, love, lust, murder, revenge and justice. All the elements are so well put together in a way that it delivers unexpected twists and turns. You’d think you have worked out what is happening next and you’d find out you haven’t until right up to the end. It’s a pure rollercoaster of a movie. Of course, the performances were terrific. For the performances, I guess this is what should be expected from Mike Ezuruonye, Uti Nwachukwu and Bimbo Manuel who, by common consent, are three of the best in the game. The terrific performances delivered in Breathless have been recognised at Africa’s most prestigious movie awards – the AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) and African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
Uti was nominated in Best Actor in a Supporting Role category at 2016 AMAA, while Mike was nominated for Best Actor in Drama (TV Series) at the 2016 AMVCA . Even the actors said they were thrilled by the professionalism that went into making the movie. Doris Ariole, the scriptwriter, is accomplished in her field. The shots are simply high-end.
How did you decide on the choice of Ezuruonye, Nwachukwu and Bimbo Manuel?
We felt they were the most suitable for the characters they played. That was the most important factor and our decision has been proved to be correct by the nominations the film received. These gentlemen have impressive resumes having been around the turf for some time that has seen them do great stuff on a regular basis. More than the CVs, however, it was because they were the right fit that made them to be chosen. It was not an easy task. Charles, the director and co-producer, knows his job. So does everybody who worked on the movie. We all worked hard to deliver this beautiful movie. It wasn’t just the actors. Behind the scene, everybody put in great shifts. The movie will introduce to the Nigerian scene Brycee Bassey, a Nigerian-American actress who, along with John Njamah, Bobby Michaels and Nancy Isime, delivered memorable performances.
What did it cost to produce Breathless?
Money, time and mighty effort. Movies cost money to make and when you see Breathless, it’d be obvious that it has gulped a lot. I am unable to give you the exact sum because we are still spending. The film will debut at the cinemas on 1st July . The spending continues. But we’ve spent good money by Nollywood standards.
We are happy that we have succeeded in getting corporate support for the premiere from governmental and non-governmental bodies. The Federal Inland Revenue Service, Tatzinger Champagne, Intercontinental Hotel, City FM and Inspiration FM. This is also an evidence that the movie is a hugely appealing one.
What challenges did you encounter in the course of the production?
Oh! Many. As you’d find in movie making, we had pressure they are plenty. People were stretched. In such situations, tempers are very brittle. But that goes with the territory. We also had to manage egos, time schedules, equipment and other things.
I figure you must have witnessed situations like that in your newsroom when the pressure of production gets to you. It was a massive grind. But whatever pains we went through was soothed by the end product, which is a beautiful film; one that you’d happily watch over and over again.
Are there plans to make more movies?
Why not? This experience, even with its physical and mental energy-sapping demands, yielded the quality we hoped for. Charles is also itching for more and I am convinced we’ll subsequently work well together again. As a matter of fact, we have one lined up already. It is called Just Drive. But first, watch Breathless .take your breath away.
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