Despite his behind-the-scene roles in the Nigerian film industry, promising filmmaker Segun Temitope Olusanya is committed to promoting the industry through his talent and innovative ideas. In this interview by ADERONKE ADESANYA, he discusses his journey into filmmaking and shares his vision for the future.
You are one of the very few young Nigerians who have significantly contributed to the growth of film production in the country. How has the experience been?
The experience has been incredibly rewarding yet challenging. As a passionate young filmmaker, I have had the privilege of being part of Nigeria’s burgeoning film and media industry.
I began my career in 2008 as a media marketing personnel at Goldmyne Entertainment. However, my passion for filmmaking, particularly in soap operas, motivated me to pursue this path. Although the journey has been challenging, I thrive on pushing myself to achieve my goals. I have been inspired by influential companies like AK Media and Wale Adenuga Productions, which produced series that captured the audience’s attention. Additionally, the late MD/CEO of AK Media was my relative, and I gained valuable insights about filmmaking from him.
Despite the progress made, there is still much work to be done. Overall, my experience has been a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and collaboration. I am proud to be part of this journey and excited to see what the future holds for Nigerian film production.
I discovered my passion for film production through my relationship with the late MD/CEO of AK Media, who was my in-law. During that time, I lived with him, and he often used his home for film production. This environment provided me with valuable insights into the industry.
My first job in the industry was as a media marketing professional at Goldmyne Entertainment in 2008. This experience deepened my understanding of the business side of the industry and helped me develop skills that would later benefit my own production company.
Overall, my discovery of a passion for film production was a gradual process influenced by my early exposure to the industry, my relationships with industry professionals, and my curiosity and drive.
I have been in the film industry for over 14 years, establishing myself as a reputable producer and executive producer in Nigeria. My success is driven by unique storytelling, attention to detail, adaptability, and the grace of God. Dedication, hard work, and divine grace have been key to my achievements.
Storytelling and drama series have faced significant challenges in the industry. Why is that?
The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video has shifted the focus of many from TV series producers towards feature films, driven by the potential for higher returns on investment. However, I have chosen to diversify my portfolio by producing TV series and feature films. We are planning to shoot two feature films this year, God willing.
Is it true that low budgets and compromised quality in film production have affected the industry’s growth?
The Nigerian film industry is currently divided regarding production quality. Some believe there has been a decline, while others argue that quality has improved. Factors contributing to the perception of a decline include rushed production schedules, a lack of training, and an emphasis on commercial appeal. Despite this, Nigeria continues to produce exceptional films that highlight the country’s talent for audiences worldwide.
Nollywood has made significant progress, showcasing strengths such as high-volume production, cultural relevance, and global recognition. However, it also faces limited funding, piracy and regulatory issues. Despite these obstacles, Nollywood has the potential to become a major player on the global stage with continued investment in talent, infrastructure, and regulation.
What other activities do you engage in besides movie production?
In addition to movie production, I’m actively involved in media marketing. I utilise the content we produce and broadcast on various Nigerian TV stations to attract advertisements from media agencies. These ads air during our scheduled airtime, generating revenue and promoting brands to our audience.
So far, what has been your greatest challenge?
My greatest challenge was securing funding to launch my series production. However, with the support of my wife and family, I was able to overcome this hurdle. Today, I’m proud to say that my production journey is a testament to perseverance and the favour of God.
What is your advice to the government on the development of the industry?
I firmly believe that to foster growth in the Nigerian film industry, the government needs to implement several key measures. These include providing financial support to filmmakers, developing infrastructure, enforcing anti-piracy laws, and investing in education and training programmes. Additionally, encouraging international collaborations will help promote Nigerian culture globally, ultimately driving growth and development in the industry.
How do you handle female admirers?
Handling female admirers is generally simple for me. Because I keep a low profile and work behind the scenes, I’m not often recognised. When admirers approach me, I make a conscious effort to keep the interactions friendly and platonic, clearly establishing boundaries to prevent any misunderstanding.
What are your plans to support the industry this year?
This year, we plan to produce two films: one for theatrical release and another specifically designed for our YouTube audience. Given the significant growth of Nollywood on YouTube in recent years, we aim to capitalise on this trend by creating high-quality content that appeals to our online viewers while generating substantial returns.
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