In our Celebrity Close -Up for the week we bring to you our online interview with a veteran Movie Director and Script Writer popularly called Mr Noba! Follow the intrigues below as he opens up on striking issues affecting the Movie Industry at the moment...
Host: NollywoodMakings | On HotSpot: Mr Noba
Q: Can we meet you Sir?
My name is Aniedi Awah Noba. I am a film maker and a member of the Directors' Guild of Nigeria. I am from Akwa Ibom State and a graduate of Applied Chemistry from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom. I am married with kids.
Q: From your early years was it ever your desire to be a Director or go into film making?
No.I have been a writer as far back as when I was in primary school. In secondary school, I was the chief/head writer for my school in all writing competitions my school entered for. After secondary school, I wrote some titles in d Hints T/B romance series and when I got into the university, I started and managed a press outfit; Affairs Publications. I was also a member of the Nigerian Union of Campus Journalists (NUCJ). So, even while a writer, my early dream was to be an Engineer and I worked towards it until I studied Applied chemistry. No way did I envisage a career in film making back then.
Host: Uhmmm! Great!
Q: Which means right now you will rather put more of your investment in filming than any construction opportunity?
Of course. I am a film maker through and through now.
Q: As a Director, which will be your Top 5 Evergreen Movies?
My top 5 evergreen movies would include;
1.The Rules of the Rich -Written by yours truly and Directed by Charles Inojie
2. Oga Madam starring Funke Akindele, Mr Ibu, etc., and the Movie was Written and Directed by me
3.Uncle Wayward - Directed by Charles Inojie
4.The Cross of Royalty - Directed by me
5. Phone Booth.
Q: So, if you have the opportunity, which Hollywood Director will you love to work with?
None other person than James Cameron!
Q: The rate at which Nollywood movie is drifting towards Pornography is alarming. What do you have to say about this and who can we say is responsible for this turn around?
It would be wrong to say that Nollywood movies are drifting towards pornography. That is because true film makers are not doing pornographic movies. We are just unfortunate to have a few people who are only interested in pecuniary gains. The majority of us who are genuine movie makers are seriously concerned by the dirty trend from this few in the industry but you must agree that it has not dampened the good works of those of us who consider our work serious.
The government through agencies like the Censors Board can stem the tide by going after Producers of such movies. Simple!
Q: From a Director's point of view, what will you say about the fact that there is no ONE Nollywood in the real sense of it, that we have this dichotomy between English or Igbo Film Makers regarded as Nollywood and Yoruba Film Makers?
I don't think that is so. Nollywood is one! But I would agree with the fact that, sometimes, some of the practitioners try to segregate or create divisions in Nollywood. As far as I am concerned, all film makers and practitioners in film making in Nigeria are all working under the Nollywood umbrella. I have shot about 3 Top Yoruba movies. So am part of them too. I did "Igboran", "Irawo" and "Nisuru".
Q: So if you were given an Elephant to hide in your house, where will you hide it?
I won't accept the gift of the elephant in the first place.
Host: (Laughing) Hahahahaha!😄
Yes na! Give me cow or goat and I go know wetin to do with am.
Q: Of all your Directed Movies, which will you say gave you the notice?
All of them.
Host: I meant the first?
Well, my first which is "The Cross of Royalty" launched me into the consciousness of people. Then Oga Madam stabilized my status and position as a film maker. Dorrobucci Love gave me more credence.
Q: As a Script Writer, what genre of movie do you think catches the attention of Nigerians most?
I think any good story would catch the attention of the people. Our problem is not the issue of genre. It is actually the issue of poor scripting. [We have quality Actors and Directors but poor Scripting]. Until we start to invest in script writers, we'll continue to have some shoddy movies.
Q: From your perspective, what do you think are the major things to consider properly to make a great movie?
1. A good script
2. Good production plan
3. Good post production plan
Q: What have you done so far to impact the Youth willing to venture into the movie scene?
I think you need to ask a few of my artistes that question. But what I would say is that as someone who is educated, I am actively interested in ensuring that the growth and development of my artistes is enhanced all the time.
Q: So, what are the mind-blowing projects we should be expecting from you soonest?
I just finished the shoot of a movie I'll call a blockbuster for Ulzee Nig Ltd. In Enugu. I worked with Chioma Chukwuka, Ebube Nwagbo, Solo Akiyesi, Ene Ochu, Evia Simon, Frank John, Joy Kingsley, Zilly Tetteh, etc.. Aside those Producers that have worked with on great movies yet to be out, the target for 2015 is to do productions that'll be fit for film festivals.
Q: Do you believe females have more opportunities to rise to stardom in the movie industry than their males counterpart?
Uhmmm! No! Everyone is on the same level. That's my view!
Q: As a Director working with different Artistes, how does it feel with you trying to make casts blend fully into one character or the other?
It's just part of the job and I am experienced enough to know how to handle that. So, it's not much of a big problem.
Q: Any word for the young minds aspiring to follow your path?
My advice is simple. Be sure of what you truly want and forget about the hype and glamour that comes with success in the world of entertainment. Follow your dreams strongly and ignore discouragements. Simple!
Host: That great Sir! Thank you for your time out on this short interview. We surely will like to have you soonest for our TV series.
Mr Noba: Thank you too!
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+ comments + 4 comments
So wonderful time-out. Nice perspective too
Wow!!! Nice one from my able director.
This is awesome! Some of our producers are after the money and nt integrity that is why they believe in porn related movies and trying to copy the western world bt they have forgotten that our culture differs. This is AFRICA!
Dat is awesome
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