I’m Wallowing In Debt - Tunde KelaniBy PM News
Published: November 19, 2006
Print Q: What problems do you think have to be addressed for our industry to move forward?A: There is no doubt that we are developing all the time. For instance, innovations like collaboration between us and Dove Media and Nollywood blockbusters, the signs are already there with the assistance of National Video and Censorship Board and the Nigerian Copyright Commission which are working together unlike when they were at each other's throats. When all these synergy and stakeholders work together, things will definitely change for the better.
Q: With the establishment of Lagos State Censors Board, don’t you think it could amount to double censorship?A: Well, I am aware that the Lagos State Censors Board is trying to come up, but I don’t know what the regulations of the board will be. But let's see them operate first, that is still part of the development. In the area of censorship, they have not come out to tell us what they intend to achieve. But I don’t think they want to reap from where they didn’t sow. I think they have genuine reason for wanting to be part of the industry.
Q: What about the friction between the Video Club Owners Association (VICOAN), Video Rentals Association (VROAN) among other things?A: I am no longer interested in all these friction here and there. That is why we are throwing our weight behind the Dove Media and Nollywood blockbusters because we want to cut across that. We are not interested in all these divisions. Our interest is to get the film across to all Nigerians.
Q: Do you believe that an average Nigerian star becomes swollen headed after attaining a little success?A: That is part of personality trait. It depends on their background and life experiences. I think that individuals and groups must have a reason for being what they are.
Q: What is the way forward in the movie industry?A: The way forward is if this arrangement works and we have a marketing organisation that can guarantee return on investment, I think many Nigerians and financial institutions will be confident to invest their money in films which in return will encourage people production films that can compete in the international market. I believe we will witness a lot of growth soon.
Q: What are your projections for the next 10 years?A: In the next 10 years, I see us contributing meaningfully to the development of the movie industry. I see us competing favourably with the South Africans and other parts of the world.
Q: Do you dream of winning the Oscars awards?Why not? If it is important that one must win an Oscars, why not? If the standard and quality of the work is good enough. My primary concern now is to stabilise, because it has not been easy, things are hard. The last 12 months have been hard for me. I thank God that I am able to continue. Besides, that is why I have to stop making films.
Q: Did you run into debt?A: Not really. But the economy has been bad and its been difficult to go on because of the funds. We just have to hang on, it's been very tough for me in all ways.
Q: Any plan to make celluloid films now that things are getting better?A: I no longer think of motion pictures that way because celluloid today is not that relevant. There is more advancement in the movie industry. There are many ways to arrive at celluloid these days. People start out with digital and end up in celluloid. I believe the most important thing is content because emphasis will be shifted to the content of the film. I can assure you that celluloid will not be glamorous anymore like most of the theatre in the developed world are being reeled for digital projections. Our films are rather made for servers rather than for celluloid which is on the way out.
Q: You said it’s been tough. Are you saying TK is not rich?A: Aha! I find it very difficult to pay my house rent this year, because last year was a year of production for us. We had to seek funds to continue to make our films. I am happy that we have two films -Abeni and Narrow Path which will be released soon. I believe by the time we release those films we will be able to recoup our investments and I am owing a lot but as soon as we are in the market, things will change for the better.
Q: So, how rich is TK?A: I don’t have anything. I just have my work. May be it will be ideal if I say I have invested everything that I have on this project.
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