Filmmaker In The Spotlight: Omoefe Kingsley.

"...we, filmmakers need to start treating our films as products and brands..."-Omoefe.

Obviously one of Nollywood's most dynamic and skilful directors. Nicknamed "The King of Soap" for directing five running TV series at same time("Everyday People" Domino" Family affair" Just The Two of Us" and "One Love"). The award winning Delta state-born filmmaker who is well schooled both home and in several countries in filmmaking just returned from Colorado, USA after an intensive and hands-on training in digital filmmaking, is one talent that embodies the future of Nollywood judging from his artistically-correct pool of works. This humble but eloquent screen-curator, Kingsley Omoefe is the chief executive officer of Golden Heritage Nigeria Ltd. And he heads the Nigeria Gospel Music awards. He did justice to the barrage of question I shot at him. Enjoy...

Can we meet you?
KING OMOEFE: I am Kingsley Omoefe, a film producer and director.I'm from Delta state and the CEO of Golden heritage Nig Ltd. I studied Digital Filmmaking from the Praque Film School in Czech Republic. I have done short courses in filmmaking with the USA embassy and Africa film academy, UNICEF and just completed a course from the Colorado film school in Denver, USA. I have served the Directors Guild of Nigeria as a National secretary, Public relations officer and a vice president where I contributed a lot to the growth of the guild. I currently head the Nigeria gospel music award and project director of ZAFAA awards, London, UK.

How would you describe your participation in the Project ACT Nollywood.
KING OMOEFE: I would say it’s one of the best things that have happened to me, I must say I am very lucky to have been chosen to be among the beneficiaries from over 300 entries. We were trained in digital film making using new technology. Film making the Hollywood way at the Colorado film school, Denver, Colorado. USA.

Would you say you are a better filmmaker after that course?
KING OMOEFE: Sure, most definitely. The course was very intensive and it covers a whole lot. From scripting, production management and design, Cinematography, music scoring and post production. We even went as far as the business of film using the Hollywood model.

As a filmmaker, what have you achieved so far?
KING OMOEFE: I thank God for where I am presently. I'm currently directing series such as "Faithfully" In My Closet" Together" while I have directed films such as "Dr. Damian" Jungle Ride" Still Armed" State of The Heart" and Asst Dir. in "Tango With Me" etc.

What are you currently working on?
KING OMOEFE: Am working on a feature length movie titled "Better than the Beginning". Am directing and co-producing. Soon after I will commence shooting two short movies, a music video and my television series; "Yours Faithfully"

Asst. Director: Peace, Project Supervisor: Peter Boyo and Director,Kingsley on set.

Kingsley with some of the Lead on set.

As a director, what determines the kind of script you work with?
KING OMOEFE: The story must have some positive message, afterward I ask myself, will this film take me a step further from where I am now?

Nollywood screenwriters?
KING OMOEFE: We have improved; we now have better writers, who are well trained though they are few.

Apart from "Ije" and recently "Half of A Yellow Sun" most Nollywood movies don't last more than two weeks in the cinemas. What are filmmakers not doing right to pull the crowd to the cinemas?
KING OMOEFE: The purchasing power of Nigerians has dropped. So we are now contending with a lot. The way forward is to publicize our movies; we are not doing enough advertising. We need to start treating our films as products and brands. A product needs good packaging, branding and advertising. We need to include a good budget for our productions. The truth is most producers don't even have the tiniest idea that their budget should include a substantial amount for advertising.

How will you rate the professionalism of Nollywood actors you have worked with?
KING OMOEFE: Professionalism has taken over! 70% of the jobs are done by professionals. My overall rating is 80%.

What turns you off in an actor while on set?
KING OMOEFE: Indiscipline and unprofessional conduct.

What is your opinion on producers/directors being influenced and induced by actors to get roles?
KING OMOEFE: Its a professional misconduct. Well, sometimes you can't help it especially if the actor is also the producer or executive producer.

Ever being seduced or lured by an actress?
KING OMOEFE: Nope

What makes Omoefe thick in his game?
KING OMOEFE: Professionalism, dedication, consistency and continious training.

A Nollywood director that is impressing you currently?
KING OMOEFE: Kunle folayan.

Kingsley with fellow directors at the Colorado film school, USA.

Last words for fellow filmmakers?
KING OMOEFE:
Get trained at every given opportunity, always be professional and don't take half measures. Do the right thing and be focused, above all put God first.

Thank you for your time.
KING OMOEFE: You are welcome Johni.

You can contact Kingsley Omoefe via:
omoefekingsley@gmail.com
Facebook: Omoefe Kingsley
Twitter: @omoefekingsley
Instagram: omoefe234