Filmmaker and the CEO of Singularity Media, Dare Olaitan, has said that for the country’s vibrant movie industry, Nollywood, to grow even bigger, it needs the support of both the government, and private sector.
Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, he said, “There should be tax benefits and production rebates. There should also be a National Fund that sponsors films made to enhance Nigeria’s image, just like the British have with the British Broadcasting Corporation for one.”
Speaking on his latest movie titled, ‘Ajosepo’, Olaitan said, “The movie deals with the traditional belief known as magun (a charm to punish adulterers). By bringing in this folklore-inspired element, we are able to dramatically interrogate the themes of love and family.
“The movie is basically inspired by the idea of transferable trauma; how the mistakes of one’s parents can sometimes shape one’s lives and decision making.
“However, we hope viewers will realise that while their parents are the templates on which they are created, they have the freewill to create lives that they will be proud off on their own terms, while still honouring their family traditions.”
Olaitan added that the challenges he faced in the course of making the movie included scheduling issues and the humid weather. Though, according to him, the stellar cast he worked with made all the challenges worthwhile.
On how working as a personal assistant on movie set helped him to become a better filmmaker, Olaitan said, “Working at the lowest rung of the production ladder enables one to realise how one wants everybodyon one’s set to be treated. I try to show everyone on set respect irrespective of their position or status. I believe that we are all ingredients in making a great cake.”
Asked about the kind of stories he likes telling the most, the filmmaker said, “At this point in my career, I am leaning a bit towards thriller and horror due to the production realities of Nollywood. But, I will do any stories that dwell on the reality of the Nigerian experience.”
The alumnus of the Colorado Film School in the United States of America noted that the most fundamental differences between making films in Hollywood and Nigeria were budget and time, adding that there should be more investment in the sector.