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By Clinton Samuel
Film is life. It is a shared experience. There is absolutely nothing like it. An excuse to view life differently and be reminded that we are not alone in whatever situation we find ourselves in. An excuse for strangers to sit in the dark together and listen to stories that visualize who we are as a people.
The evolution of theatre in Nigeria started in the 18th century, usually in royal settings in different regions. The beautiful art has evolved in recent years, and even though it can be said to be in the phase of contradiction; as the future of theatre may be bleak or not, the goal of Film in a Box is to keep the art of theatre alive in Nigeria.
Film is not limited to just the actors we see on screen. The set designers, props managers, costume designers, makeup artists, producers, directors, scriptwriters, cinematographers, editors, graphic designers, and so much more play a huge role in every film. These people are not usually the ones that show on stage, but their importance to art cannot be stressed enough. The unsung heroes.
We spoke with some of the students (mostly in the acting class) on their progress, experiences, expectations, objectives, and generally, their journey thus far. Mr. Daniel Omogunloye (an actor, director, cinematographer, voice-over artist and an editor), Mr. Samuels Israel Chimeremeze (an actor), Miss Ujunwa Favour Onwujekwe (an actor), and Miss. Eka Stephanie Paul (an actor, hairstylist, makeup artist and a commercial model).
What has been your experience with Film in a Box training?
Daniel: “It has been insightful, an eye-opener, and I have been fortunate to learn a lot during these past few days. I have been able to learn and improve on previous knowledge, met beautiful and like-minded people, and I cannot wait to learn more. I never thought an opportunity like this would come to a place in Alimosho. Even more unbelievable that the Film in a Box training is for free!"
Samuel: “My experience has been impactful, I have met amazing facilitators that have been able to teach us. In these few days, I have been able to learn, relearn and unlearn about my ideas on who an actor is supposed to be.”
Ujunwa: “Film in a Box has helped with my social life. It has also improved my knowledge about acting and how I can improve myself. This has been a worthy experience so far.”
Stephanie: “Amazing! It has been an eye-opener, an exposure to different dimensions in acting, and a positive impact to me.”
What is the basic concept of the training?
Samuel: “I believe it is like a pass of the baton. The veterans are doing their best to empower and pass their knowledge to the younger people. To right the wrongs of the previous actors and redeem the image and take theatre in Nigeria to another level.”
Ujunwa: “The concept of this training is to groom young actors who are working hard to build a future in this profession.”
Stephanie: “It is basically to empower people. Lots of people see actors from afar; most aspiring actors question their chances of being seen and celebrated, but Film in a Box have made it possible to believe that there are people that want you to be seen, your name heard, recognized, and these veterans take the responsibility to groom our dreams to reality.”
Daniel: “To learn. I am a passionate filmmaker, and in the long run I want to major in acting. This training has given me the privilege to learn, create an open mind to acting, and a big opportunity to gain knowledge from these great facilitators for free. “
What are the objectives of the Film in a Box?
Ujunwa: “The organizers, facilitators and everybody involved in making this event a productive one are doing their best mainly to tutor us to become professional actors. I said actors because I am in the acting class. But generally, they are doing a great job in enhancing theatre in Nigeria.”
Stephanie: “Empowerment and to bring dreams of the people to reality. Giving a lot of people the opportunity for just anyone to have the chance to visualize their talents.”
Daniel: “Understanding the tools of an actor (the mind, body and voice) and how to be a good actor. Understanding the whole idea of theatre. Understanding film production and training theatre lovers to become better in their desired professions.”
Samuel: “Empowering the young people into theatre. I appreciate the organizers for starting up such an amazing event here in Alimosho. There has not been much spotlight about theatre in this vicinity, unlike Ikeja, Ikoyi and other developed areas in Lagos. They intend to bring the aura here in scouting for talents.”
How do you prepare for a performance?
Stephanie: “By practicing and rehearsing my lines until I am comfortable in the character.”
Daniel: “The first thing I do is to understand the story of the script. Then I research the character. Focus and understand my lines and make consistent rehearsals over time.”
Samuel: “I believe that every actor does what works best for them. No particular status quo. What works for them is what they do. I usually use this guide: S (Strength) W (Weakness) A (Ability) P (Power). Understanding one’s strengths, weaknesses, knowing what to do to achieve perfection, and knowing the limits to one’s strength should help any actor prepare adequately.”
Ujunwa: “I spend hours rehearsing, practicing my lines, learning choreography, and figuring out the art of presenting my character.”
What are your expectations after the training?
Daniel: “I expect to have gained so much knowledge after the training. Enough to make me qualified to go full-time into the theatre industry, and hopefully to get featured in some films. I really want to tell beautiful stories that will touch the lives of people. I do not want to do the ordinary, but to take or make roles that are out of the norm; something unique.
Samuel: “This opportunity came to me, and as an opportunist, I am doing my best to utilize it to the best of my efforts. I expect great things to yield from my experiences and knowledge in this training, and particularly open to whatever comes knocking.”
Ujunwa: “I expect to be groomed into acting. Build my confidence, improve my voice and put more work into acting. To be learned and be assured that I am making the right steps in being a good actor.”
Stephanie: “I absolutely look forward to making the most of the knowledge I have gained from these amazing facilitators. I would challenge myself in progressing, because with what I have been learning, my approach to any opportunity I get would be distinct because I passed through Film in a Box.”
A word from one of the facilitators
Mr. Patrick Lee, Chairman of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), expressed his thoughts about the training. He said, “There was enough time for me to prepare in helping young people understand the process of producing movies, the financial aspects and various aspects in production. The students are the future of the industry, so it was important to assure and train them in preparation of them stepping up into their roles of promoting Nollywood.”
“It was absolutely exciting passing performance knowledge to the young people. There is nothing better than that for me. I enjoyed sharing the knowledge because I have spent years acquiring this knowledge and it is important that these students are able to share into this experience.
“The passion and excitement from the students were overwhelming and worth the while. The turnout was great as the organizers were able to get the number of students they required. It is a testament to the fact that the students are ready to learn and they appreciate what we have been teaching them. I am confident that they will make use of this knowledge and exposure, and feed it into their progress. They are the future,” he concluded.
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