Ariel Lavi hosts the film director for an interview about the career.
Hello Adeyinka! How are you?
Hello! I’m doing well, thank you for asking!
What exactly do you do for a career ?
I am a filmmaker! I have the amazing opportunity to use the craft of filmmaking to bring stories to life. I’m passionate about every step of the filmmaking process, whether it’s developing gripping storylines, obtaining jaw-dropping shots, or collaborating with gifted actors and crew.
What was the process for you to find what you wanted to do ?
It started as a hobby, and I never knew I could make a living with it. It all started way back in my early days in the university. I would skip class just to watch youtube videos on how to make films. I started as a 3D animator and migrated to filmmaking just so I could make CGI composition in those films.
What is the most rewarding part of your career?
Seeing the final results of my hard work being watched and appreciated by people. No joy can be matched with that.
Can you tell us about your career ?
Of course! My work as a filmmaker is centered around using cinema to tell stories. Making aesthetically stunning stories that enthrall and engage viewers is my passion. My passion for storytelling and my fascination with the ability of visual storytelling to evoke emotions, spark debate, and motivate change served as the foundation for my filmmaking career. I’ve developed my abilities in writing, directing, cinematography, editing, visual effects, and producing over the years in the film industry. I’ve had the chance to work on a wide variety of projects, including music videos, feature films, commercials, documentaries, and short films. Every project has a different set of challenges and opportunities, and I enjoy the creative problem-solving that goes into telling a story on film.
What is your greatest success so far ?
I’ve had the opportunity to work on a couple of Hollywood films, and these are projects I am proud of to be amongst the amazing talented cast and crew. Also, every time I get an award, I feel like a successful filmmaker. It is a depiction that my hard work is being recognized.
What do you want your audience to know?
I want my audience to know that filmmaking comes with a lot of emotional challenges, sometimes depression, because the process of making a movie is never easy. But every filmmaker (including myself) almost always makes one out of nothing. This is the struggle of every filmmaker.
Where did you grow up ?
I grew up in Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria.
Where are you from ?
I am from Ila Orangun, Osun State, Nigeria.
What are some of the challenges you faced along the way?
Embarking on a journey to work with Hollywood industry practitioners is undoubtedly a thrilling pursuit, but it’s also one that comes with its fair share of challenges. Some of the hurdles I’ve faced along the way include: Competition: The entertainment industry is highly competitive, with countless aspiring filmmakers vying for limited opportunities. Standing out amidst the crowd and securing meaningful collaborations can be a daunting task. Networking: Building relationships with established industry professionals in Hollywood requires time, effort, and persistence. Navigating the intricate network of connections and making meaningful connections can be challenging, especially for someone starting from outside the industry.Financial Constraints: Filmmaking often requires significant financial resources, from funding production costs to investing in marketing and distribution. Securing funding for projects and managing budgets effectively can be a major hurdle, particularly for independent filmmakers. Rejection and Failure: Rejection is a common part of the filmmaking journey, whether it’s facing rejection from investors, festivals, or audiences. Learning to cope with setbacks and turning them into opportunities for growth is essential for resilience in the industry.Balancing Creativity and Commercial Viability: Striking a balance between creative vision and commercial appeal can be challenging, particularly when working within the constraints of studio expectations or market demands. Finding ways to stay true to one’s artistic vision while also meeting the demands of the industry can be a delicate balancing act.Despite these challenges, I remain determined and resilient in pursuit of my goals. Each obstacle presents an opportunity for learning and growth, and I’m committed to overcoming them with perseverance, creativity, and a relentless passion for storytelling.
What does it take to be a successful film director ?
Becoming a successful film director requires a combination of talent, skill, dedication, and perseverance. Vision and creativity, Leadership and Communication, Technical Know-how, Adaptability and Problem-solving, Collaboration and Teamwork, Industry knowledge and connection, Persistence and resilience, all these are the ingredients to becoming a successful film director.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
In the next five years, I envision myself as one of the top and most well-recognized international filmmakers in the world. I am committed to honing my craft, telling impactful stories, and pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. Through hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, I aim to make a significant mark on the global film industry, inspiring audiences and fellow filmmakers alike with my work.
What advice would you give to a young film director ?
As a young film director, here are some pieces of advice that I would offer: Never stop learning, Start small but dream big, Find your own voice, Network and collaborate, Embrace failure and rejections, Be adaptable and resourceful, stay passionate and persevere. If you follow these rules, the sky is your stepping stone.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Michael Bay is one filmmaker I aspire to emulate, also Kunle Afolayan is one filmmaker that makes things happen no matter the condition, these are my major inspiration.
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Anything else your audience should know? If film lies a story, a vision, and a piece of my heart. Each project I undertake is a labor of love, fueled by a passion for storytelling and a desire to connect with audiences on a deep and emotional level. I want my audience to know that filmmaking is not just a job for me – it’s a calling, a lifelong pursuit of creativity and expression. Every film I create is an opportunity to explore new ideas, challenge conventions, and share meaningful experiences with the world. I want my audience to know that I am committed to creating diverse, inclusive, and thought-provoking content that reflects the rich tapestry of human experience. Whether I’m crafting a narrative feature, a documentary, or a short film, my goal is always to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought in equal measure.