Another Day

"Another day, no Dollar, but Niara" as Eddie Kaddi the lead actor in area boys put it during the making of Area Boys. But this blog is not on the "making off" but rather an event that has gripped the nation year in year out known as BOBTV. For the second year running bobtv was held at the Ladi Kwali Hall center in Sheraton Abuja.

For those that are wondering "what is bobtv"? Well to simply put it bobtv is BEST OF THE BEST TV, BROADCASTING & FILM in Nigeria. The event organizers, Mrs Amaka Igwe and her Husband come partner Charles Igwe must be commended for the hard work and efforts in putting together a program directed at improving the current state of the Nigerian film and broadcasting industry.

As usual bobtv had its usual expo stands for companies to showcase their latest offerings in terms of camera equipments, lighting, sounds, grips and hardware. There were a host of producers and directors selling and acquiring films and seeking distribution deals within and outside of Nigeria from media and broadcasting companies milling around the event, from the likes of SABC, DSTV, HITV just to mention a few.

I was quite impressed this year to see a stand by the BBC WORLD SERVICE and their array of high quality films on HIV AIDS and other social issues. This year was the year that we at Inspire Film & Media which is also known as Inspire Film Productions Nig Ltd previewed our long and waited film AREA BOYS. To know what happened when our film was screened read on………..

I can tell you the first day AREA BOYS was screened I was really nervous because I didn’t know how the general public would take the film, especially the university undergrads. As I walked into the large hall 7 and sat down and noticed only five people in the room. I quickly got into a position usually military soldiers would in a bunker to shield away from enemy fire. My mind was thinking well this is bad…and within a few seconds as the film started the situation got worse as only two people were left in the room. I thought oh no, we really suck, maybe I should start to retreat to the exit door!! Just as I was about to tell the operator to stop the film, I noticed the people that left the room came back in full force with more people.

Now I wasn’t crouching anymore and my head was slowly rising above my chair. To my surprise this happened a few more times and before long the room had practically packed out and the audience was quiet to which I thought “that’s a good sign”. As the film ended the room was still silent and the audience left the room. I wasn’t quite sure how to take it but I was later informed by the festival directors Area Boys was well received.

On to the second and last screening things were different as the room was practically full before I got there and people were eagerly waiting to see the film. This time I sat down with my head up high and as the film was played I looked at peoples faces and could see they were really into it. At the end of the screening there was a massive applaud with some people whistling and others stood up. I felt good and proud from all the hard work that had gone into the film by the cast and crew. I’d like to give you all a pat on the back for your hard work and commitment.

Bello

WHERE HAVE WE BEEN?

Oh my gosh! I can't believe that it's been almost a year since I last posted a blog. I remember back then we were about to set off on a wonderful albeit unknown journey. Where did all the time go? Time flies whether you're having fun or not I guess. I know a lot of people have been wondering what happened to the project: did we do it or not? was it a success or a complete dog's dinner. Well, the past 11 months are a testimony to the fact that if you believe in something and pursue your dreams no matter the cost, you will get your just rewards. For those who might have thought they were waiting in vain, I'd like to give my sincere apologies- we've have a lot of blogging to do! In the next few weeks and months I'll be recounting some of the experiences we had trying to fulfill the vision of AREA BOYS. I'll also share some of pics and clips and keep you updated on some very exciting news about the upcoming release of the film- AREABOYS. The journey has been a long one, but only now has it truly begun!

Keep dreaming

AREA BOYS SLIDE SHOW!

WE DID IT!

After 30 exciting and adventure filled days, we did it and have the postcard to show for it- so to speak! The past month has been a truly amazing experience for everyone involved in the AREA BOYS PROJECT. I think I speak for the whole crew when I say that every single member of the team has been touched, changed even by our experiences in making this dream a reality- whether it be spiritually or in the form of a reality check on the plight of Africa. We've all come back with personal stories to tell- funny stories, scary stories and downright absurd stories. But most importantly we have in a possession over 10 hours of what we hope will be the beginning of the transformation of Nigeria and the African continent not just as a continent with potential but one of importance, with something valuable to give the rest of the world...

Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers, emails of kind wishes and encouragement. You don't know how they helped us get through the eye of numerous storms!!!!

My apologies go out to everyone who I haven't replied back to or gotten in touch with. I'll try my best to reach to you all this week.

Look out for updates on the progress of the project through post production and/or screening s in the new year...

HELLO FROM HUMID CITY

Hey All,
Sorry for the late post! But as the saying goes, better late than never!

Just a quick note to say that I got to Lagos safely. But I've had to land on the ground running! I've been having millions of meetings every day so far and it's soooo hot! Even at 6.30am in the morning! What's that about? I'm glad for the places that have a/c but when there isn't... God help me..

The preperations are going well and we have a successful meeting with the Lagos state local council who have agreed to do everything in their power to ensure we have a successful shoot as they believe in what we're trying to do for the future of Nigerian filmmaking and also the Area Boys Project as an educational tool for young kids who might think the corruption route is easier and more profitable.

The rest of the week is jam packed with meetings for sponsorships and scheduling. On the saturday the cast and crew arrive and it's rehearsals, camera tests and location recces next week before the 7 day shoot beginning on the 18th November.

GOD IS GOOD!

A blessing at every turn

What a week we've had! I was thinking to myself the other day that right now, there are not enough hours in a day, not enough days in a week for us to be ready for the beginning of production in mid-november. I know people will say it's the pressure getting to me, or the fact that I'm so excited about the project, or anxiety or etc etc. But I got to thinking about my week- between trying to move house, editing numerous corporate projects and trying to produce a film, I've had an average of about 3 hours sleep a day! And when I'm supposed to be asleep, I'm thinking about all the things I have to do so I don't forget and mess it all up!!! I know I'm going to need a holiday when all this is over. Hellooo Espana...

Back to the updates. We had our first rehearsals today which was kinda cool as it was actually the first time I'd looked at the script in any sort of depth (Sorry Dipster but things were pretty hectic!). We also spent a chunck of the week distributing flyers to the whole of London for the club event at Manjaro Bar, Holloway Road on the 20th of October. If you're in the area please come down and support us. It promises to be a great evening of short films, peotry readings, acapella singing and great music...

On a more serious note, we still need to find another male lead character and are desperate for a sound engineer!! Please, if anyone is interested, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

A big thank you to everyone who has 'bumped' into the web/blog site and has been touched by what we are trying to achieve. It's a real blessing to us to know that there is a forum and a need for this type of project. I just hope and pray that the finished film will be just as inspiring if not more so...

Peace, love and Blessings all...

North vs South, Mel vs Janette?

Hey All,
Sorry we haven't been in touch with updates but as you can imagine things have been getting more hectic as the shoot date looms ever closer! We have exactly one month before I fly to Lagos to begin the 2 week prep before shooting. But before that we have the small matter of some major fundraising to reach our budget. Today Janette and I will be converging with thousands other runners for the annual Nike 10km race in a North vs South challenge. I run for the north whilst Janette is for the south. May the best team (ahem North) win!

We're pleased to announce that we've lined up a couple of key interviews to help promote the AREA BOYS PROJECT:
On monday 9th October we are on the radio show VOICE OF AFRICA (Sky digital 0192)from 11am-2pm and next sunday evening (15th) we will be on BEN TV.

Please do tune in to support us and be part of our vision!

Thank you all for your, thoughts, prayers and support.

Till next time.

AFTER THE HIGH...

The past couple of weeks have been pretty good going. The website was up in record time, we found a venue for the club night and saw the first draft of the script! Our first script meeting was very special indeed as we were all bristling with ideas about the visual nature of the Area Boys project. Personally, I was quietly going about my campaign to absolutely destroy my record 10k time because at the rate training was going, I was going to do it in sub 45 mins which isn't bad at all. But it's funny (and very sad in my case) how life decides to throw you a couple of curve balls just when you think you have it all figured out...

Mine came in the shape of a muscle pain I felt during my last run a week ago. 'Just a tight strain in my back' I thought, 'probably from playing too much volleyball and tennis and football and ping pong when I was in Spain.' But lo and behold the pain got worse and more pronounced and by the end of the week it felt someone was sticking a dagger into my left shoulder blade and twisting it for good measure. 'oh oh' I thought, 'I've only gone and trapped a nerve'. The pain was so much that I've been on a full dose of pain killers for the past few days.

Today I went to an osteopathic (?) surgery for the first time in my life and after much popping of my spine and neck (which made me feel very light headed!) I was told it wasn't a trapped nerve but something big and unpronounceable about how my shoulder back muscles were starved of blood and the cells died!!!! All I wanted to know was when I could run again (the Nike 10k is on October 8th!) but it doesn't seem that I'll be doing much of that this week as I'm still on pain killers until at least next tuesday. The battle might be lost but the war is not over by any means! I'll do this run if it means I have to pushed on a wheel chair (thanks Caroline!). I just might have to rethink that sub 45 minute target....