By Johnson Adebowale
His plan was to read law at the university, but he ended up studying Dramatic Arts, a second choice course that JAMB imposed on him.
However, for Temitope Adebiyi, what looked like a disappointment some years ago has today turned into a blessing. His faith-based movie, Hate from the Altar, which recently premiered in Maryland, United States, is currently making waves.
In this interview, the US-based Nigerian cinematographer, screenwriter and filmmaker shares his experiences and offers insight into the art of movie production. Here are excerpts:
How did you get involved in filmmaking?
I never planned to go into film production. Though, while growing up, it kind of interested me when I saw videographers carrying those big analogue cameras on their shoulders. But when I finished secondary school, I filled my JAMB form to study Law at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife in 2006. And because I was certain I would gain admission to study the course of my first choice, I just randomly chose Dramatic Arts as the second choice. But as fate would have it, that same year, the Nigerian University Commission proscribed the faculty of law at OAU and no one was admitted into the faculty that year. So, those of us who did well in UTME and post-UTME were automatically admitted to study our second choice course. At first, I felt bad and planned to transfer to another department the following year. But after spending a year studying Dramatic Arts, I decided I was going to stay. That was how the journey began.
Who is a film director and what are the most important skills he or she must possess?
A film director is the artistic Major General. The overall artistic look of the movie is his call to make. He works alongside the director of photography, production designer or art director as the case may be, to bring the picturesque feeling that he has about the script to life. A film director must be very creative and know how to think deeply. Additionally, patience is very important. There are times that you will need that to work with some actors and crewmembers. But artistically, you must be very creative and, most importantly, have adequate practical training. There is no way you can refer to yourself as a film director if you don’t have practical on-set training. I have seen people act in one or two films and then start thinking they are fit enough to direct a movie. I once worked with a director who didn’t even understand what the 180-degree rule meant when filming. How then do you know if your DP is crossing?
What do you think makes a great film?
For me, what makes a great film is the story and production value. Any movie that has a good story line and production value is a great film for me.
What are the biggest challenges that a film director faces, especially in the Christian genre?
I think it has to be financing. Filmmaking involves money, and you need it to actualize a lot, especially when it comes to adding production value to your work.
Before Hate from the Altar, what were your other productions?
Personally, I did about seven, including short films. But outside my personal project, I have lost count.
What’s your favourite movie of all time among them, and why?
It is hard for me to pick my favourite, because there is always something unique about each of my works, and they all have different subject matters.
What inspired Hate from the Altar?
I got the inspiration to write a screenplay for Hate from the Altar from recent happenings in churches. I realised that the major missing link is the lack of love in the church. The church, which is supposed to be a house of love, has been turned into a place where hatred and jealousy are the new standards. Then I feel there is a need for me as a filmmaker to talk about this. It was supposed to be a short film at first but God’s plan was bigger than that.
How many days did it take to shoot the film?
It took us about six weeks to finish shooting. We started late October and didn’t finish till around the second weekend in December last year.
Was the script based on a true story?
Not really a true story, but it was based on recent events. The film was shot in Maryland, USA.
What challenges did you face during production?
Filming under harsh weather conditions. It was getting close to Christmas, and the weather was getting colder. Another challenge was getting actors on a filming schedule.
Who are some of the actors in the film?
We had Kike Ayodeji, Ayodeji Adekoya, Paul Tolbert, Omotolani Kazeem, Lekan Adeiga and a host of others.
How did you choose the cast and crew?
For the casting, there were some actors I had worked with before, so I knew their strengths and where they fit in. And for those just coming in, we had a table read where I was able to make decisions about their casting.
What was your experience working with the cast and crew?
It was a beautiful experience working with everyone on that set. They were professional, supportive and dedicated. I will always work with them.
Was there any scene in the film that was particularly challenging to shoot? If so, why was it challenging, and how did you overcome those challenges
I would say the church scenes. We didn’t have enough extras, so I had to do a bit of cheating to not expose the sparsity of the extras.
How long did it take for production and post-production?
It took about four months for the filming and post-production. Yes, I am happy with how the final product turned out. But as someone who is a near-perfectionist, I would still say there is room for improvement. But overall, the commendation I have gotten has been so impressive and mind-blowing.