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| Akan on set |
In an exclusive chat with Adunni Amodeni of Naij.com Entertainment, the famous film maker who is popularly known as ‘Focus’ disclosed that he will never sleep with a lady for a role. He also relates his experience in the movie industry.
Excerpts.
In one of your previous interviews, you said Actors do not believe directing is a serious business, what do you mean?
I said this because some don’t take the profession seriously. Let me explain, I was with some of my crew members, precisely a costumier who was furious about what directing really is. The person said, is it not just for us to say “action?” So I had to tell him that it is more than that. It takes a lot to become a good director. Firstly, you need to have a good script. Most of our directors do not do what I call ‘Story Board’. So directing is not easy.
There is a general notion that directors and producers demand for something intimate before they provide female actresses roles, what is your take?
(Sighs…) Em….this question has come before now and I think it’s a personal thing. For me, I don’t do trade by barter. What I mean is I don’t demand sex from my actresses. Directing is a serious business. It is a job one should never toil with. To me, I think the blame should be to the ladies who sleep with directors for roles. I am not saying it does not happen. Although I once dated an actress, but it was not a give and pay thing. I don’t want to believe every producer sleep with actresses before they give them roles.
Are you married?
No, but I have a fiancée.
Is she an actress?
Well, I used to have a lady in the industry but we are no more together.
Have you ever been seduced by ladies for roles?
Yes, definitely not just once. That’s why I said earlier that some of our ladies are the cause of it. Sometime ago, I has a casting and a call came-in. The lady was like ‘hey director’ I understood you just finished a casting and I said yes. She said she wants to be in the casting and I asked her if she was at the audition, she said no. Then I asked, how do you want to do it, and she was like I should meet her up at a hotel. So, I just ignored her.
Let’s look at your career as a director, what’s your most challenging movie?
Wow! This is a tough one. I would say two movies. The first was an indigenous film. It was a bit hard for me to translate some of our director. Another one was when I did ‘Married’. We were in camp for almost a month, somewhere in Lagos. That takes a lot to bring people from diverse ethnic groups as well as orientation together and just camp them for a month. Financially it was not easy but we thank God.
Of all your casts, who is the biggest and whom have you learnt one or two things from?
Well, it’s Pete Edochie. The first time I had him in my cast, I was scared, so then being a big man we all have respect for. I told him, Action! You move here, you move there, and I thought he would not answer, but he did. At a point, I tested him. I said Cut!, and he did. Uncle Pete is so nice and I respect his person.
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| Akan and Moyo Lawal on set |
We still have piracy killing the movie industry, what has been the real problem and can this be solved?
Well, gradually I think we are working on that. As I speak, there are films you won’t see in the market until after a year it came out. We put some online where they can’t be downloaded too.
You have won several awards and personally how do you feel?
I feel great, like that one I won in Warri (Icons of the Act Award), I almost shed tears because I never knew I am an icon.
Can you hint us about your background?
Akan Achibong ‘Focus’ was born in Lagos. I did my second primary school here in Lagos, but I graduated from the University of Uyo, after I studied Economics. I also had a degree at the Nigerian Film Institute. I am single.
Are you searching?
I am not searching, but I am very much single.
You keep dreads and it is obvious you are superbly neat?
To me, looking good is a good business. As a director, you have to always be clean. Infact I didn’t even know I would be having this conversation, but as an entertainer, you have to be looking good. Also as an entertainer, you are also not living your life for yourself alone, people are looking up to you as well. So at every point in time, you have to look good.
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| Akan Achibong having his hair done |
There is this problem with Nigerian films, after 20 minutes, you already know where it ends. Or the fact that I most of these movies, while solving the problem at the end, it’s either through a Pastor, Imam or some supernatural ways. Can’t some of these problems be solved empirically? Are there no other methods of solving problems?
To me, I feel we need more of education. Some of these problems can be solved using research methods.
Directors and Scriptwriters need to study more.
You advice for people that wants to become an actor or actress
They just have to be focused. People call me ‘Focus’ and how did the name come about? I was a production assistant in the industry. A time came I was promoted to be a continuity person. And to God be the glory, I am grateful to one man Emeka Nwabueze who told me I can move from where I am. I was focused.
Your parting shot for your fans
Well, I don’t have a fan. I call them friends. I want to say thank you.
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