VANESSA NZEDIEGWU: READY TO TAKE MY PLACE

VANESSA NZEDIEGWU SET TO SHOOT FIFTY MILION NAIRA MOVIE


She has been around for quiet a while. She was on her way to becoming one of the best actresses coming out of Nollywood. Beautiful and gifted with a certain charm and flair she had Nollywood thoroughly enchanted, but without warning, Vanessa Nzediegwu stepped away from it all and people started asking what had happened. That question we will answer later.

Vanessa Nzediegwu

 Sexy, Sensational, Charming, Talented, all these terms, much as they have been used to describe who people think that this young woman is, what those who pen such words have left out are the words Focused, Hardworking and Determined. Those are the words that have brought this young woman to where she is now.  A few years ago when Vanessa decided to pursue her second love, painting. a lot of her friends thought she had made a mistake, but mistakes have never been part of her vocabulary as she proved everybody wrong when she held her first exhibition, backed by a group of artsts she had put together (ETA) an acroynm for Extremely Talented Artists.  The group has since then held three exhibitions  and have recorded huge successes in each.
Vanessa's journey however did not stop  at the successes of ETA because she headed off to the New York Film Academy where she studied  film directing. She is back in the country and has decided to stake her claim for a directing diadem in Nollywood. This ingenue is ready to take her place as she is about going on set to shoot her first movie. We are not allowed to tell you the name of the movie just yet but Vanessa has told us that it is a big budget thriller that would most likley star the presenter of Hollywood's PRANKED Ashton Kutcher a couple of other a-list Hollywood superstars and a sprinkling of Nollywood talent. The movie is to be shot on locations in Lagos and Delta State and the foreign crew are ready to go. The budget for the movie is in excess of fifty million naira and we will keep you posted as the production planning umfolds. and remember that you read it here first.

OKEY BAKASSI vs STELLA DAMASUS   

STELLA DAMASUS

OKEY BAKASSI

You can be sure that whatever you read here is authentic and that you would have heard it here first. Well then, this is a first. Come the last week of September Comedian turned politician or is it Politician turned Comedian Okechukwu Mcanthony Onyegbule otherwise known as Okey Bakassi will climb the stage to thrill audiences with Nollywood star actress Stella Damasus in a comedic stage play that has been penned by Reginald Ebere who will also direct it. The arrangements are still hush hush as we understand that both Okey and Reginald who are co-producing have not finalised discussions with Stella Damasus. Asked why they chose stage, Okey and Reginald who have Theatre and stage backgrounds said that  "we are simply exploring another dimension of our art. We have conquered the different arms of entertainment we have been involved in. Now we think we should try out new things" Okey said "Most people do not know and may not remember that Reginald used to be a stand up comedian. He used to host Comedy Tonight on AIT and we both  initiated Night of a Thousand Laughs which Opa Williams has successfuly turned into a continental brand. We have been friends for a long time so we have the same mind and we think this will be a huge success."  Talking about Stella Damasus Reginald said  "I have worked with Stella a couple of times before and she is a brilliant actress. she has a crazy sense of humor and has also had stage experience. we considered other actresses before settling on her and i think she will bring out the best in Okey Bakassi" 
We have been made to understand that the stage play is a two man play. The venue of the stage performance is also under wraps and from what we have gathered, the tickets will go on sale in late August. Follow this blog for more information

                                        THE LONDON SCREENWRITER'S FESTIVAL

26th, 27th and 28th October 2012
London School of Film, Media & Performance
Regent's College, London, UK

TUTORIAL

How to write a two-page screenplay
 In this short tutorial, you will learn how to write and format the four critical elements of a screenplay (Scene Heading, Action, Character, and Dialogue.) You’ll also learn how to save and send your script in Final Draft.

GET STARTED
So you’ve got this great idea for a movie. And you want to write a screenplay. Whether you’re writing a short two-page script for this contest or a full-length feature film, you must get your idea into the particular screenplay format that the entertainment industry requires.

A screenplay serves two purposes. It’s a story with a hero or heroine who must conquer adversity to achieve a goal. But a screenplay is also a blueprint. Your script contains directions and details that the cast and crew need to actually produce the movie.

No matter the length or genre, all screenplays look remarkably the same. They are written in the Courier 12-pt. font and usually equal one page for every minute of screen time. Scenes and action and dialogue are all written a standard way. If you don’t adhere to proper screenplay font and format, your writing looks amateurish and will probably be ignored.

You can certainly use a word-processing program to write a screenplay. But you run the risk that you will make formatting errors. And you may spend more time formatting your script than writing.

With Final Draft software, you can easily write a properly formatted screenplay with just the Tab and Enter/Return key. And with the free Final Draft demo, you can write a script up to 15 pages that can be saved, emailed, or printed for review. (The free demo is available at www.finaldraft.com.)

SCENE HEADINGS
Everything in a screenplay is organized into scenes, and every scene starts with a scene heading. A scene heading looks like this:

EXT.  SID'S  HOUSE - DAY

A scene heading starts 1.5 inches from the left margin of the page and is always in ALL CAPS.

There are three parts to a scene heading: INT/EXT, location, and time of day.

The first part tells you whether the camera is placed outside, or exterior, which is abbreviated EXT; or inside, which is INT, for interior scene.

Next is the location of the scene. This can be as specific as Billy’s Bedroom, or as broad as Wyoming. In the example above, it’s Sid’s House.

Last is time of day. It’s best to write only day or night. Specific times are generally not used, although you might use a general time of day, like sunrise or evening if that’s critical to making the scene work.

Anytime you start a new scene by changing location or time of day, you need to write a new scene heading.

ACTION LINES
Action is what keeps your story moving forward and your audience stuck to their seats. In most cases, an Action line is written immediately after the Scene Heading to describe what is happening. Here’s an example from the screenplay L.A. Confidential.

     EXT. POLICE HEADQUATERS - DAY

 

  Reporters scribble as as the chief speaks. Uniforms

    everywhere along with EXLEY and LOEW. Bus sits in the

    back

Action lines start 1.5 inches from the left margin and extend to 7.5 inches from the left. An action line is single spaced and a present-tense description of what the audience sees. If you are introducing a character for the first time, you may capitalize the character’s name in the action line. An action line never includes what a character is thinking. If the audience can’t see it, don’t write it. Keep your script lean and clean.

CHARACTER AND DIALOGUE
The dialogue your characters speak moves your screenplay forward while also revealing important information about your characters and story. Each character’s dialogue should be unique to that character. If one character sounds like another, rewrite the dialogue so each has a distinct voice. Rocky didn’t sound like Adrian. Your characters shouldn’t either.

The Character line is written directly above Dialogue. Here’s an example from the screenplay for You’ve Got Mail.

KATHLEEN

Hey, you forgot to pick up the

garbage last week and i got a

ticket. And you are late today... i

could have gotten another

After you finish writing Dialogue, you can continue the conversation by writing more Dialogue from a different Character. You may write a line of Action to keep the story moving forward. Or you may finish the scene and write a Scene Heading to start a brand-new scene.

While there are other elements to a screenplay you should learn, these four (Scene Heading, Action, Character, and Dialogue) are the primary elements in any script. You can start writing your script right now with just these four elements. To see all four in action, we’ve attached a one-page example at the end of this tutorial.

USING THE FINAL DRAFT DEMO
You can download a demo for Final Draft for Mac or Windows at www.finaldraft.com/demo. This demo is a fully-functioning version that allows you to save up to 15 pages of your script as a Final Draft file. You can easily email this file to another Final Draft user who can open it, read it, edit it, and even print it with no limitations.

After you download and install the demo, you will be asked to enter a customer number or continue as a guest. Click the continue button. You’ll see a blank page ready for writing.

Before you start though, read the tutorial file and browse the User’s Guide which is found in the Help area of the program. There is also a complete set of video tutorials on YouTube – search for FinalDraftInc.

EMAILING OR UPLOADING YOUR SCRIPT
At any time you can save your script as a Final Draft file in the accepted .fdx format. You can then email your script or upload it. As long as the recipient also has Final Draft, he or she can read it exactly as you’ve written it. Your script retains its formatting that the industry requires.

THIS TUTORIAL IS A FINAL DRAFT TUTORIAL FROM THE 50 KISSES COMPETITION

THE CAMEROONIANS ARE COMING

CAMEROONIAN WOMEN ARE COMING


There are a couple of Cameroonian women who are getting set to take over the entertainment industry in Africa and like i said in a previous post, most of them are friends. i have followed thier lives and their successes and though they have cut thier teeth either living in Nigeria or imbibing Nigeria's entreprenurial spirit they are putting what they have learnt to good effect. It is shocking how fast they have grown and are growing and if we are not careful they will come to thE fore quicker than we expected. I have brought you three of them here and i will like this to be a challenge to our women who have become so dependent on their men that they have forgotten that they can stand alone and make something of their lives.

SYL ANIM(fashion designer)


Ms Sylvie Anim of SYL ANIM designs is a one-woman fashion designer to reckon with. SYL ANIM designs is noted for its intricate handmade weave designs. And now SYL ANIM designs has us enamoured with its new Sandals Collection. The sandals are made with African print fabrics like woodine, Holland wax and Ankara wax . The high level of professionalism makes the sandals sexy, stylish and very comfortable. Their beautiful patterns make your feet look beautiful and attractive.  Bamenda born Syl Anim started her professional live here in Nigeria trying to force her way into Nollywood. she acted in a few Nigerian movies not snagging any major roles but while all that was going on Syl started working on her collection off her one room apartment in Yesufi Sanusi street Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere Lagos. While she was struggling to find her feet in Nolywood, Syl  entered for the Battle Of The Run Way competition in the United States where she came secon ad from there Syl has gone on from strenght to strength featuring in the 2011 African Fashion Week, New York. she has suddenly become one of the major African Fashion voices in the world. Syl Anim’s fashion is known for her bold colors and brilliant hand-embroidered designs. She has experimented with a sandal line, but more prominently is known for her runway fashion which is deeply inspired by her African roots. Her edgy designs and cultural chic fashions have wowed fans all over the world while we watch this budding designer gain more notoriety and grow into a powerhouse of African design

PANDITA NJOH ETA(Musician)
Among the special gifts God (whom she worships with no resentment) has blessed Pandita Njoh Eta with, that of a golden voice is the most outstanding. It is with this gift that she praises the Almighty, proof of which those who do not know the US-based Cameroonian gospel singer yet will discover when she releases a much-awaited maiden album early next year. “I’ve all along been interpreting songs done by other gospel artistes, but this time, I have decided to take a step ahead by sharing what God has given me with the rest of the world. This is the first time I’m actually going to be doing something on my own,” Pandita told TIPTOPSTARS on the line to Cincinnati, one of Ohio’s most populous and developed metropolises

According to the University of Cincinnati Pharmacy student, the album shall comprise several message-rich praise songs including Provision, Turning Around, Endless Praise, and Life Don Better. Pandita has thus been making regular trips to Maryland to honour studio recording assignments, working with Cameroonian-born sound maestro Walta Blackson in the process.

Featuring in Supernatural Change, the said album will be popular gospel music singer and entertainment promoter (Executive Producer of the up-coming Cameroon Entertainment Awards, CEA) Sister Maybelle Boma and Anitta Etta. “Achalle and a renowned Nigerian gospel singer whose name I shall only disclose at a designated moment will also be featuring in the album,” the up-and-coming gospel musician told us. Once the album is ready, the artiste herself will be home in Cameroon to introduce it to fellow countrymen and brethren, Pandita announced. Meantime in her base, she will undertake promotion trips to Maryland, Minnesota, California, Massachusetts and an intra-State tour of Ohio where she puts up. Prior to Supernatural Change, Pandita had shined with Life Don Better, a single which she has performed at several Christian and community events.

But, how did this interesting story of unfold? “I started singing in my childhood days when I led my Sunday School Choir. I was encouraged by an aunt of blessed memory who brought me up in the fear of God,” Pandita recounted. She continued: “I have since then been singing, but discovered a few years back that I was rather ministering to people, not just singing. I just realized that I love people, no matter where they come from. To express this love, I have to sing and make them happy all the time.”

When she sings, Pandita among other things encourages people who in one way or the other are in distress. “I bring hope to the hopeless,” she said. “Singing also dismisses despair when I find myself in such a situation and helps me appreciate the love of Christ and God’s goodness better,” Pandita also explained.

SANDHRA KIVEN FONDUFE (FILM MAKER)

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Two years ago when Sandrha told me she was giving up her law course to pursue a course in the pebble strewn path of the movies i thought she was absolutely insane. She was on the verge of flying into Enugu the capital of Enugu state from Cameroon to shoot a movie with me. I was afraid that she was going to make a major mistake. There were too many broken dreams along the path to success in Nollywood and i did not want to carry her disappointments on my conscience so i discouraged her from coming. but Ms Kiven is not one to be scared by challenges. She went ahead and struck out on a journey that has led her through the Los Angeles Campus of the New York Film academy and has led her to proudcing and acting in her own movie, Yefon is the story of  a smart and beautiful African girl with a passionate heart and big dreams of a better future; dangerous dreams for a woman in a village governed by a traditional male regime that sees women as the inferior gender. In this darkness, Yefon sees a bright light, Nancy, an American woman escaping from a traumatic past. In her, Yefon finds a friend, but everything goes south when Yefon is framed and sentenced to death, now Nancy must do everything to save her friend's life.

Her drive and passion is set to inspire a generation of Cameroonian movie makers especially the women who are knocking on the doors of Nollywood and beyond. Raise your hands Cameronian women and take a bow. This is for you.

A WRITER'S HEART

A WRITER'S HEART

Nnenna Chikendu Okafor

A writer's heart is deep, soft, tender and fragile. If it is not moulded this way he cannot create those moments of empathy that draws a reader into a piece, keeps him there for as long as possible and finally tosses him out, either ragged with emotions and unfulfilled desires or curled up on the couch dreaming of places far and wide.I can safely say that there is no better moment in life than that moment when you are lying under a duvet on the living room sofa, soft Christmas chimes in the background, lazy snow flakes drifting by the window and a good book in your hands. It is an absolute divine love affair. It rivals only the moment when you have just met the girl you know you would love all your life and both of you are lying side by side on the grass at night staring at the stars, wondering how your lives would pan out.

Nnenna

The way my life has panned out, i have not had too many of those sofa-duvet-snowflake-good book moments but i have had quite a few side by side-grass moments. I remember one of those moments way back in time. It wasn't exactly a grass moment, it was more or less a park bench moment on my campus. University of Jos. I was a third year theatre arts undergraduate. It was a dry cold evening, the type that only Jos is capable of  bringing. I was with a tender eyed, pouty goddess and i couldn't have been happier. I had known her half of her life it seemed. Their house in Aba was directly opposite my father's. I used to peek at her from the upstairs window as she went by to the market, plotting how i would at least get her to notice i even existed. I had dreamed for so long about having her in my arms and then finally the gods literarily dropped her into my laps when she gained admission into the University of Jos to study no less a course than the same I was stydying-theatre arts. I was already one of the major stars of the department and she didn't stand a chance against what i used to think were my boyish charms and "stardom". But beyond the thrill of getting the girl which every boy worth his father's blood enjoys at least once in his life there was something different about this girl who had her arms wrapped around me on that cold park bench. It wasn't just the warmth she radiated nor her ready laughter or the fact that she was a beautiful vision with eyes that melted my soul but maybe because of the fact that she made me want to be a man, protect her, provide for her and lock her away safe from the vagaries of existence. For the first time in my life i understood that age old cliche "i can take the stars out of the sky for you" I loved her with my heart and my soul and i thought i would spend all my life with her. But we were young, we were inexperienced, naive about the fiobles of life and of course time like the writer it is, put a twist in the tale and left us angrily throwing off the duvet and stomping over to the window to watch those gentle, lazy snowflakes turn into angry hail stones.
The years have passed and we had both met other people and gotten married. we now live a world away and worlds apart, she in England with her beautiful kids, me in Nigeria with my awesome family but one thing a book lives you are memories and well, memories are meant to be remembered. So last night we remembered those moments on the park benches of Students Village in University of Jos and the rowdy noisy streets of Aba where our love blossomed and like a good book we felt like going back to that sofa to read it all over again. Nnenna, i thank God for giving me the opportunity to have loved you no matter how short that opportunity was. May God keep you and yours and give you the life you truly deserve.

Now don't ask me why i have posted this, this Sunday morning. This blog is a writer's blog and well it is Sunday. I didn't want to be too stiff and academic today and since it is my blog, i have the right to post what i feel like writing and this is what i want to write about today. This is my heart, a writers heart.


FOR THE JOY OF NKWOBI

Plates of Nkwobi

"Nkwobi is a classic and very popular delicacy originating from the South-Eastern region in Nigeria. Made with cowleg cooked and smothered in thick sauce, it is one of the many culinary delights to be derived from Igbo origins.
 More of an appetizer and served on its own, Nkwobi has become a favourite part of the menu when eating out in “traditional” restaurants both home and beyond. Not to be confused with the equally popular isi-ewu (goat head), Nkwobi is a simple yet tasty dish with a tempting flavour which will keep you asking for more!"

Emeka Ossai

That is  how SpiceBaby described it, Nkwobi, the culinary delicacy that seemed to have come from nowhere and taken over the hearts of every Igboman and people from different parts of the world too. Now I am an igbo man and i enjoy the food of my people but i have never been one for delicacies like Nkwobi and Isiewu until last night when I became a convert. Now what made me a convert was not necessarily the taste of the food nor was it the "goat eye" that stared at me accusingly from the plate saying "you are not going to eat me are you?"  Writing this now it just hit me that my people are a strong breed indeed.. I mean only the Igbo's have the ability to eat something that is staring at them. it gives you goose bumps right? Well to what made me a convert.

Zakky Adze

I'd been ensconsed in Johnson Davidson's ultra comfortable off ice all week working on the final script drafts of his new soap DIARY OF THE HOOD. Now the "mean little bast..d" had hijacked me from my office and refused to allow me go home until i finished his job, which i'd left hanging all month. Knowing he had pushed me a little too far he finally decided to take me out Saturday night. Actor, television producer and new father Emeka Ossai came around to pick us up from the office and they took me somewhere in Ebuttemeta. With us were too of our friends, Singer Cherryl and her sister Ijeoma. Now like they say we are all celebrities and their are certain places you should not be seen at night if you are a celebrity. I felt that Ebutemeta was one of those places especially if you are driving around in the kind of cars we were. But my colleagues did not seem to have a care in the world.

Reginald Ebere

We arrived at an innocous compound and walked through a narrow alley that led in between a couple of houses. Some people who recognized us greeted us warmly and we finally walked into a clearing at the back of the house and the fun began. We helped arrange and clean the seats and the tables. Moments later, torch bearing musician Zakky Adze, without his torches walked in with a friend. Our host Barrister Godson Nwosu  and his wife started pulling out bottles of wine and plates of Isiewu. while that was going on, a couple of friends from DSTV also walked in followed by another who had just come from Ireland.

Daddy Showkey, a friend and Johnson Davidson

It was at this point that the conversation really went cerebral. A sudden argument exploded concerning the bribery scandal between Otedola and Lawan. From there it swung to Nollywood and the progress the movie Industry had made over the years.
It was all stimulating conversation in an ambience of conviviality and friendship without the pressure of putting on airs and trying to impress some Journalists totting cameras and trying to see our flaws. And by the time the night was over i'd eaten three plates of Nkwobi and had officially been inducted into the Nkwobi hall of fame. Now the hosting rights will fall on me on the 21st of August, my birthday. If you happen to be around on that day and you can brave the fear inspiring neighborhood of Ebutemeta join us at the Nkwobi headquarters let's scare the living daylights out of some goats.

JOHNSON DAVIDSON BECOMES TELEVISION PRODUCER

DAIRY OF THE HOOD STARTS SHOOT

Lennox Lewis and Johnson Davidson

Ace music producer, studio owner, voice over guru and superstar actress Lillian Bach's ex boyfriend Johnson Davidson has decided to extend his brand by jumping into the murky waters of television production. The voice and the music maker behind several commercials in the country and brother of action hero superstar George Davidson(Dangerous Men) in a well articulated plan has already expanded his music production studio, located in Eric Moore Close Surulere into a movie making concern with new state of the art equipment to accomodate his production facility. Presently Johnson Davidson who collaborated with Lillian Bach to produce a yet to be released Bollywood/Nollywood flick in India is ready to go on set again to lense a special television series with the working title "DAIRY OF A HOOD"
The series which will be directed by unassuming and multi talented Nollywood Director Reginald Ebere is a story about the lives of many residents of a middle class estate located in Lagos Nigeria, called Jankara Estate

George Davidson in Dangerous Men

In talking with us Johnson Davidson said "...the lives of the residents of the estate is a metaphor and a reflection of the larger Nigerian society. what we want to do is to explore the relationships of a particular group of people who are affected and affect those around them. the intrigues, the fights and quarrels, the love, the betrayals, the corruption, the crime and bigotry x-rays who we are as a people." There are rumors that major Nollywood and music supertars like Sam Okposo, P Square, Sunny Nneji will feature in the soap.

Reginld Ebere(Dre)

On why he chose Reginald Ebere to direct the series amongst a plethora of directors who were considered for the job Johnson said "I have worked with Dre before. he is one of the best writers in the industry and also in the top bracket of directors. but most importantly, he is a visionaire and has the calmest head i know in Nollywood. amongst all the directors he is also ahead of everybody else in understanding new technology and how to deploy it."

The series is expected  to commence shoot in the next few weeks.


                            
YEFON  the movie
Emergent Camroonian movie maker Sandra Kiven Fondufe has concluded shoot on her first feature film YEFON the movie is about the journey of an African woman fighting against traditional laws that have held Cameroonian women down for generations. It's a movie of love, hope, treason and friendship. A film where two friends from opposite worlds fight against all odds to change their lives, and in doing so , they change the world around them. Sahndra who is a Cameroonian actress, an Alumni of the New York Fim Academy and currently resides in LA wrote and co produced the movie.Sahndra befoe now has earned credits in the movie Lost in Abroad. The film which has Nigerian superstar Uti Nwachukwu is scheduled for release in Autumn 2013 by African Pictures International, INC.


CORNERSTONE. THE SOAP

Reginald Ebere (Dre)

Still on Ace Nollywood director Reginald Ebere, it looks like the busy movie maker who only recently gave up his position as Head of Production and Channel Manager on the Infinity Television Station is set to return to location to conclude shoot on the soap Corner Stone. the soap which is an experimental project from the stables of CFI pictures started shoot almost two years ago but was suspended due to quality control proplems. " We did not like the quality of the first thirteen episodes we shot. Almost everybody who worked on the project was a new person in the industry so they did not fully understand what we wanted to do so we had to suspend shoot for a while to get things right. now that a couple of them have gained a little experience i feel it is time for us to continue shoot. hopefully this time i think they can all understand our processes and our style. Much as i ama firm believer in new talent, we still have to maintain and better the quality of teh work we are doing every time we go on set which was the major reason why we called off shoot in the first place." From what we have gathered, cast and crew have been called back into camp in Asaba Delta State and shoot will commence next week.


WHO IS A FILMMAKER IN NOLLYWOOD?

Emile Garuba

by Emil B. Garuba on Friday, July 6, 2012 at 9:09am ·

NOLLYWOOD SCREENWRITER OR FILMMAKER?
I wrote this in reponse to something I read on this blog "NOLLYWOOD'S BEST SCREENWRITERS".

Nice article. Good interviews. But I thought it focused mostly on people who write, direct, and produce their OWN films. What about the screenwriter whose job is to write the script? To forge the building blocks of the movie itself?
I figure the article should be retiltled "NOLLYWOOD FILMMAKERS I ADMIRE" and here's why: No one is just a screenwriter in Nollywood! No, we like to do it all (write, direct, produce, act, sing, edit, distribute, etc.) just like the neighborhood electrician is also the carpenter, plumber, mechanic, and recharge card vendor! Not that there's anything wrong with that, but there are those that are called in for the sole purpose of developing the script based on their expertise and years of experience learning and perfecting the craft of screenwriting that no one else can duplicate 100%. These are the screenwriters.
Yes, we'd all like to be categorized as filmmakers (screenwriters direct too in a sense because the script serves as a guide to the director, editor, sound guy, etc.) but we don't get celebrated as much simply because we live behind the scenes. In Nollywood, I find that one can't be behind the scenes to truly get the recognition they deserve -- it's an economic reality that Nollywood screenwriters aren't balling out of control with mansions in Lekki or trips to exotic lands based off the sale of a script, not like our Western counterparts anyway -- so the more ample title of filmmaker comes into play. The filmmaker title looks, feels, and sounds palatable and well-rounded professionally.
I’d like to read an interview about the screenwriter who brings to life something that wasn’t there a minute a go – something wonderful, thought-provoking and engaging to entertainment and possibly enlighten. I’d like to read about the screenwriter who spent long hours, or days, toiling away in the dark (waaaaaay past their bedtime) to create a thing of beauty that can be transformed into a film, tv series, documentary, or other visual medium to be viewed and shared by all! It’s truly an art form. So as artists, the screenwriter should be celebrated as such! They are out there, RIGHT NOW, staring at the laptop screen, alone, possibly lean and hungry, trying to break through the infamous wall that is the middle of Act 2! We know who they are, and they have no aspirations of being behind the camera or spending time in the editing room or coming up with which music to put on the end credits! Nope, just the script!
There is no real specialization in Nollywood, but rather a perceived one where we say we can do it all. But I’ve met filmmakers who couldn’t write a script to save their lives, tone-deaf they didn’t understand the intricacies of sound mixing or editing, or simply direct traffic let alone a Nollywood movie! So let’s get real – ARE YOU REALLY A FILMMAKER? Can you take all aspects of filmmaking and churn out something entertaining and memorable that’s seen as visual art? Can you make a movie all by yourself? Write, act, direct, edit, produce, and score?
It’s possible. It’s being done somewhere right now! But in Nollywood?
Every film industry in the world plays host to independent filmmakers, and that’s what we are breeding today in Nollywood – INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS! I like that title… it sounds less pretentious than just “FILMMAKER”.
Point is: let’s all do our best within our chosen fields of expertise to raise the standards of Nollywood in general. Filmmaking is a collaborative venture and a sum of many moving parts. My dad keeps telling me that no man is an island, and rightly so. If we were all filmmakers, there’d only be one name on the beginning & end credit list. Also, on the DVD box!
Yeah, good luck seeing THAT film with a cast of ONE – THE FILMMAKER!

Questions? Comments? Insults? Let's hear 'em...

NOLLYWOOD'S BEST SCREEN WRITERS

I asked you guys to vote for your top Nollywood screenwriters and these are the names you have sent me. Well my name has been sent in ahead of others not necessarily because i am better than anybody else but because i am the one asking you to vote and it would have been impolite not to vote me in and of course it is my blog anyway- i understand all that. but here are some of the people i have tremendous respect for and i am absolutely sure that they deserve their place here. Some of them have been termed eccentric like my old friend Dickson Iroegbu. Some are controversial like sex symbol Tchidi Chikere, others have it all put together like the inimitable Emem Isong but whatever they are, these are the people who manufacture the words that run the movie industry. they are all award winning writers in their own rights and here are some of the interviews they have granted about their works and their lives, culled from different sites, enjoy.

REGINALD EBERE

REGINALD EBERE
You can’t talk about the Nigerian film industry without mentioning a few titans, and one of those names is Reginald Ebere. For those who may be wondering why, we have 3 answers for you: Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Kate Henshaw-Nuttall, and Bob Manuel-Udokwu! Reginald is the movie director who launched the career of movie megastar Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde with the movie Venom Of Justice. He was also credited for launching the career of Nollywood sweetheart Kate Henshaw and at the same time, blossom the career of Bob Manuel-Udokwu, which was then at the teething stage. Yes, Reginald gave us the megahit movies Venom Of Justice and When The Sun Sets. The Nollywood veteran, who is also a Pastor, is still here and waxing strong. He just finished a new movie titled The King And The Priest, starring Mercy Johnson, Olu Jacobs, and others.

Today, the talented moviemaker sat down with Nollywoodgossip’s At Home With Aniema for an EXCLUSIVE chat. Excerpts:

Please tell us briefly about yourself?

My name is Reginald Ebere, the first of two sons from the late Sir Silas Ebere and Lady Cecilia Ebere. I am from Abia State Nigeria, a graduate of theatre arts from the University of Jos Nigeria, CEO of the script company THE SCRIPT FACTORY, Channel Manager and Head of Production on the infinity TV platform. A movie writer/Director, married to Maureen Ebere, and a father of three boys.

You have been in the movie directing business for many years now. Could you please tell us briefly about your journey into movie making?

My journey started when I resigned from HINTS MAGAZINE and they (Hints) were getting ready to shoot their first movie WHEN THE SUN SETS. I was recalled to write the movie and I also was made the assistant director for the project. It was from there that I broke into the industry.

How many movies have you directed so far?

I cannot say exactly, but it is in the region of fifty…plus.

Which is the most challenging movie you have ever done and why is it so?

I think it was a project called SCARS OF WOMANHOOD. I was very young and was producing the movie with my partner. I had a plethora of intimidating stars like the late Sam Loco Efe, Christy Essien Igbokwe, in what must have been her only movie, Justus Esiri, Kate Henshaw, Jude Orhora, Francis Duru, Julius Agwu, and Basorge Tariah. The job was also highly technical and I set a very high bar for myself. I thank God it all came out well.

Tell us about your new movie?

It’s called THE KING AND THE PRIEST. It is a convoluted picture of a princess, who willingly gave herself to a hunter boy who got her pregnant and that resulted in very grave consequences for her, her lover and the land. It is a traditional story.

Who are the artistes playing the lead roles?

Mercy Johnson, Yul Edochie, Olu Jacobs, Ebele Okaro-onyuike.

Some of our Nollywood Producers/Directors are taking their movies to the cinemas, should we expect same with this new movie of yours?

Definitely! It was shot with high end equipment so we expect to both premiere in and also run at the cinemas.

What are the challenges you face as a Director, Writer and Pastor?

The same challenges that everybody who wants to do an excellent job faces in a society where things are not done the right way. The challenges of lack of professionalism, limited access to quality funding, lack of power and energy, an absolute lack of the right distribution channels for finished works. I don’t have challenges preaching the word of God and working within the industry.

Which movie will you say gave you that breakthrough in your career as a Director?

I think it was the movie Venom of Justice. It was the first movie I did on my own without being an assistant director, and it was the movie that introduced OMOTOLA JOLADE EKEINDE into Nollywood.

Tell us the highest amount that you have ever invested in a movie?

I hardly produce anyway but I have spent sums of over five million when I have done.

How do you rate the Nigerian movie industry compared to ten years ago?

The industry has grown tremendously in areas of technical input, quantity of jobs done, and reach – especially internationally. But in terms of quality, there was a massive drop in the late nineties and it is only about picking up and that was simply because nonprofessionals took over the industry. With the success of Ije also there is more access to quality funding.

There has been a lot of nudity in Nollywood movies of recent, what do you say to this?

Art imitates life. There is a lot of nudity in our society these days. Women are walking around the streets with their private parts hanging out all over the place. That is the simple reason, perversity has taken over. Pornography sells in any culture, three quarters of decent people I know are hooked on sites like ‘youporn’. So, though we all condemn what is going on from the outside, we are guilty of promoting all these stupidity. It is the vibes we are putting out that the art world is receiving and reproducing.

If you were not a movie director/writer what would you be doing?

I could never have thought about being any other thing, this is what I went to school to study and it is what I was always going to do for a living, though I can do most things equally well. I paint rather well and I manage to sing some songs well, I have also been a journalist and a waka-pass actor.

The President during his inauguration ceremony promised to direct the CBN governor to grant some huge amount of loan to Nollywood to boost its growth and production, could you tell us if the President has made good his promise and who are the beneficiaries of these loans?

I honestly do not think that the intention of the president was to grant loans to individuals to make movies or produce musical albums. I think the fund which has been deposited in the Bank Of Industry is for the development of structures for the entertainment industry, and even if I know who may have benefited from the funds, it will be inconvenient to say so at this period.

Could you tell us why Nollywood even though it has been rated the 2nd best in the world cannot boast of a scientific (sci-fi) movie?

If you say SCIENTIFIC MOVIE, it depends on exactly what you mean. If you are talking about big bang special effects, then it is as a result of where we are technology wise. We do not have the right equipment, personnel, or steady power supply to sustain such productions yet.

Where do you expect to see yourself in the next five years in the movie directing business?

Refer to this interview in five years’ time, when I win the academy awards (Oscar award) and I also expect that I would have effectively engineered the new Nollywood by helping train new cine-castes to produce better movies. I also hope to have established the NOLLYWOOD UNIVERSITY where people will be trained in every area of movie making…that is what I am working on now.

Are you aware of the lesbianism rumors among the female actresses in the industry?

Female artistes are human beings living in this society and they are susceptible to human foibles. It is not only in Nollywood that such acts are rife, it is everywhere. Though I believe such acts are inimical to God’s design for relationships of his children, everybody chooses which life he or she lives.

Do you see yourself co-directing a movie with a foreign producer someday?

I had something planned out with one of my friends PABLO FUETERVENTURA, a Spanish DIRECTOR. I believe it will still come to pass as we continue to work on it. It is a project called WAHALA.

Who are your role models?

Well, of course, Jesus, My pastor Chris Oyakhilome, My father, for all his drive and crazy but unbelievable humility.

Can you tell us your achievements so far?

My biggest is my family, my beautiful and absolutely captivating wife Maureen and my 3 awesome dudes. They are the only achievement I care about, every other thing is secondary.

Many artistes have been going into movie production/directing of recent, what is your view on this?

It is a booming industry. It is a ready way out of poverty and an easy way to fame and fortune.

Any regrets so far?

My life is beautiful. If I have any regrets then my journey would have been wasted. I regret nothing for everything is a lesson to make you a better person.

There have been some rumors that some producers and directors sleep with some of the female actresses before giving them scripts, what do say to this?

Natural normal human relationships. Wherever beautiful bodies and massive egos are concerned such things happen. It happens in banking, it happens in oil, it happens in every arm of industry and life; you use what you have to get what you want. The producers and directors who are doing that have not forced these actresses to sleep with them, let us not be sanctimonious here. These are all consenting adults; there will always be the story of the director and the beautiful ingénue.

Is there anything you want to tell us we don’t know?

No I am a very private person.

Any advice for your fans?

Every human being has value and has feelings. Do not hurt people, do not look down on anybody, do not deliberately hurt any man, and learn to allow the love of God grow in your hearts towards every human. It is our responsibility; we all can live together happily on this earth. IMAGINE THAT THERE ARE NO BORDERS, NO TRIBES, NO TONGUES.

EMEM ISONG

EMEM ISONG 
Getting scriptwriter, producer, director an actress, Emem Isong, for an interview is achieving a great feat. Aside the fact that she is always busy producing one film or the other, her newborn baby, Kenechi gives her more work.

Speaking to Klieglights on the experience of combining motherhood with her job she said, "it hasn't been easy but I employ competent hands around me. I go with him to location most times."

When Kelechi was a 10-month-old, she had to carry him from Lagos to Eket in Akwa-Ibom State, to Abuja and Benin to shoot the film Uyai. According to her, "I wrote the script when I was in the ninth month of my pregnancy."

Not even pregnancy or childbirth could deter the hardworking Emem from producing her movie. She would however not comment on who the father of her baby is. On wedding bells she said, "I will definitely let you know about that very soon. But then I don't think the world wants to know about my personal life."

Since 1994, Emem has written and produced more than 17 movies some of which have won awards both nationally and internationally. Aside being a backstage person, Emem seems to be coming out to the fore of the screen these days. According to her, "I have always featured in some of my movies in one scene or the other. I did Critical Decision, Shattered Illusion and others but then, I consider myself more of a backstage person. I produce and write most times."
Emem Isong is without doubt one of the few good screenwriters in Nigeria and one of the reasons Nollywood movies are being celebrated abroad.

In 2003, her film Emotional Crack was nominated for the New York African Film Festival. The film's major theme is wife battering in Africa; Chidi (Ramsey Nouah) derives pleasure in beating his wife, Crystal. The film is directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen. Aside this movie, she has also written and produced Games Men Play, A Piece of Flesh, Reloaded, Promise Me Forever, Girls in the Hood, Private Sin, Behind Closed Doors, Darkest Night, Enslaved, Games Women Play, Masterstroke, Men Do Cry, Blind Obsession, Silence of the Gods, Ekaete, For Real, Endless Lies and Critical Decision among others. Speaking on how she comes about her storylines, which is usually a refreshing contrast to most Nollywood movies some of which lacks content she said, "I would say I'm just creative. I read books a lot and I watch movies too so I guess the idea just flows."

Emem Isong has always been interested in the make-believe world. She studied theatre arts at the University of Calabar and according to her, "I got into movies after I graduated and that was in 1996. I did my first movie called Breaking Point and several other movies after that."

According to her, film production was out of the little knowledge she got from school then. "I studied theatre arts and that was the closest we had in filmmaking. We had a course in the arts called film and television. It's a one-year course on the rudiments of filmmaking. Aside this, I would say it's the passion I had that had made me achieve my goal as a producer."

Emem, who initially began with movies with romantic and social themes seems to have turned to comedy recently, with the production of Uyai, which will be premiered in November. According to her, "Uyai is a language movie that I shot in my place and the cast includes Moses Armstrong, Ini Edo and Desmond Elliot. It's a comedy about a man who decides to travel but somehow does not make it. His wife thinks he did, that night it is shown on the news that the bus her husband is supposed to travel in is involved in an accident and she even goes to the mortuary to confirm the dead body of her husband. The question is who then is the person in her house claiming to be her husband?"

Explaining the choice of artistes she said, "I had to choose the artistes that can speak my language because the film is shot in my language and Desmond Elliot directed it."

Speaking on her special relationship with Desmond Elliot and the fact that he always appears in her movies she said, "He's always acting in most of my films because he is an actor that I respect very much, he is also my friend so why shouldn't he be in my movie?"

 On the journey so far, from 1996 till date, "it takes a lot of hard work, a lot of sacrifice, especially in a terrain that is not so favourable to filmmakers. Filmmaking is a new industry in Nigeria and people did not take it seriously then, but now I think it is getting better. So far it has been rewarding, to me. Success is relative. It is when I have good films and I think I have that."

On her storylines that have made her famous she said, "when I first started I did my movies myself, I guess it's a gift from God but along the line, I also worked with other people. I may conceive a story and someone else does the scripting or someone might conceive the story and I do the scripting.
Emem is from a family of writers.

"My younger brother is a writer but he does more of creative writings like poems and songs. My sister is also a scriptwriter so yes I would say that we are all writers in the family."

Aside filmmaking Emem said there is nothing else for her to do. She is sold out to movie production and right now she says, "I'm working on premiering the movie Uyai. Shortly after that I will work on another movie."

Her hobbies include watching movies, reading and hanging out with friends.

Getting scriptwriter, producer, director an actress, Emem Isong, for an interview is achieving a great feat. Aside the fact that she is always busy producing one film or the other, her newborn baby, Kenechi gives her more work.

Speaking to Klieglights on the experience of combining motherhood with her job she said, "it hasn't been easy but I employ competent hands around me. I go with him to location most times."

When Kelechi was a 10-month-old, she had to carry him from Lagos to Eket in Akwa-Ibom State, to Abuja and Benin to shoot the film Uyai. According to her, "I wrote the script when I was in the ninth month of my pregnancy."

Not even pregnancy or childbirth could deter the hardworking Emem from producing her movie. She would however not comment on who the father of her baby is. On wedding bells she said, "I will definitely let you know about that very soon. But then I don't think the world wants to know about my personal life."

Since 1994, Emem has written and produced more than 17 movies some of which have won awards both nationally and internationally. Aside being a backstage person, Emem seems to be coming out to the fore of the screen these days. According to her, "I have always featured in some of my movies in one scene or the other. I did Critical Decision, Shattered Illusion and others but then, I consider myself more of a backstage person. I produce and write most times."

COURTESY NIGERIAN MOVIES.NET

DICKSON IROEGBU

DICKSON IROEGBU
Dickson Nnamdi Iroegbu is a promising young man who seems to have visions and a mission to make great changes in Nigeria.

A Nollywood Filmmaker cum Author who hails from Eastern part of Nigeria, Dickson has many books and movies to his credit. Recently, the outspoken movie director veered into politics and has since been campaigning for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. “Goodluck for Nigeria” and “It’s Possible” have become his slogans.

Dickson Iroegbu was the first Nigerian movie director to win the African Movies Academy Award (AMAA) in 2005.

Last Year Dickson came out with a book titled Save Our Plateau.

In this interview with NOLLYWOODGOSSIP’s LIVE ONLINE WITH DELIA , Dickson takes you into his new life of politics, his philosophies, and his many new projects. Excerpt:

You called your book ‘Save Our Plateau’, is the book about Plateau or about Nigeria?

Plateau is used as a metaphor to discuss Nigeria…

Could you please explain to common Nigerians the metaphor behind Plateau?

Nigeria is in need of transformation. When I was writing ‘Save Our Plateau’, this great country faced a major casting/auditioning in the political firmament. As a filmmaker, I saw women and children killed daily by their neighbors. Then I said, make a movie of Nigeria and my best has always been in poetry. So I was faced with the responsibility of writing my first love letter to my fatherland. I needed a good cast for the transformational story, and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is the best character amongst the casts. Save Our Plateau actually means “Save our fatherland” that is the Metaphor…..Our father land…



(cut in) I love the fact that you called it your first love letter to fatherland.

Yes… That’s what it is.

Dickson Ireogbu speaks to Nollywoodgossip

How do you see Nigeria in the next 2 years?

United, Focused, Determined, Tried, Braver and Greater.

In your opinion, how could Nigeria achieve what you just mentioned?

First, we must make sure our votes count.

Many people seem to have given up all hopes of Nigeria ever achieving unity. Do you thing that President Goodluck Jonathan could bring unity to Nigeria?

Mr. President is in dire need of all of us to drive away the hawks in power, and as our leader, he has shown the right direction so far. A little benefit of doubt can solve the “Ifs” theory in filmmaking. If he continues this way, then soon, very soon we shall be united.

Dickson Ireogbu speaks to Nollywoodgossip

Earlier this year, President Goodluck Jonathan gave the Entertainment Industry a huge some of money, has the fund affected any positive changes in the industry?

Now that is the area I tried to keep mute, because I know we are going to make our Industry work again. All we needed was to get our Leaders understand the need to partner with us in this transformational movement. I guess, we dare him to account for the funds if not implemented graciously. Nollywood has not been contacted so far, and we understand the importance of this election to all Nigerians. So we are waiting, counting the glory. We have Saved Nigeria. We will build back this industry the same way.

In one of my articles about President Goodluck Jonathan, I wrote that it seems he now understands the needs of Nigerians, has he really understood what Nigeria needs?

Well, like many actors, we have seen him improve by the day. I personally trust him. I can fight for him to shine like a star. He said he will ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry, it is not about crying, he has started taking actions already.

Dickson Ireogbu speaks to Nollywoodgossip

Sorry that I’m asking you much about the president

(laughs) it’s ok, he is the man of the moment.

What Actions has he taking to achieve that?

Trust is coming back into the system of governance, free and fair election with transparency.

You were doing well in the Entertainment industry, why veer into Politics?

There is no success without a better society. For me, Nigeria comes first before any other country. We need to save our fatherland. And being that my father has never been around, I had to get in. I thought I could help save our fatherland.

Dickson Ireogbu speaks to Nollywoodgossip

In one of your interviews, you said that politics made you lose your family, do you have any regrets in the decisions you took?

Nope! I know better now. Everything happens for a reason, to them that love God. My children will be proud of their fatherland some day. It shall run their blood. History is being made again, when the battle is lost and won, we shall count our blessings.

Dickson Ireogbu speaks to Nollywoodgossip

Do you see any chance of getting back with your family or was that a closed issue?

Someone sang a song called ‘it’s my life‘. That’s what concerns me and I do not wish to discuss that.

Onyeka Onwenu said, in one of her interviews, that she did not enter into any partnership with you therefore does not owe you any Money or apologies, how true is that?

That is my Adanne we are talking about here. She is a very intelligent and educated woman of repute in this great country. One of the best actresses ever, I do not discuss her either, I respect people. I am not her mate. My mother is only 51years, so please forget that angle too…

Dickson Ireogbu speaks to Nollywoodgossip

(cut in) does it mean you’re friends now?

She is my best actress in whom am well pleased.

Do you see yourself achieving your purpose of entering into politics?

I have Started witnessing the chants for change. When it transforms completely, we shall be better off, and Almighty God will take his due Glory. It’s not about me, it is about us as a people witnessing.

Dickson Ireogbu speaks to Nollywoodgossip

Are we going to see you fully back in the Entertainment industry again?

Like Schwarzenegger will always say, “I will be back”.

How would you describe yourself?

I’m a child of destiny. I have only one goal in life - just to be me. My director is God. I don’t joke with his fear, and Jesus is my Lord. I am educated daily by my immediate Environment. This is who I am.

Could you tell NOLLYWOODGOSSIP Readers who Dickson Iroegbu is?

I am a Nigerian, from Igbo Land, a father of three children, a Filmmaker, a Poet and a child of God.

When did you discover that you want to write?

I always knew even though am not “educated” (laughs)

You are also one of the old faces in Nollywood. How many movies have you produced?

So many of them, if you know me, Nollywood knows me better. I came in as a writer. And hey, thanks for that “clap” for me (laughs).

Is there anything you want us to mention that we did not cover in this interview?

Yeah well, Dickson Nnamdi Iroegbu is a Filmmaker/Author. I’m working on a lot of things right now, and I need Investors. Save Our Plateau Campaign, Project Child Soldier Film, The Transformer… making of Mr. President. Please support these projects, God bless you.

TCHIDI CHIKERE

TCHIDI CHIKERE
After the last Interview with Tchidi Chikere concerning statements he made about his wife and children,Nollywood movie director Tchidi Chikere comes out to clear the air for the last time.

How did you feel when you first saw the controversial interview?

I felt like dying. I felt like I live in an unfair and mean world where people rub salt on already bleeding injuries. I felt like maybe God was too slow in meting out judgment on evil people like that and so they thrive and do more havoc. But then my manager came and spoke to me. He quoted the Bible in several places and I felt better. I was reassured that God sees all our hearts and that at the right time he would fight for me while I hold my peace. He will not give me up to the will of my enemies and scoffers.

Once and for all, tell us how important your kids are to you.

I hold them sacred, second only to God.

A lot of people believe you are too arrogant. How will you describe yourself?

I’ m not arrogant. I just protect myself, because too many friends bring entanglements, distractions, trouble and betrayals. I don’t smile with everybody. I don’t believe in having friends upon friends because that wasn’t how I was brought up. I grew up basically in my room, reading novels and building worlds of fantasies around myself in my imagination. I love my own company. I’m very close to my father though. I love my daddy to bits.

I would describe myself as a very deep person. What works for other folks don’t work for me. I guess that accounts for why a lot of people misunderstand me. And when you don’t understand something, there arises the need to make up stories to fill in the blank spaces, even if they are lies. What people don’t understand is how deeply they hurt other people with these made up stories and how somehow somewhere in this life, they’d pay for every careless word, every careless lie. I have an unshakeable faith in God. I was brought up in a strict catholic home. I was an altar boy at mass and later thought I’d become a priest, but I guess the world of make believe stole me and kept me.

Is your divorce affecting your career in anyway?

I’m human and it has affected me. I haven’t written a script in three months. No one knows what I do when I’m alone in my room and take off the celebrity mask I wear in public. Nobody knows how I hurt. We are talking about ten years of my life here. But I’m not going to wear my sadness on my face and die so that haters will laugh. I find consolation in the fact that I still love and respect my family and whatever I do next will be as my happiness dictates. We are all solitary birds in this world, nobody will die with me, whatever will make me happy tomorrow, I will do it, but in all, to respect my family, even as I move on. That is why this will be my last and final interview on this matter.

What are your dreams for the future?

My plans for the future… I want to get a PhD degree if possible. I’ve had a master’s degree since 2001 and I’m beginning to really feel stagnated. I ‘m very academically inclined. That and other things I can’t say here, for obvious reasons.

You are rated as one of the best directors in Nollywood. What kept you on top for so long?

Among the best directors in Nollywood? People say I am, but I don’t know if I am. My mum thought me modesty, so I don’t know how to assume airs. I’m just doing my thing as best as I know it. I always want to be better. So I guess by always trying to be better and not getting comfortable with where I am, I unintentionally stay relevant and solid.

So many people believe you are living with Nuella and that she is pregnant for you. Are you really living with her now, and is she pregnant for you?

On the issue of whether anybody is pregnant for me at the moment, I believe my publicist has issued a statement on that saying it is false and I have not moved in with anybody. And that is same thing I’m telling now, the answer to both questions is” no, no” this is my second and final statement on this. And I ask that this be laid to rest and my privacy and that of my kids and Sophia be respected by all henceforth. I need to focus, I need to rest. Enough said.

Back to work, what are you working on now?

I no longer talk about what I’m working on next or not working on, because Nollywood is full of unhealthy rivalry and people who don’t want you to grow. So I’d rather just be a surprise package and not talk about my plans. What you see is what you get. One thing I know is I want more, I hunger for more challenges, and I’m restless like the sea in turbulence.

Words to your fans?

To my fabulous fans, thanks for believing in me and loving me through the gloom and the glory. God richly bless you and may your good dreams come true.

Anything else you’ll like to add?

I want the press and public to leave us alone. We are not the first couple in the world that have had marital issues or whose marriage didn’t work out for. I still have respect for what we had, the home we had, the smiles we shared, the happy times we shared and whole other things. Right now I want to focus on the future. I need to take my life and career further. I won’t forever be pre occupied with what has been, and have people talk about us every day as if they have perfect homes or lives themselves. It didn’t work between us, yes, at least I was brave enough to opt out respectably. Lots of couples out there are living in pretense and false lives. We are not false people. We are real people and we know the respect and friendship that still exists between us is better than what we had when we were married.

THE BLESSED CURSE- THE SCREEN WRITING COMPETITION

The blessed curse

That dark day was a blessing

The blessing which was cursed

Silent wounds were inflicted

That could never be nursed

The day you were discovered

Your father was delighted

And your grandma too

Was never more excited..

I curse the machine till date

That told them you were my girl

They didn’t want your rosy cheeks

And honey golden curls

Immortal Shame I carry in my heart

That I couldn’t save you

My loved ones turned into beasts

I couldn’t take the horrific rue..

It was painless laser

And In a minute you were dead..

I was numb and my ears burnt

“We will have a son now” your living father said

I miss you my child each and every day

And curse my own soul ,

Prabhjot Kaur , a student in electrical engineering loves to write poems in her free time.She also is a good dancer,a thorough thinker and a very much expressing ‘free being’ and believes in speaking out for a cause. Keeps a keen interest in spirituality, which in my opinion reflects in her talks and hence in her poems.She blogs at PURPLE VIBES

Out I live yet I die…

They seem to wet me more,

Greasy surrounding though.

It is not an easy breathing,

With all surrounded foes,

Holding knives out to pluck me out.

Let me remain in this blood.

Here I can hear the beats,

And the music of my own…

If I get out from this hideout,

You might burn my cry.

Let me stay for a few more days,

If I am out, will you keep me safe?

If I am in, she dies.

Let me remain in this conch.

Here I can cry day long,

And make her smile…

They surely wet me more,

Greasy surrounding though.

Let me touch the cable of trust

And never rip it apart.

Was I ‘Him’? Would you wait?

To try to never let me cry?

Cry that would give me breath,

Cry that would make me alive.

They surely wet me more.

Greasy surrounding though.

Outside I sleep in my own blood pool,

Inside I have my mother’s.

Be thankful to the creator though

You never had a chance to be mother.

Here I can hear the beats,

And the music of my own,

Here at least I live for few months

Out I live yet I die!

©2009 K Narendra Pai


IF YOU ARE A WRITER, YOU CAN DO SOMETHING TODAY TO HELP

THE SCRIPTFACTORY AND GENERATION NEXT MOVIE PROJECT PRESENTS, THE 1st SCREEN WRITERS COMPETITION FOR SHORT MOVIES

1ST PRIZE 1OOK NAIRA + A LAPTOP
2ND PRIZE 50K NAIRA + A LAPTOP
3RD PRIZE A LAPTOP

SCRIPT ISSUE: THE GIRL CHILD
Due to the success we recorded in our writers workshops and other programs and in our bid to encourage writers and improve on the quality of screenplays coming out of NOLLYWOOD, we have decided to take things a little further and kick off our Screen Writers Competition.
We have selected the issues surrounding the girl child as it relates Millenium Development Goals (MDG'S)

Writers are required to submit short film scripts of not more than 15 minutes or between 25-30 scenes.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Well told stories that incorporate all the elements of good movies. Suspense, drama, tension, good grammer and punctuations. the scripts can be traditional or modern. The best 6 scripts will be optioned for a compilation of short films and royalties will be paid accordingly after production and marketing. Apart from the chosen script all other scripts will be returned after selections and judgements. send only soft copies of registered scripts to thescriptfactory2006@yahoo.co.uk

ENTRIES OPEN ON 30TH 0F JUNE AND CLOSE ON THE 15TH OF JULY.

RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS EVENT ON THE 30TH OF JULY.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, YOU CAN CONTACT THE SCRIPTFACTORY ON THIS LINE 08181001080 or REGINALD EBERE ON 07087124314.

Joan Holmes, The Girl Child: The Future Depends on Her

http://www.thp.org/resources/speeches_reports/speeches/girl_child

Introduction

The treatment of women and girls is the greatest violation of human rights in our world today.
Ninety-three million women and girls are “missing” from the world population because of sex-selective abortion, female infanticide, malnutrition, abuse and neglect of girl children. This is roughly equivalent to all the deaths in all the wars of the 20th century – the most violent century in human history. This is a holocaust many times over.
So why don’t we as citizens of the world hear of this tragedy?
What kind of world are we living in where 93 million lives can be extinguished just because they’re girls? Where’s our shame? Where’s our moral outrage?
Gender discrimination is the greatest moral challenge of our age. And, we will be judged by history on how we respond to this challenge.

DO SOMETHING TODAY TO HELP

 THE SCRIPTFACTORY AND GENERATION NEXT MOVIE PROJECT PRESENTS, THE 1st SCREEN WRITERS COMPETITION FOR SHORT MOVIES

1ST PRIZE 1OOK NAIRA + A LAPTOP
2ND PRIZE 50K NAIRA + A LAPTOP
3RD PRIZE A LAPTOP

SCRIPT ISSUE: THE GIRL CHILD
Due to the success we recorded in our writers workshops and other programs and in our bid to encourage writers and improve on the quality of screenplays coming out of NOLLYWOOD, we have decided to take things a little further and kick off our Screen Writers Competition.
We have selected the issues surrounding the girl child as it relates Millenium Development Goals (MDG'S)

Writers are required to submit short film scripts of not more than 15 minutes or between 25-30 scenes.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Well told stories that incorporate all the elements of good movies. Suspense, drama, tension, good grammer and punctuations. the scripts can be traditional or modern. The best 6 scripts will be optioned for a compilation of short films and royalties will be paid accordingly after production and marketing. Apart from the chosen script all other scripts will be returned after selections and judgements. send only soft copies of registered scripts to thescriptfactory2006@yahoo.co.uk

ENTRIES OPEN ON 30TH 0F JUNE AND CLOSE ON THE 15TH OF JULY.

RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS EVENT ON THE 30TH OF JULY.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, YOU CAN CONTACT THE SCRIPTFACTORY ON THIS LINE 08181001080 or REGINALD EBERE ON 07087124314.

 Between Scriptwritting and Fiction Novels [1].

 Godwin Onyeka Obi  ·

They're both forms of storytelling. Each with its own complexities and idiosyncracies but both aim to entertain or educate, both could be a form of escape and knowledge. Thus taking us "out of the squalor of the real world" or revealing deep truths that may leave our minds unsettled. Now I'm talking about the end product of both art forms: a film or movie for scriptwritting and a novel for fiction novel writting. All art is creative but not all writting is. That is why I find the term 'Creative Art' to be totally out of place. All art is a creative process: making something out of nothing. Masonry, carpentry, writting, architecture, tailoring, photograghy, painting, drama, music. Even abstract art is a creative means or form of expression. Back to the fundamentals: comparing novel writting to scriptwritting. Scriptwritting is, as implied by the name, writting a blue-print called a script of how a story unfolds. This story is to be shot on film or a digicam or performed live on stage, but our focus is on scripts written for filming. A script is the basis for a story. A script is the professional way of telling the story. A script is not a technical directive of how the story should look like. It should not describe camera angles or special effects, unless the writer is also the director or a member of the editing team. The actors work with the script under the director's supervision. Dialogues and drama are contained in the script.

Scriptwritting is more controlled and rigid than novel writting. Perhaps this style was a necessary invention due to our sense of perception. A film (script) must have three acts: the first, second and third. Should have a clear protagonist and antagonist (hero, villain) and must have a central conflict which I think all story is based on, whether oral, written or performed. For a film (script) to be viable, it has to observe these rules. The protagonist must gain the empathy of the audience...

To be continued.