Imoh Umoren African Filmmaker On Career + "Lagos: Sex, Lies & Traffic"

Imoh Umoren grew up in a house with a College Professor for a Mother and a Politician Father, their relationship shaped his life immensely. I became analytical as I would often listen to the both of them argue on end about Socialism and Capitalism. We had a big house, a lot of our extended family lived with us, especially cousins and so the sense such a community shaped my approach storytelling.

Q: Why did you get into filmmaking and screenwriting?
Imoh Umoren: When I was a kid two films changed me completely one an Indian Film Teri Meherbaniyan and The Champ. Both films end tragically for the heroes and I was disgruntled about it my mum would ask “What do you want to do about it?’ as I grew older I realized the answer was I wanted to write stories and be in control of the narratives. So I started a comic series called The Wickeds with my friend Richie when I was 9. It was basically about three villains who get destroyed each time by a hero called The Escalator…I know, I know horrendous names for superheroes. But I always wanted to be a writer, a sitcom writer specifically after watching Cheers which was a sitcom of an afterworks bar but I just morphed into directing

Q: How does an indie filmmaker distribute his/her film?
Imoh Umoren: There are several ways to distribute your films as an Indie, right now licensing to VODs is the most guaranteed way to get your film seen and exhibitions in community theaters can work as well. But the long torturous road begins with building a cult following and feeding them and that will be the domino effect that causes people to sit up and take note of your work. As an Indie looking to land distribution DO NOT MAKE SAFE FILMS. Make a film that can cause word of mouth advertising, cut an amazing trailer and get your fans to chat and demand it endlessly

Q: At what period in the filmmaking process, does an indie filmmaker need to start planning for distribution?
Imoh Umoren: Before you start shooting you should speak to distributors or look at the possibilities of distribution. Start advertising your film as you write, build anticipation, let your fans feel they are part of the process

Q: Indie filmmaking is a model based on zero-budgeting or small budgets. How do I get my film in theatres with such a budget?
Imoh Umoren: Getting cinema distribution is both easy and difficult depending on what country you are based in. But generally build a reputation for yourself; Become the rockstar! Let people want to watch your film because it is your film and not because there’s a star in it. So your branding is the cheapest way to kick the door in

Q: How can filmmakers finance their projects?
Imoh Umoren: Beg, Borrow, Steal. Go back to the basics. Pitch your film idea to high net individuals, You can make films about causes that are important and can be financed by NGOs and Brands who share your vision. If for instance you make a film about domestic violence there will be several agencies interested in financing it.

Q: What films have you written?
Imoh Umoren: I have written and directed, Lagos: Sex, Lies & Traffic. Directed & co-wrote the film with Gbemisola Afolabi; Dear Bayo (Director); Children of Mud (Writer/Director); The Happyness Limited (Writer/Director)

Q: Talk to us about your concept on collaboration?
Imoh Umoren: I have collaborated a lot lately as I have realized my point of view maybe a bit singular so I’ve co-written my last two films and that has given me a more holistic approach to my recent films

Q: How do you find the process of filmmaking as an indie filmmaker?
Imoh Umoren: Filmmaking is an exciting process. You have to be in love with it to be fully immersed in it. It can be frustrating at times not having the required funding to really express yourself but the fun is to constantly compete with these big budget films and bully them off the park. Sometimes having a smaller budget pushes your imagination immensely and you can bend the rules without fear. We have freedom of expression that most don’t

Q: Describe your recent work, or film, take us through pre-production production and post production. Marketing too?
Imoh Umoren: My recent film is called Lagos: Sex, Lies & Traffic which is commissioned by Mnet and is a political thriller about a poster boy governor-in-the-making who gets his mistress pregnant and will do anything to preserve his good boy image.

I had developed the story 5 years ago, like most of my ideas, but didn’t think it was the right time to make it as I didn’t have the financing but it got commissioned recently and I decided to expand the story further by hiring a co-writer…after laboring through 8 drafts we finally got the right story. Luckily for us they didn’t censor us because we had some sensitive dialogue and scenes that would offend the political class. Production wasn’t as hard because being a veteran of many wars it’s easy to plan everything to the exact minute months in advance. We went in there and shot it smoothly and were out

Q: What are your future goals?
Imoh Umoren: I am working on a period piece called The Herbert Macaulay Affair which is based on the life of one of the founding fathers of our country. It is intense and the script is brilliant.

Q: Tell us about what you think indie filmmaker need in today’s world of filmmaking?
Imoh Umoren: Patience. A lot of people quit after the first few years but if you persevere victory is yours

Q: Briefly write about your career?
Imoh Umoren: My films include: