My name is Blessing Effiom Egbe. By marriage, I am from Benue State but originally from Cross-River State. I have 3 children. I studied Theater Arts and Filmmaking at University of Calabar, Nigeria and City Varsity Film school, Cape Town; South Africa. I own and run B’Concept Network Productions where I write, produce and direct content for TV and film.
How would you describe your work as a director?
My work as a director is guided based on the story being treated. I in turn, guide the actors to live and breathe the characters. Some have pointed out that I am quick and spontaneous but I say “I’m only doing my job”. Basically for me, my camera monitor is all I see not who is behind it. The monitor guides me and until I see a good take, I do not stop. At other times if I get a perfect take on a first action, I move on to the next.
How did you get into directing?
I was first a writer, producer and actor and honestly didn’t think I was capable of directing but for some reason, most directors i worked with voiced the opinion that I was hands on enough to be one. I remember having a lot of on-set disputes with some of the directors about how a particular scene should be interpreted or not. I felt like I understood the scenes better as they were written by me and I understood the back stories and intent of each scene. I decided to try it and haven’t looked back since.
How do you choose a project to direct?
I have to be moved by the story. I must be called to action by the story, its teachings and lessons, dialogue, content and the overall meaning of it.
Describe wrong impressions actors, writers, and directors have about directing.
Filmmakers have the tendency to allow little mistakes during filming because they believe it can be fixed during post. Not all problems can be fixed.
Do you often take courses to increase your craft?
Yes. I attended the Berlinale Talent Campus and participated in a short course at the City Varsity film school in Cape Town. I do a lot of online reading and I have applied for a short course in directing at the New York Film Academy
What books do you read?
Directing Actors (1997) by Judith Weston, A Sense of Direction (1984) by William Ball and Making Movies, by Sidney Lumet
Why would you choose an actor, writer or producer? What do you look for?
I do and continue to choose actors based purely on performance and their attitude to work. I’d choose a writer based on their content. If a script is well written and/or if the story captivates me and calls me to action. I would choose a producer based on their work, their attention to detail in pre-production planning and overall sense of direction.
When you are offered a project, what things do you put in place to deliver a good job?
I make sure pre-production is well covered. The actors are suited for the characters, the locations and costumes are believable, the crew and equipment are functional. I basically produce ad monitor all areas of the production and make certain to understand the core of the story.
Briefly explain your latest work
My latest work is a film/TV series titled ‘Lekki Wives’ about the lives of a select group of women living in the highbrow area in Lagos, Nigeria called Lekki. It is based on true life stories and has all the makings of a reality show. It is a trilogy and so far 2 seasons have been done. I am currently scripting and looking forward to filming the third season.
How do you build story and screenplay? Do you have a writing team? Do you plan or storyboard shots?
I build story from a structured outline. The screenplay comes easy to me. I breath the character and speak their dialogue. I don’t have a writing team, it’s all me. It is challenging to assemble a writing team and I fear the story may suffer and move away from its core! I write only when I’m full of empathy for a character. I am moved emotionally and the dialogue pours out. I don’t do storyboards per say in pictures. What I do for complicated scenes is map out how I want the scenes and scribble it on the scene’s pages, it guides me. Most times, I am spontaneous, and will work plot on set. When you know the core of the story, directing actors and camera work is the easiest thing to do
What ‘thing/situation’ helps you during a production?
Planning
Blessing Egbe is the writer and the director of ‘Lekki Wives’. The film/TV series which is a hit in Nigeria is currently in its second season. See Lekki Wives II
Explain a creative choice you took on set of a recent production
During filming of Lekki Wives 2, I realized one of my characters had difficulty in pulling off a child abuse scene because it was very personal to him, I re-wrote the scene to accommodate his fears while keeping the core need of the scene alive and relevant.
How do you advise directors to find projects?
Look out for producers and writers who have a track record or sieve through scripts from newbies. You just might find that hit you are looking for.
How can filmmakers finance their projects?
In Nigeria, we now have intervention funds available to filmmakers. There are also some loan facilities put in place by some banks (takes the grace of God for one to get this one) and financiers and private investors. Write tons of proposals and have a list of potential sponsors and financing bodies. When all this fails as is the norm in most cases in Nigeria, fall back on personal, family and friends support.
What do you want from an actor during a production?
How do you prefer to work with a producer during a production?
I would prefer a close relationship where we can liaise on things to move the shooting experience forward, as a director; I should be able to ask the producer to get ready the next set while rounding up the current one.
What do you think a director can do to get into the film industry?
Shoot a short film, make sure it is good enough to be nominated and/or win awards, stream it online and send to production houses. Assist a director on a set and even offer your services for less than the going rate until you prove yourself.
Who is your favorite director?
Baz Luhrmann
Why is this director your favorite?
He directed my all time favorite movie ‘Moulin Rouge’ and I love his style. i am first a stage person and my long-term goal is to direct a production such as Moulin Rouge. Baz and I share the same path: creative arts graduate, actor, writer, producer, director who loves musical theatre and opera productions – this guy could very well be my lost twin!
What advice would you give directors around the world?
To take risks and think outside the box, but don’t be too experimental and let the story be easily understood by all. Directing is a collaborative effort, except a scene has a strict visionary execution, allow for contributions from your cast and crew.
Briefly write about your career
I am a 2001 Theater Arts graduate of The University of Calabar, Nigeria and a 2006 graduate of the City Varsity film College in Cape Town, South Africa. My film ‘THE RIVALS’ won the ‘Best International drama’ at the New York international independent film and video festival in 2007.
In 2011, MY 150 EPISODES OF a TV drama ‘Disclosure’ won me the city people’s Script Writer of the Year award. I also wrote, produced and worked as assistant director on ‘Two Brides and a Baby’ a film which has gathered 25 nominations and 7 wins
My latest work ‘Lekki Wives’ drama series which I wrote, produced and directed in 2012/2013 has won recognition awards and nominations. Other films to my credit are The Rivals, African Queen, Before the Vow, After the Vow, Walking the Lane
I pride myself in parading new talents in my work as it gives me room to mould and build. most of the new talents i have worked with have won awards and received recognition in the industry and now many new artist come to me in hope that they would find work in an industry so tedious to break in.
