Interview with Director & Writer Ebiye Ikuku

A portrait of Oboatarhe Ebiye Ikuku (Photo by Pamela Garcia –– Aguirre)

Oboatarhe Ebiye Ikuku is a writer and director. she was born and raised in Warri, a city in the Southern part of Nigeria. Ebiye holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Lincoln, England, and recently graduated with an MFA degree in Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy.

indieactivity: Why did you get into filmmaking and screenwriting?
Ebiye: Filmmaking, when done well, can be used as a very powerful tool. And although I come from a Journalistic background, I realized that I would be able to make more of an impact in the world through filmmaking because I can create my own world and captivate the attention of people. This is why I gravitated towards filmmaking.

Watch “SUCCESS TRAILER (DIR. MISS OBOATARHE EBIYE IKUKU)” on #Vimeo https://t.co/JCgolZEVv8

— Adriel Thomas (@iGoByAdriel) June 4, 2018

indieactivity: How does an indie filmmaker distribute his/her film?
Ebiye: I have to be honest, distribution is something that I am still trying to figure out. However, I will say to indie filmmakers to be patient. Distribution of your material is not going to happen overnight. But on the bright side, the internet has certainly helped with this. Online distribution has presented us with more opportunities than there were years ago. Keep trying and NEVER GIVE UP.

indieactivity: At what period in the filmmaking process, does an indie filmmaker need to start planning for distribution?
Ebiye: It is important to have an idea from the beginning. It is also important to identify your target audience from the beginning. It makes things easier for you in the long run.

Ebiye Ikuku’s short film, ‘Success’ gender flips the #METOO Movement

indieactivity: How can filmmakers finance their projects?
Ebiye: There are a couple ways, and they include; Crowdfunding, Private investors, Self-investment, Government funding or Product placements. Crowdfunding is one of the most popular ways, but it is pretty tough because there are so many filmmakers who use this medium to raise funds for their films, so one’s story has to stand out.

indieactivity: What films have you written?
Ebiye: I am currently writing my first feature script, I just completed the pilot episode for a series which I am going to shoot first week of July, and I have written and directed over 4 short films. I plan on writing more and collaborating with more writers in the future.

indieactivity: What films have you made?
Ebiye: SUCCESS (2017) is written and directed by me. It is a drama about an independent artist
trying to make it in Hollywood.

HOMECOMING (2016) is also written and directed by me. The idea came from a true story that inspired me.

ROSA BLANCA (2016) is also written and directed by me. I am a fan of the Film Noir genre and I was inspired by the films “LA Confidential” and “Double Indemnity”.

indieactivity: Talk to us about your concept of Collaboration?
Ebiye: There is no FILM without collaboration. I suppose this is one of the reasons I love filmmaking so much because it is a bunch of people coming together with a common goal –– to make art. Everyone is equally as important as the other. And I think that it is important to be open to suggestions as a director. That way you will make better work.

Ebiye Ikuku with the main cast of Success (Photo by Pamela Garcia –– Aguirre)

indieactivity: How do you find the process of filmmaking as an indie filmmaker?
Ebiye: Certainly very daunting BUT rewarding because it’s not watered down by commercialization. Most independent films have more soul and depth compared to commercial ones. Obviously, It comes at a cost, less money, but who cares… you know? Well, I certainly don’t.

indieactivity: Describe your recent work, or film, take us through pre-production and post-production. Marketing too?
Ebiye: Immediately after I locked the script for Success in March 2017, I hired a producer. Following that were interviews with key heads of departments including –– Production Designer, Director of Photography, etc. After that, we began to location scout. That was the toughest part because my story required a bar and a mansion. Most of these locations were extremely pricey, so we had to bargain and eventually got some good deals.

We filmed for 3 days, MAY, 13, 2017 –– MAY, 15, 2017. I worked with such an amazing team that when it was over, I was actually quite sad. We had such a great relationship through the process that by the end, we became family.

Ebiye Ikuku with the cast of Success (Photo by Pamela Garcia –– Aguirre)

Notes made by the script supervisor, including my personal notes were forwarded to the editor, Cooper Arbios who did a fantastic job. After 4 cuts, we were able to send the film for sound design and colour grading (exactly 8 weeks after filming). After that was concluded, Success had its official premiere in one of the theatre rooms in Warner Bros. Studios alongside my other classmates. A week after that, we began submissions for film festivals.

indieactivity: Tell us what you think indie filmmaker need in today’s world of filmmaking
Ebiye: CONFIDENCE. Don’t let them tell you that you aren’t good enough. Don’t let the “NO’s” stop you from creating. Keep working, someday the right people will notice.

indieactivity: What are your future goals
Ebiye: I want to be a visual story-teller for the rest of my life. I don’t only want to make movies because as I mentioned earlier, I come from a journalistic background, so I have a strong interest in documentaries as well. In addition, directing music videos, fashion films, and creating animated content are also on my list. My future goals are all in God’s hands.

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