In our recent interview with Enugu born Filmmaker; Director L, who is the C.E.O of DL MONTAGE, we discussed about his career in music video and film productions in Nigeria.
In this chat, you will get all you need to know about the Nigerian movie industry. You wondering what DL Montage is all about? Don’t worry, we have the answer.
DL Montage is a media company founded in 2017. They specialize in film productions, music videos, Business adverts, Events coverages and media consultancy. Currently, they have their head office in Lagos, Nigeria.
Music424: Hello Director, we are glad to have you here.
Director L: Thanks man. It’s my pleasure.
Music424: Obviously you look good today, any secret behind it?
Director L: (Smiles) Oh, I look good? Thanks. But, I don’t even know the secret too (laughs).
Music424: Are you indirectly saying you didn’t receive a good massage from any lady before coming for the interview?
Director L: (Continues laughing) I can’t remember if I did. I can’t just remember.
Music424 : Okay. So let’s talk about you and you alone. We have been hearing about DL Montage, please tell us more about it.
Director L: DL Montage is a media company founded in 2017 by me. We specialize in film productions, music videos, Business adverts, Events coverages and media consultancy. Currently, we have our head office in Lagos, Nigeria
Music424: You going global I must confess. So how did you start this journey?
Director L: While growing up, I had deep passion for developing visual concepts and writing stories, and I admired people that operate video cameras. The passion grew stronger as I grew older. Then, I was ready to take filmmaking as a career. I was inspired by the likes of Unlimited L.A, Clarence Peters and Nollywood Director- JP Nwanganga (DGN). I had some basic film trainings within 2013-2015. In 2016, I started shooting musical videos, getting contracts to cover events and producing adverts videos for business owners. Then in 2017, I established my media company by name DL MONTAGE and the rest till date has been a story.
Music424: The journey didn’t start today. As a young director, what difficulty do you encounter in your career and how you deal with it?
Director L: For now I could say it’s finance. Yes. There’s a standard I wish to push my services to, for better Clients satisfaction. Notwithstanding, I still try as much as possible to maximize their satisfactions with the available equipments I can access and afford for the moment.
Music424: Did you become a director for the money or the passion you have for it?
Director L: (Laughs) The fact is that, I didn’t even know earlier that filmmaking is lucrative, until I got deep into it. So, I can say that the passion drove me, but now I won’t lie, I’m after the money (continues laughing)
Music424: Are you saying no huge amount of money on the table no business?
Director L: Money is business
Music424: How do you treat women in the industry?
Director L: I treat them the way they should be treated (laughs)
Music424: Some women complain of some directors trying to have carnal knowledge of them before assigning any role to them, what do you have to say about this?
Director L: It happens, I have to be honest. But only desperate actresses, vixens or models fall victims. It’s very bad. I urge the directors who do it to desist from such act. It could be your daughter or sister.
Music424: Does race or gender makes any impact in your work?
Director L: At some extent, but your job speaks more of you than your race or gender. The success of “Lion Heart” by Genevieve Nnaji is quite a proof.
Music424: What are your top three films and why?
Director L: I choose THE CEO by Kunle Afolayo, LION HEART by Genevieve Nnaji and of course, THE CONTRACT by Yvonne Okoro. These are the kind of stories I can easily relate to and they were told perfectly, using the right casts.
Music424: Most times it’s said that an actor is unprofessional, how do you manage the situation?
Director L: Normally, before I do casting for a movie, I conduct an audition. Either online or physical audition. That way, I select the best actors for the roles.
Music424: In our society, it’s often said that there is lack of original stories in the industry, that we have “seen something like this before ” what do you have to say about this?
Director L: Like in everyother sectors, we have lazy people too in the film industry. They keep repeating a story they have seen, some producers would even use same actors (laughs). In most cases, this happens when a producer decides to be writing scripts by himself with his little or no knowledge on scriptwriting. Well, I blame the Script Writers Guild of Nigeria (SWGN) and other concerned Guilds that has neglected the duty of reviewing the stories we shoot in the industry.
Music424: Are you a member of the Script Writers Guild of Nigeria (SWGN)
Music424: Does such guild still even exist in Nigeria? Since the death of Obrian-the once president of SWGN, the guild hasn’t been functioning. I applaud the likes Uba Franklin and co- who are trying to fix the guild again.
Music424: In your own opinion, what is the most important quality in film making?
Director L: Quality? In what sense?
Music424: What makes a film generally accepted.
Director L: First thing is the picture quality. Secondly, the actors’ delivery, and then thirdly, the storyline or plot arrangement. Good framing and camera movements are very important too.
Music424: Describe a time when you made a mistake in your duties and how you rectified it.
Director L: Errm… There was a time I had a poor planning. Like, the production wasn’t properly planned. At the middle of everything, I realized that things are not going the right way and I’ve actually put in a lot of money, I became pressured and it started affecting the casts and other crew members. I had to hault the production and gave everyone break from the set, so I can properly plan the production. It wasted me some money, honestly.
Music424: This interview is coming to an end, I hope you don’t mind we having some funny questions?
Director L: (Laughs) That’s fine. I’m in!
Music424: It’s said that you often hangout with ladies than men, what’s behind this?
Director L: (Laughs) Honestly, I have more female friends than male ones. Girls have helped my career than boys.
Music424: So the special girl in your life don’t get jealous seeing you often with ladies?
Director L: No, she understands.
Music424: So tell us, how did you meet her?
Director L: (Laughs) That’s personal. I don’t want to talk about that.
Music424: What advice do you have for people out there who wish to get into the industry?
Director L: They should buckle up, because there’s a lot of hard work to do. And nevertheless, they should believe strongly in their dreams.
Music424: We are blessed having you here Director L. Hope to see you again.
Director L: It’s my pleasure. I’ll always be here anyday, anytime. I appreciate this opportunity. God bless Music424 Media!
