Searching for a settled home for Funke Akindele

Producer of a new film, Married but Living Single, Kalejaiye Paul, shares his dreams and experience with AKEEM LASISI

 The story and the script were ready. The casting had been done, with stars that include Joke Silva, Funke Akindele and Benjamin Joseph having digested their roles, ready to do what they know how to do best.

Indeed, the dream location had been secured, while owner of the posh and expansive facility had been paid. Yet, there was going to be a hitch on the appointed day: on seeing the arriving large cast and crew, as well as the diversity of the equipment they were bringing, the man kicked. He could no more accommodate such a large crowd of dancers and role players in his domain. In other words, he did not know what it at times involves to give out one’s premises as a location for shooting.

This is one of the challenging aspects of the experience that the producer of Married but Living Single, Kalejaiye Paul, otherwise called KAP, had in the course of working on the new film that put hard lined employer, Silva, and career woman Akindele on the spot. Years ago, KAP was a broadcaster and a stage actor. The Ode Remo, Ogun State-born producer has also been a teacher. But when democracy returned to Nigeria in 1999, he found himself in politics and eventually in the government of former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and, later, Babatunde Fashola.

Like a bee returning to the hive after humming its way round the bush, KAP, who is the principal partner in Indelible Mark Media, the outfit behind Married but Living Single, decided to return to where he feels his heart really lies.

Although the challenges posed by the location saga have become history, as Married but Living Single is set for premiere at cinemas, he can now better appreciate what film makers pass through in Nigeria.

KAP says, “The fact is that Nigerians love watching good films. They criticise works with bad locations. But many are not ready to volunteer their facilities. Still, those who may be ready to do so do not understand the intricacies of it. Like the other man – when he saw our equipment – cranes and all that – as well as the multitude, he said, ‘You have come to invade my home.”

He feels fulfilled that he has been delivered of the first baby of the passion that lured him back into the industry. The movie, according to him, will add a lot of value to the screen experience of viewers, while also fulfilling his dream for society through entertainment.

“My decision to return to the fold is based on my belief that the entertainment industry has a major role to play in modelling society,” he says. “I find joy in building morals. The society needs to be educated on home culture, evils of women battery and career women over-concentrating on accumulation of wealth at the expense of the family. This is a lesson that Akindele (Kate) fails to learn at the right time in the movie. Of course, Silva is the big boss squeezing time, energy, thought and everything out of her and other workers. So, I am back in the industry to shape society and remind all that the family is the bedrock of society.”

KAP’s experience with Married but Living Single has further convinced him that great talents abound in the Nigerian film world. He feels the practitioners have a lot to offer. They are dependable ambassadors of the country, just as they generate employment in good measure. While thus commending Lagos State government for supporting him on the project, he wants governments to generally invest in the sector.

The cast of Married but Living Single, where he too plays the role of Patrick, particularly leave a fine impression on him. According to him, Silva has been able to add a lot of colours to the movie because she is a very responsible actress. In the course of producing Married but Living Single, she was timely on location. The fact that Akindele had to play the role of a corporate lady – away from the largely comic one she is used to – brought out the resilience in her. KAP adds that the actress made popular by Jenifa is also a team player.

And for Joseph, hero of Mahmood Ali-Balogun’s Tango with Me, the producer says, “Benjamin (Joseph) is a man that will go places. He combines humility with professionalism. He is ever ready to learn. I see him as an RMD in the making.”

To be able to cope with the trend, the producer/actor, who was part of Tom-tom Players, which used to run on NTA 12, Abeokuta had to go back to school. On stepping aside from politics, he headed for the Film Institute, Jos, Plateau State, where he updated himself in cinematography and directing.

He notes, “I realised acting has moved on. The methods we used in those days are no longer relevant. It used to be a function of mono camera; now it is season of multiple cameras.. In those days, there was no emphasis on close-ups. Today, it is one on one recording. We used to have lots and lots of rehearsals. Now, people are auditioned, found suitable and they set for location once they have mastered the script.”