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sources africanmoviesnews.com In the interview below, ace producer/director Teco Benson sheds light on the challenges facing the Nollywood industry;
Tell us briefly about yourself?
My name is TECO BENSON. I am a filmmaker, a communicator and a change agent. I am a Nigerian. A Christian married with children. I strive to maintain a responsible lifestyle.
Please brief us on how you ventured into the make believe world of entertainment?
I got into the film industry in 1994, two years after the historic Living In Bondage made its debut. Prior to that, I was into civil service. Out of interest and gravitational pull of destiny, I delved into the industry first of all as an actor, and eventually as producer/director.
What are the challenges you faced when you first started?
When I started, my major challenge was the absence of books and training materials. Much as majority of the work were learnt practically in the field, I felt a strong push to study some basic theoretical frameworks of film making and storytelling. Eventually, this first challenge was overcome when I started traveling outside the country to receive training and invest in books/training materials. The second challenge was how to maintain the two jobs, film making and civil service. The salary from civil service, though never enough gives a kind of security and confidence unlike film making which means I have to be on my own. But in 1997, I overcame the fear and resigned, a decision I am so glad with till tomorrow.
What have been your challenges so far?
Funding, Piracy, Distribution, and high cost of ancillary equipment/services.
How do you get your scripts?
I write and at the same time source and buy great scripts from great writers.
Who are the actors/actresses you first worked with?
Those days it was people like Liz Benson, Bob Manuel, Sandra Achums, Patrick Doyle, Regina Askia (gave her the first home video work), Richard Mofe Damijo, Emma Edokpayi, Zulu Adigwe etc.
Which film would you say has been your biggest budget investment for a single movie?
State of Emergency then, but now BLOOD IN THE LAGOON, my new work.
How do you get your funds?
I get funding from investors, and sometimes I fund the movies myself.
Which movie brought you to limelight?
My very first produced movie Compromise, but the following movies amplified me. SUICIDE MISSION, SCORES TO SETTLE, STATE OF EMERGENCY, MISSION TO NOWHERE, THE SENATOR, WAR FRONT, THE PRICE, etc.
Which of your movies brought you your first award?
The Price.
Tell us briefly about your current project?
BLOOD IN THE LAGOON is a unique story that will blow the minds of the audience. A rags to riches story with the earlier part set in the slum of MAKOKO in Yaba where people live in, urinate/defecate, bath and survive in water. Shooting there was the biggest challenge of my life. It stars OMOTOLA, UFOMA EJENABOR, OKEY UZOESHI, EDDIE UGBOMA, BOBBY MICHAEL, CASSANDRA ODITA, BEN NWOSU, etc.
What do you think of the nudity now rocking Nollywood?
It’s pathetic. It’s a portrayal of the decay in our society. And the failure of the role models to live up to expectation. Unfortunately, the audience prefers to see such movies, hence the reason money conscious producers cash in on the opportunity to exploit that.
What do you think of the movie industry of today compared to when you first started?
There is remarkable improvement as well as some remarkable decay.
Which is the first movie you produced/directed?
The first movie I produced was called COMPROMISE, but the first I produced and directed was called WATERLOO.
Your advice to the youths or upcoming actors/actresses?
To be educated, consistent, patient, focused and hard working.
Are you married or seeing someone?
Very married with visible evidence — 5 boys.
Your greatest achievement?
Difficult to pin point. God has really done a lot in my life.
Your most cherished asset?
The wisdom and understanding to survive and navigate through life, marriage and the murky waters of entertainment industry.
How do you relax?
Browsing and researching, watching movies and playing with my wife and kids.
We wish you the best?
Thanks you guys are doing a great job.
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