Uduak Isong Oguamanam is a talented writer and movie producer. With several screenplays to her name including A Piece of Flesh, Entanglement, Ekaette, Edikan, and Timeless Passion, she also produced the deeply moving Kokomma, the rib-cracking Okon Lagos and its sequel Okon Goes to School, and the riveting ROK series Desperate House Girls, a spin-off of the movie of the same title, all written by her. An alumna of the University of Ibadan where she studied Communication and Arts/Russian Language before proceeding to bag a master’s degree in New Media and Society from the University of Leicester, UK, Uduak Isong Oguamanam also has a diploma in French from Alliance Francaise. Joy Ehonwa had 10 questions for her.
CN: When did you first recognize your writing talent?
My brother discovered it actually. I wrote a poem when I was at about 7 or 8 and he thought it was good. He was already writing himself so he encouraged me. That’s basically how the story began.
CN: What’s the estimated number of movies you’ve worked on?
I’d say about 50. In different capacities; as a producer, screenwriter, assistant director, co-producer.
CN: Your comedy films are quite popular. What would you say are the necessary ingredients for a hit comedy movie?
A funny script, funny actors and a whole lot of luck.
CN: Your latest movie, Lost in London, is in cinemas June 9 and fans are looking forward to seeing it. What was your vision for this movie?
Most of my movies seek to provoke thought and this isn’t left out. I am hoping to get Nigerians to think more deeply about what it means to be Nigerian. The Okon franchise has always been a bit political, it’s easier to make political statements in a comedic movie because no one is expecting it.
CN: Do you consider yourself primarily a screenwriter, or a producer?
A screenwriter. I only became a producer to be more financially fulfilled. If writers were better paid, I may not have been in a hurry to produce a movie.
CN: What makes an actor a delight to work with?
Discipline, commitment and skills. I do not understand indiscipline for a job that one is getting paid for, in a country where many can’t afford to eat. It’s a privilege that we have jobs at all and I don’t understand why some people would not put in their best.
CN: What are your favourite movies and TV shows ever?
Desperate Housewives and Friends might be favourite shows. For films I like Closer, Full Metal Jacket, Behind Closed Doors, Osuofia in London, Shawshank Redemption, Goodwill Hunting and very recently Hacksaw Ridge.
CN: What do you consider to be the best career decision you have ever made?
I don’t think I’ve made that career decision yet, maybe when I open a hair shop.
CN: If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring screenwriters, what would it be?
Write for yourself first before the audience; write the kind of movies you love watching, not what you think the audience will love. Authenticity always shows and it is more sustainable. I make mostly comedy films because I love comedies.
CN: Which book(s) are you reading right now?
Cavendon Hall by Barbara Taylor Bradford, and the Book of Proverbs.
