Some Guidelines of Filmmaking From Filmmaker Chris Onyeka

Some rules of moviemaking from none other than director Chris Onyeka. He imparts some of the wisdom he has learned since he started making films.

Chris Onyeka has proven to be one of the most versatile and innovative filmmaker. He has effortlessly transitioned from gritty crime drama "American Influence"  to a romantic comedy "Infamous deception" to abominable crime drama "Enormity"  to wildly popular fantasy "Cheat Book". 

As a filmmaker, If a script excites you or gives you goose bumps after reading it, the story has said something to you. Hold unto the arc and develop a clear idea of what you want from the story and how you want the audience to react to the story. Strive to eat and breathe the story. Work the scenes through your mind and on the physical scenes in advance multiple times, so that when shooting commences, you will be ready to rock like a rock star, as well as your crew and actors, knowing that you have a clear understanding of the story you are directing. 

Undetermined action is the quality that only actors can bring and it worth its weight in gold. Always listen to the actors and do not impose on them; instead encourage them and motivates them to excel their best. (Young or new directors always have difficulties listening to talents and they tend to be controlling on set) Work on that! Make it a point of duty that everybody, including, crew and actors have ideas about how scenes should be made. Do not be quick at cutting scenes, talk quietly, have good manners and please listen, listen, listen to your crew and actors. There is nothing like a dedicated team work, some crew members or actors will amaze you with some of their ideas, angles and movements you had never imagined. However, I do understand how tedious sets can be most of the times, if you are going to lose your temper, it must be overwhelmingly for real. Excuse yourself and go to the bathroom and abeg, always remind yourself your role and why you are on set.

Last but not least, filmmakers are stereotyped, a lot of rough things get said about them, people call them names, and accuse them of many things. Believe me, some of these people think you are great, thats why some of them will turn around and come pleading to you to caste them in films. Some will think you are crap. The reality will lie somewhere in the middle. Anyway, it shouldn’t matter, Right? Please do not cast your film based on sentiments and, abeg, try to leave out what everybody thinks of you as a filmmaker. You no go fit Please the world, who born you? It’s better to get strong head wey go fit take all that are said and also understands why all the things are being said. Reality is that most of them that are criticizing you want to actually be in your position but have no clue on how to start and they are too proud to succumb to you. Take them all in and flush them down the drain, that’s a true definition of a filmmaker.