By Christy Anyanwu
Okey Nwosu is a prince in Otolo Nnewi, Anambra State and the Chief Executive of Key Media Nie Ltd, a media company that produces films, TV series, radio programmes, documentaries and TV commercials.
Nwosu, a graduate of Industrial Chemistry from University of Ilorin, had a stint in Royal Concept Oil and Gas – an oil marketing company where he rose to managerial position and resigned. He partnered with his in-law to open a studio called Charles UK Studios, where he worked as a producer and executive director of the company. Later, he opted out to start his own company. A television series roduced by the firm, Circle of Interest, is currently running on channels across the country.
How did you get into movie production?
I got into movie making when I was in the university, during the long ASUU strike of 1994/95 through our family friend, late Francis Agu. We were at home for one full year and we were looking for things to do to keep us busy. I actually put my hands in some many businesses. For instance, my aunt, Mrs Eunice Njideofor, brought in EasiStitch machines, which I sold and made some money. One day, Agu came to my house and requested me to assist him in the audition he was holding at Toyin Street, Ikeja. I went there and I loved what I saw. That was how I got my break into movie production.
What was the experience like at the beginning?
When I joined the entertainment industry, it was just fun then and you got to meet many stars and people were there actually to encourage you and put you through the ropes. I once went with Agu to Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Regina Askia, KOK, Kunle Coker, Clarion Chukwurah, among others. Later on my own, I met Chinwetalu Agu, Ngozi Ezeonu, Bob-Manuel Udokwu, Genevieve, Eucharia Anunobi, among other thespians. I remember that back in the days when we would shoot movies till 2am and it was expected that you would come back to location by 6am. I learnt a lot from Agu, especially how to reduce the cost of production and have high quality content at the end of the day.
What were you doing before then?
I was in Sschool and when I graduated in 1998/99, I went for youth service in Ondo State Polytechnic, Owo, now called Rufus Giwa Polytechnic. After youth service, I searched for employment for almost a year before I joined an oil servicing company called Royal Concept Ltd. I worked there for two years after which I went back fully into a movie/series production. And later established my firm, Key Media Nigeria Limited, which produces TV commercials, documentaries, radio programmes and also engages in content sales and aggregation.
What inspires your story line?
Happenings in the immediate environment. I have so many things that influence my choice of storyline. These range from day to day experiences of life with families, friends and well wishers.
What are the challenges you have encountered?
Initially, finance was a major one but later I found out it is more of other hindrances than finance. We face restrictions in certain places you may wish to shoot your films like when you want to shoot in the airport. It will take you an arm and a leg to get the permission. They will put you through much stress. About 10 years ago, I had a very fantastic story and went to the Commissionef of Police in Lagos. I permission to use the armoury in the movie. I was on this for six months. At the end of the day, the police spokesperson asked me to wait for reply from the Assistant Inspector of Police, and I waited for three years. We badly need a film village like we have ree have in America and Europe. Again our financial institutions have not really understood the industry so as to bring a product that will fit into the pecularites of our industry. Example you can’t give a film maker a loan for six month and expect the filmmaker to produce wonderful return to you and pay up the loan within one year.
Most actresses always talk about this issue of sex for roles. What is your view on this?
The truth of the matter is that some ladies don’t want to work hard. They are not ready to show dedication and have the patience to climb through the ladder. Some of them just want to start acting today and within three months, they are already a super star. They become desperate to rise in the industry. You know the consequences of desperation. I’m not saying that you don’t have some bad eggs among the producers and directors. My advice to actresses is to keep working very hard and continue improving on their acting skills instead of believing in sleeping with producers/directors to get roles. The truth of the matter is that any good actress does not need to sleep with anybody to get good roles because there no producer would feature an actor that will make nonsense of the film. This is a pure business transaction that involves creative work, and nobody wants to shoot a movie that will be a waste.
Tell us about life growing up?
Well, I am from the popular Ezeoguine Royal Family in Nnewi, Anambra State. My grandfather at a point was one of the richest man in our place. I lost my father when I was only three months, so it was a terrible experience for my mum. In fact my mum went into her shell after losing her husband and that nearly affected my growing up. But I thank God for my uncle and my maternal people. I grew up mainly with both my maternal people and some of my paternal people. So, life wasn’t all rosy even though I came from a very big and popular family after the demise of my father but God really showed up himself very well.
Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life?
God Almighty is the greatest influence in my life followed by my two uncles, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, Igwe Nnewi. His humility is next to none. His dedication and love for his subjects is electrifying and his heart is full of compassion and so clean. Infact Igwe is a living saint. Igwe is 97 years now but still very alert and agile. The other thing that actually influenced me in my life was hearing that my late grandfather, Chief Joseph Adukwulu Nwosu, was extremely rich and was one of the richest Igbo men during his time. My grandfather actually worked in Royal Niger Company for years and invested in real estate and transportation. So, I became conscious of my own life to tow the line of their lives and leadership skills. So I have to read more about their lives and ask many questions about them since I lost my own father very early in life .
What lessons have you learnt about life?
You have to plan very well for you to achieve success. Again you have to work so hard and have integrity and pray to God to achieve your set goals. A quote from Warren Buffet says that “Look for three things in a person- intelligence, energy and integrity. If they don’t have the last one, don’t even bother with the first two. Life is what you put in, is what you are going to get out with a great faith in God. I also learnt to be nice to people but also to be very careful in life because the people are laughing with you might not necessarily be happy with you so don’t trust everyone.
Is your wife also in the entertainment circle?
I married a wonderful, amiable and awesome wife, Mrs Jennifer Okey-Nwosu and we have lovely kids. My wife is a banker though entertainment flows in her blood. My wife can sing, anchor events and she can also present shows very well. My wife has a heart of gold. In fact, she is the best thing that happened to me as she loves me with her life. I can bet that with anybody. I’m lucky with my wife. She is so passionate and loving.