Tope Adebayo Salami, is the son of veteran actor Adebayo Salami (known as Wede). Adebayo, who is an actor, director, and producer, is well-known for his role in Funke Akindele’s Jenifa’s Diary. In this interview with Saturday Sun, he discussed the challenges facing Nollywood and how his career almost cost him his marriage.
Two decades in the industry, how has the journey been so far?
It’s been an incredible journey. I’ve been fortunate to work on so many amazing projects and to have collaborated with some of the most talented individuals in the industry. There have been ups and downs, of course, but overall, I’m grateful for the experiences I’ve had and the lessons I’ve learned. The Nigerian film industry has come a long way since I started, and I’m excited to see where the future takes us.
Would you say your father’s involvement in filmmaking shaped your life and craft?
My father’s involvement in filmmaking has had a profound impact on my life and career. Growing up, I was exposed to the behind-the-scenes of filmmaking, and I learned so much from him. He taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and attention to details. He also instilled in me, a passion for storytelling and a love for the craft. As a director, I’ve had the opportunity to work with him on several projects, and I’ve learned so much from his experience and expertise.
What are the challenges of working on the same set with your father, and your brother, Femi Adebayo?
Working with family members can be challenging, but it’s also a blessing. Growing up, I had the opportunity to learn from my father, who is a veteran in the industry. When we work together, I have to separate our family relationship from our professional one. It can get intense, but we always find a way to make it work. My brother, Femi, is also a talented actor and director, and we’ve collaborated on several projects. We have our disagreements, but at the end of the day, we’re family, and that bond is unbreakable.
How will you describe the role of a director and their relationship with various artists?
As a director, my role is to bring the script to life and to guide the actors to deliver their best performances. I believe that a good director can collaborate with artists to create something special. I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredibly talented artists, and I’ve learned that the key to a successful collaboration is to create a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
You once said directing Jagun-Jagun almost made you lose your home; how better have you handled managing work with the home front?
Ah, yes, directing Jagun-Jagun was a challenging experience, but it was also a valuable learning curve. At the time, I was so focused on the project that I neglected my family and my personal life. It almost cost me my marriage, but thankfully, my wife was understanding and supportive. Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to strike a balance between my work and personal life. I prioritize my family time and make sure to communicate effectively with my loved ones. It’s not always easy, but it’s essential for my well-being and my relationships.
If you had not been a creative person, what else would you have ventured into?
If I hadn’t become a filmmaker, I think I would have loved to be an engineer; I studied Electrical Electronics as well, and I love providing technical solutions to issues. This has also helped in making decisions in filmmaking.
Do you agree with the school of thought that those handling the backend of filmmaking like the sound engineer, gaffer, make-up artist, etc., need as much accolades as the actors?
Absolutely! The backend crew is the backbone of any film production. Without them, the actors wouldn’t have a platform to shine. The director of photography, sound recordist, gaffer, make-up artist, editor, art director and other crew members work tirelessly behind the scenes to create the magic that we see on screen. They deserve just as much recognition and accolades as the actors. I believe that the Nigerian film industry needs to do more to celebrate and reward the contributions of its backend crew.
How have you been able to stay relevant knowing how competitive the industry is?
I believe that the key to staying relevant in this industry is to stay curious and keep learning. I make it a point of duty to attend workshops and seminars, to read books and articles, and to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. I also believe in collaborating with other creatives and seeking out new challenges and opportunities. Finally, I think it’s essential to stay humble and grounded and to always be open to feedback and constructive criticism.
Despite the various challenges facing the industry, what, then, is the way forward?
For me, despite the challenges facing Nollywood, I remain optimistic about the future of the industry. Nollywood has come a long way, and we have made significant progress. However, we need to address the challenges facing us, particularly funding, marketing, and distribution.
The need for collaboration between stakeholders is essential to overcome the challenges facing Nollywood. We need to work together as stakeholders, including producers, directors, actors, and investors, to find solutions to our challenges. We also need to engage with the government and private investors to secure funding and support for the industry.
Nollywood faces significant challenges that hinder its growth. However, with the right funding, marketing, and distribution strategies, the industry can overcome these challenges and reach its full potential. For me, Nollywood is a sleeping giant, waiting to be unleashed. With the right support and investment, we can make Nollywood a global brand.
