WHAT is your new movie all about?
Potato Potahto is a story about divorce. I’ve always wanted to write a story about such a sensitive topic, but I didn’t want the usual sad and gloomy angle that many writers have employed. So I thought of what it would be like if we treat a divorce story from a romantic comedy angle. I just wanted to write something fun and exciting, and be able to get people to laugh and have some serious sensitive moments, whilst we are all thinking about relationships and divorce and how they affect us.
What informs the title?
It’s actually a song I like very much and I’ve always thought it funny. It basically means that while we may say it differently, we all like the same things which best describes the story for the film.
The movie is coming to Nigerian cinemas. Do you think it will make box office?
We screened at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year and we have screened at seven other international film festivals with over six awards won. When I wrote this story, I didn’t imagine the movie would be this big. I guess we’ll see in a few weeks if we smash box office records.
You have done so well as a producer. What is the secret?
I would say it is resilience and hard work; I could have given up a lot of times, I could have lowered my standards, but I have kept at it.
We have those who produce, direct, and act in movies. Why haven’t you delved into those other aspects?
I acted quite a bit when I was growing up and it was a big part of who I was in secondary school. But once I left and started pursuing writing and directing, I knew I preferred to be behind the camera instead of in front of it. I love telling stories and seeing it come to life. Mine is to mold. I am satisfied with that.
What does it take to successfully put a project together?
Funding! Funding! Funding! Once I am over that hurdle, the rest becomes easy. The rest are just the stuff that comes with the job because we have everything here; great locations, great stories, great actors, and great stories. All we need is money to make it happen.
Why do you take time in releasing movies?
For me, it’s not just about churning out movies. It’s about making movies that will be accepted globally. Production is beyond getting a script and jumping on set. Pre-production and post-production are two different things; sometimes people think once you are done shooting, the movie should be released in two months. They couldn’t be further from the truth.
What lured you into movie production? Was it the financial benefits and the fame?
I knew I would produce movies, even as a child. I was so sure, I never thought of doing anything else.
How do you maintain your good looks despite the stress that comes with the job?
Thank you for that. I honestly don’t have a particular beauty regimen. I like to keep it simple and if I can manage it classy chic. I am a very active person, I don’t work out. My work keeps me very busy so I just run around a lot. I was a full track athlete when I was in school, perhaps that’s the still paying off. (Smiles)
Etv Ghana once ranked you the 48th most influential person in your country. How did that make you feel?
I’ve hoped that whatever it is I do will influence somebody positively, especially young African females. So I am optimistic that’s where this is coming from and I am grateful for it.
You also run Sparrow Station. Tell us about it
I do. But I’d like to think I am more of a ground, get-your-hands-dirty type of CEO than a behind the desk person. I prefer production work to paperwork, so I am hardly ever in the office. I try to balance both, it’s difficult. I look forward to finding someone suitable for the office work so I can concentrate fully on my field work.
Ghanaian movies are said to promote pornography. What is your take on this as a producer?
There’s always an era for everything in this world and I think we experienced some amount of nudity in our films for a period. But that has passed and thankfully the inspiration behind such scenes is more meaningful to the stories being told now.
What inspires you when writing?
Everything and anything inspires me. It could be a song, a conversation or just silence. Every writer draws it from somewhere; mine has got to be with stuff happening around me and sometimes what’s in my dreams.
You are married and your spouse is also your business partner. How has this worked out for both of you?
Obviously the good days outweigh the bad and we have learnt to respect each other’s opinions and also give each other the needed space. Our interests are intertwined and that’s always a good thing. We also complement each other’s work, so there’s always something to laugh or fight about. It’s not perfect but the synergy keeps us going.
As a woman, how have you been managing your career and home front?
I have a very helpful partner so I manage well. We have an unspoken treaty. He does his stuff and I do mine. And our son thinks it’s lots of fun to be on set and do all that crazy post production stuff.