Derin Adeyokunnu is the Co-founder and Art & Technology Director of Nemsia Studios. The production company behind Nollywood blockbusters like ‘Before 30’, ‘Banana Island Ghost’, and ‘God Calling’. With a background in engineering and a keen eye for design, Derin has made significant strides in the tech startup world. He speaks with The Nations’ ADENIYI ADEWOYIN in this interview. Excerpts
NEMSIA Studios has produced critically acclaimed films like “Before 30,” “Banana Island Ghost,” and “God Calling.” What unique vision and approach does Nemsia Studios bring to the Nigerian film industry?
Our North Star is to push ourselves to excellence in our field, which ultimately means creating groundbreaking and timeless work by Nigerians that is seen and loved by people all around the world. We would like to be one of the key players that propels the industry forward, both in terms of global acceptance, and financial returns. Our Industry has the potential to change the lives of many in a dramatic way because the market is truly global. So, we see each movie and project as an opportunity to drive us closer to this goal.
As the Art & Technology Director, how do you ensure that Nemsia Studios maintains a balance between creative storytelling and cutting-edge technology in your productions?
Foster a culture of continuous learning, and experimentation. We try our best to figure out how technology, or even a new workflow process can help us make better movies. For instance, after a lot of deliberation, we decided to shoot “Breath of Life” with a BlackMagic camera setup. This is at least three times more affordable than the Arri setups most people use on a project of this caliber. But we believed it was better to direct resources to our production design, art department and post-production team. In this case it was the right decision. Breath of Life is our most beautiful picture to date, and we believe it was a result of us deciding to lean on the talents of our creative team, Kelechi Odu, Daniel Obasi and Frost Nwankwo, led by Eku Edewor, the producer.
What strategies have you implemented at Nemsia Studios to foster innovation and creativity among your team?
We have a very collaborative spirit at Nemsia, and are open to entertaining new ideas, and new talent. We aren’t afraid to experiment with ideas, debate amongst ourselves, and move on when things don’t work out.
Can you share some of the biggest challenges Nemsia Studios has faced in its journey, and how you have overcome them to establish a successful production house?
The biggest challenge by far has been funding. It’s not easy to get access to patient capital, which was what we needed at our very early stages. We have been blessed to find financiers, friends, and even talent who have been willing to make things work for the greater good. It also helps that BB, and I aren’t really driven by money. There’s a ton of capital out there in the world, it’s just about figuring how to direct it towards our projects. Fortunately for us, our work continues to be what propels Nemsia Studios forward. It has opened up significant opportunities for us.
Nollywood is known for its rapid growth and diverse storytelling. In your opinion, what are the key factors driving this growth, and how can the industry sustain it?
The filmmakers, first and foremost. Nigerians are extremely resilient, and resourceful people. When resources are made available, we will rise to the challenge. Filmmaking can be an extremely expensive undertaking, requiring collaboration amongst people of diverse skill sets. The streamers have been helpful with distribution, and injecting capital into productions along with local investors. However, I believe what will sustain Nollywood is an increase in local investors that are willing to deplore patient capital towards our stories, and technologies that will aid distribution.
What role do you think technology will play in the future of Nollywood, and how can filmmakers leverage it to enhance their productions?
Technology is what has made Nollywood possible. The VHS tape democratized filmmaking, and made it accessible to anyone that could get their hands on a home video camera and record on tapes, and sell in the markets. Now you have phone cameras that are good enough to shoot and edit these same movies, and publish on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. The increasing accessibility of technology will continue to make it easier for talented people to put their works out there for the world to discover.
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As someone deeply involved in the film industry, how do you see the impact of international collaborations on Nollywood’s global presence and reputation?
International collaborations introduce other cultures to Nollywood. They get to see our range as a people, and learn more about our beautiful culture. We get introduced to new markets, and widen our distribution networks. We get to share technical ideologies, and approaches. It’s a win-win, especially when the projects fit. For example, “Namaste Wahala” by Hamisha Daryani Ahuja was a great blend of Indian, and Nigerian culture. It has led to more projects, and collaboration with Bollywood.
What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers and producers looking to make their mark in Nollywood?
I would advise aspiring filmmakers and producers to not overthink things and just get out their first project with whatever resources they can access. They should tell the best story they can give those resources. Filmmaking is a complex, and highly collaborative undertaking, but can also be very rewarding from both personal and financial standpoint when things align. So, just get the first project done.
Your background in Multimedia Engineering from Purdue University is impressive. How has this academic experience shaped your career and approach to filmmaking?
Multimedia Engineering wasn’t a specialty that was offered at Purdue University. It’s a degree that I created under the Interdisciplinary Engineering Studies program. It was for students that wanted an engineering degree, but didn’t plan on practicing engineering. I’m a firm believer in blending ideas from different disciplines, cultures, people, and using the insights to carve a unique niche for oneself. I believe that’s what BB and I are doing with Nemsia.
What personal qualities and values do you believe have been crucial to your success in both the tech and film industries?
A curious and open mind are crucial. I’m not turned off by things that sound or seem different, strange, unusual, etc. A lot of things that have to do with creativity are usually difficult to define in the beginning. There are folks still debating what qualifies as Afrobeats. Instead of debating, I would rather spend more time creating and collaborating.