In a recent interview with Pulse Nigeria, Akay Mason, the director behind the acclaimed film Elevator Baby, shared insights into his directing approach, principles, and preferences in filmmaking.
Guiding Principles and Career Path: Akay Mason, who also directed Bank Alert, Day of Destiny, and Love in a Pandemic, discussed his journey into directing. He revealed that his passion for storytelling led him to screenwriting and eventually to directing after realizing he could better bring his stories to life. His formal education at Reel Edge Film Academy in South Africa was crucial, but he values mentorship even more, seeing it as a key to understanding the craft.
Working on Set: Mason described the varied experiences of working on different sets, noting that the quality of a set is often evident from the pre-production phase. For challenging sets, he emphasized the importance of perseverance and maintaining calm to make the best out of the situation. He shared that if he detects significant logistical issues early on, he might withdraw from a project to avoid compromising his vision and integrity.
Film Ownership and Collaboration: Regarding ownership, Mason explained that directors in Nollywood often do not receive backend compensation unless they are also executive producers. This, however, does not affect his commitment to delivering high-quality work. He highlighted that a director’s reputation relies on the quality of their last project, and he strives to uphold high standards regardless of his financial stake.
Casting and Actor Preparation: When selecting actors, Mason prefers to work with those who are experienced and talented. He is selective about casting, especially when working with new actors, and stresses the importance of having actors who can perform well. For intimate scenes, he ensures a safe and respectful environment, aiming to make the actors comfortable while maintaining a professional approach.
Directing Philosophy: Mason described a good director as someone who fully understands the story and can adapt to changes, often working with last-minute adjustments. He believes that a director must follow their instincts and be flexible to navigate the unpredictable nature of filmmaking in Nollywood.
Overall, Akay Mason’s approach to directing emphasizes storytelling, preparation, and adaptability, underscoring his dedication to the craft of filmmaking.