HW November - Africa by Hollywood Weekly Magazine, LLC

NOVEMBER - AFRICA 2017

MICHAEL OKON

NIGERIA TO THE WORLD

CALLYWOOD

GOES TO HOLLYWOOD CALLYWOOD STUDIOS RECEIVE 4 AWARDS AT THE 2017 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY MAGAZINE FILM FESTIVAL INCLUDING A SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD FOR THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF CROSS RIVER STATE NIGERIA HIS EXCELLENCY SENATOR PROFESSOR BEN AYADE

PROTECTED BY REGISTERED COPYRIGHT 2017©. PRODUCED BY CALLYWOOD STUDIOS IN COLLABORATION WITH HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PARTS OF THIS CONCEPT, LITERATURE OR THE RELATED ENTRIES MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM, USING THE SAME PEOPLE OR DIFFERENT PEOPLE, BY ANY MEANS (ELECTRONIC, PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING, OR OTHERWISE) WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PRODUCER. DUPLICATION OR SALE OF ALL OR ANY PART OF IT IS PROHIBITED. COPYRIGHT VIOLATION OR INFRINGEMENT WILL RESULT IN LEGAL ACTION.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 1

NOVEMBER 2017

A LETTER FROMTHE EDITOR If you recall, Hollywood Weekly Magazine reported last year October that we signed a contract with Egor Efiok (Director General, Callywood) to screen all Callywood films on our platform, Hollywood Weekly Magazine Film Festival (HWMFF). His Excellency Senator Professor Ben Ayade was also given an Image PRATHER JACKSON Award and gift for his incorporation of Callywood. Additionally, he was the first ever African dignitary to cover Hollywood Weekly Magazine and this would always be an honour to us. We look forward to meeting him in person in the near future. Hollywood Weekly Magazine Film Festival (HWMFF) is pleased to inform our readers that our collaboration with Callywood to premiere their films on our platform will be a yearly event and the theme is “Callywood Goes To Hollywood”. Our first collaboration this year was the premiere of two Callywood films, “The Father” and “I Am Bassey”, respectively, which were screened alongside other Hollywood blockbusters. Executives from Fox Studios and Paramount Pictures also attended the premiere and loved the films, especially the scenery, picture and sound quality. Callywood Studios won 3 awards (Best Producer, Best Director and Best Actor In A Leading Role) under the Nigerian Films category which were screened on the night and His Excellency Senator Professor Ben Ayade received a special recognition award for “The Success Of Callywood Goes To Hollywood 2017”. I am pleased to have initiated this meeting and hope it yields dividends. This is what we do best here at Hollywood Weekly and we look forward to writing about this promising collaboration between Hollywood and Callywood. Congratulations to our cover star, actor Michael Okon, who also won a “Best Actor In A Leading Role” award for his role in “The Father”. Best wishes,.

Prather Jackon Prather Jackson

PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Prather Jackson VICE PRESIDENT Bernice Harris Michael D. Coxson MANAGING EDITOR Prather Jackson MARKETING & SALES Launy Rhem AFRICA OPERATIONS Egor Efiok Award Winning Filmmaker & Director General Of Callywood Studios +447932399204 / +2348063167990 ASIA OPERATIONS Joyce Penas Pilarsky HWM Asia Ambassador Email: info@joycepilarsky.com Bench Bello HWM Asia Operations hollywoodmagazineusa@gmail.com Mobile: +639273895559 ASSOCIATE EDITOR Nitara Osborne MUSIC EDITOR Dick Michaels LIFE & STYLE EDITOR Niki Shadrow-Snyder RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT Alberto Arellano

WEB DESIGNER Howard Chan ART DIRECTOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Karina Pacheco CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Viktorija Pashuta

PRODUCTION MANAGER Hector Santacruz

VP CORPORATE ACCOUNTS STRATEGY & PLANNING Rudy Germany

FEATURED WRITER Nitara Osborne, Jenny Werth Alex A. Kecskes

DISTRIBUTORS NEWSWAYS DISTRIBUTORS GOLD KEY MEDIA NEWS INFLIGHT, INC

KEEP UP WITH HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY AT: www.hollywoodweeklymagazine.com FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @hollywoodweeklymagazine (323) 456-5004

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 3

Governor

Ayade

Taking Cross River State Higher

Welcome to Cross River State, the land of opportunities and limitless possibilities

n Cross River State, the Governor, Senator Professor Ben Ayade has created vast frontiers for discerning investors to derive value by investing in strategic components of our infrastructure such as roads, aviation, health, power, seaport, agriculture, among others. In line with his industrialization vision and agenda, the Governor, has since his assumption of office, embarked on an aggressive and fervent developmental projects across the state with a view to diversifying and expanding the economy. His hunger to quickly transform the state and make it an industrial hub among the comity of states in Nigeria has in just two and a half years birthed such

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multi-million naira capital projects like the Calabar Garment factory, rated as the largest automated single floor garment factory in Africa. The factory which commenced production in 2016, has employed no less than 3,000 Cross Riverians, most of whom are women and widows. This is in giving fillip to His Excellency’s declaration during his inauguration in 2015 that “No child, under my watch, shall go to bed on an empty stomach”. And as part of the backward integration policy of the Governor Ayade-led administration, having established the biggest automated garment factory in Africa, his decision to complement this bold and howling initiative by partnering the Arewa Cottons Limited to set up a 10,000 hectares of cotton farm in Woda, Yala Local Government Area, is no doubt a determination woven through. In fulfilment of his vow that “no longer shall our rice produced by our men and women be taken elsewhere for polishing and bagging and given a misleading name of origin, His Excellency has made good his promise with the ongoing construction of an ultra-modern vitaminised rice mill in Ogoja. Always an Eager Beaver, His Excellency was eager to do something different. And so, he took a trip to Thailand to inspect that country’s fully automated rice farms, in order replicate same in the state with a view to producing a new and high breed organic rice that is not only nutritious but caters to the health of the citizenry. Today we have Calabar Rice City project for nursery and seedlings that is nearing completion.

Conscious of the health need of his people, Governor Ayade, once again took another audacious step by setting up the Calabar Pharmaceutical Company (Calapharm). On completion, it is expected to produce not only drugs but also vaccines for most of the tropical diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa. At a time when oil is fast becoming old fashioned, the governor, desirous of constructing a new direction, has kept his eyes on the ball by staying focused on the ideological track of his administration to explore the entire value chain for the state’s huge cocoa potential with the establishment of a fully automated cocoa processing mills in Ikom with an installed capacity to process 30 thousand metric tons of cocoa per year. Despite obviously punching beyond his weight, given the state’s lean resources, His Excellency has remained unrelenting in his quest to recalibrate the state’s industrial base. Accordingly, he has also ensured that many of the state’s atrophied industries such as the honey factory in Obanliku, meat processing plant in Obudu, Dura foam in Ikom, Rice Mill in Bansara, Ogoja, and groundnut oil processing mill in Bekwarra, established by past administrations are given the needed oxygen in order to ramp up the economy of the state. Excited to ensure that the state capital, Calabar, sets the pace as the first state capital in Nigeria to enjoy a 24-hour un-interrupted power supply, His Excellency has also embarked on a ready to be commissioned 21 megawatts power plant in Calabar.

PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY (CALAPHARM). Conscious of the health need of his people, Governor Ayade, once again took another audacious step by setting up the Calabar Pharmaceutical Company (Calapharm). On completion, it is expected to produce not only drugs but also vaccines for most of the tropical diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 5

CALLYWOOD GOES TO HOLLYWOOD

allywood Studios, an initiative of His Excellency Senator Professor Ben Ayade, premiered two of the four films that they have shot so far in Calabar and Obudu: “The Father”, a feature length film shot in Bette language (with English subtitles) and “I Am Bassey”, a short film shot in Efik language (with English subtitles) in Calabar on Sunday 17th September 2017 and in Los Angeles on Friday 3rd November 2017, respectively. Callywood Studios won three awards (Best Producer, Best Director and Best Actor In A Leading Role) including a fourth special recognition award for His Excellency Senator Professor Ben Ayade for “The Success Of Callywood Goes To Hollywood 2017”. The awards were won under the Nigerian films category from films which were screened on the night alongside Hollywood blockbusters. “I Am Bassey” was produced by Egor Efiok and written and directed by Charlz “bonja” Archibong. “The Father” (inspired by actual events) was produced by Egor Efiok and written by Senate Ewah. Governor Ben Ayade, who also provided the story of “The Father” (assisted by Egor Efiok), was the Executive Producer of both films.

SYNOPSIS

Egor Efiok was interviewed by Hollywood Weekly’s correspondent Nitara Osbourne and she explained that they took some time to release these films because herself and her team are perfectionists. Hear

her: Callywood Studios have actually shot four films, “Murder On The Monorail” (a short horror film), “Kibeban” (a short Bette film), “I Am Bassey” (a short Efik film) and “The Father” (a feature length Bette film); but although all 4 films would be available for viewing online, we only decided to premiere our last 2 films, “I Am Bassey” and “The Father” worldwide, as they are our best. We are very fussy about things like sound, therefore we do ADR for all our films. When I took up this job, I promised myself to shoot Callywood films Hollywood style and to use our films to promote tourism in Cross River State, so that even if we shoot in villages, the picture quality, sound and cinematography would always stand out and wow our audience. I am confident enough now to enter both films into more film festivals like Berlin Film Festival, Cannes, Toronto, BFI, AMMA, AFRIFF, Abuja, Venice, NAFCA, AMVCA etc. I will put them in as many film festivals as possible and hopefully, they would win more awards. We have already set the ball rolling by winning four awards this year at the HWMFF, hence this gives me more confidence to keep moving. (Check out the rest of the interview on our centrespread). https://youtu.be/vA5OQNWF8dk (I Am Bassey: Teaser) https://youtu.be/JTKvBMaqGZQ (The Father: Final Trailer) https://youtu.be/xv-8ot2zPeY (The Father: 1st Teaser) https://youtu.be/vQP7f3pVpH4 (The Father: 2nd Teaser) https://youtu.be/2-akfuXHn-0 (Kibeban: Teaser)

“THE FATHER”

“I AM BASSEY”

Father Anthony is an ordained priest in the Roman Catholic Church who was posted to the Obudu community in Cross River State, Nigeria. But there is just one problem....he never wanted to be a priest. Due to pressure from his mother to become a priest and wanting to respect her wishes, he enrolled into the seminary. Will his dark secrets catch up with him?

After being thrown out of the house by his uncle due to allegations of witchcraft, a melancholic little boy tries to survive in a community where almost everyone has rejected him.

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Egor Efiok is the CEO/founder of E4PR and a multi award winning British/Nigerian movie producer who also represents Nigerian Filmmakers as a sales agent at international film markets to sell and secure world distribution rights. Egor was also recently appointed as the Director General of CALLYWOOD, a Film Academy incorporated by the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Professor Ben Ayade. She is also a long term business partner of Hollywood Weekly Magazine and Hollywood Weekly Magazine Film Festival (HWMFF). Egor is the producer of “The Secret Princess” Animated movie and Callywood Studios films - “Murder On The Monorail”, “Kibeban”, “The Father” and “I Am Bassey”, respectively. She is also the co-producer of Hollywood Meets Nollywood multi award winning film, “Turning Point” and “Unge’s War”. Egor is the president of Professional Filmmakers Of Nigeria (PFN) and the matron for Ambassadors For Enterprise (AFE).

EGOR EFIOK

You can read Egor’s full profile via http://e4pr. net/about-egor-efiok/ and she can be contacted via email: egorefiok@gmail.com or on Instagram: @egorefiokladyboss

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THE FATHER

AN ACTOR AND A DIRECTOR OF LOVEWORLD FILMS WHO HAS MADE HIS MARK IN THE NIGERIAN FILM INDUSTRY AND IS SET TO BREAK BOUNDARIES INTERNATIONALLY

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THE FATHER

LEAD ACTOR

(Mikijay)

MICHAEL OKON

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 9

THE FATHER

ichael Okon was born and raised in Lagos State, Nigeria. His father is from Cross River State, Nigeria, while his mother is half Northern Irish and half Sierra Leonean.

Michael attended Federal Government College Odogbolu in Ogun State, Nigeria, after which he gained admission to study Engineering at the University Of Portharcourt in Nigeria. He did not find fulfillment in Engineering,as his love for acting took over, hence he left University Of Portharcourt for Lagos State University to study Marketing. Michael’s foray into the movie industry started in 2004 when he was introduced to veteran movie producer Emem Isong by Emeka Duru. The ensuing movie, “Fragile Pain”, also starring Monalisa Chinda and Bimbo Akintola, would go on to kick start his career. He has starred in several movies and several soap operas like “Heaven’s Gate”, “Glass House”, “A Love Like Ours”, “Storm” etc, working with seasoned producers and directors like Ralph Nwadike, Emem Isong, Zik Zulu Okafor, Fred Amata, Jeta Amata, Frank Rajah, Charles Novia, Egor Efiok etc. Michael is currently the male lead actor in the Hit TV Series “Delilah” (produced and directed by Frank Rajah), which airs across Africa and the United Kingdom. Michael’s performance in the movie, “The Father”, was nothing short of scintillating! It has garnered him rave reviews and he is beginning to pick up nominations for various awards ceremonies, the latest being a “Best Actor In A Leading Role” (Hollywood Weekly Magazine Film Festival) award. Michael Okon is also Hollywood Weekly Magazine’s December 2017 cover star. He can be reached on Instagram: @mikijay_okon

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THE FATHER

MICHAEL’S PERFORMANCE IN THE MOVIE, “THE FATHER”, WAS NOTHING SHORT OF SCINTILLATING! IT HAS GARNERED HIM RAVE REVIEWS AND HE IS BEGINNING TO PICK UP NOMINATIONS FOR VARIOUS AWARDS CEREMONIES PROTECTED BY REGISTERED COPYRIGHT 2017©. PRODUCED BY CALLYWOOD STUDIOS IN COLLABORATION WITH HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PARTS OF THIS CONCEPT, LITERATURE OR THE RELATED ENTRIES MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM, USING THE SAME PEOPLE OR DIFFERENT PEOPLE, BY ANY MEANS (ELECTRONIC, PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING, OR OTHERWISE) WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PRODUCER. DUPLICATION OR SALE OF ALL OR ANY PART OF IT IS PROHIBITED. COPYRIGHT VIOLATION OR INFRINGEMENT WILL RESULT IN LEGAL ACTION.

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THE FATHER

MC AGIM

Mc was born in Obudu, Cross River State, Nigeria, on February 13, 1969. Mc studied Fisheries and Aquaculture at 1st and 2nd degrees and is presently pursuing a Ph.D in Fish PostHarvest Technology with the World Bank Center of Excellence- Center for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER) Benue State University, Makurdi Nigeria. Mc has great taste and interest in acting. He has performed in several movies within the country side. Callywood Studios films, “Kibeban” and “The Father” are his mega deals so far in the movie industry. His ambition has always been to perform at international level. You can reach Mc via e-mail: agimmarcel@gmail.com

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THE FATHER

NAME: Prince Emmanuel aka Prince Emmy COUNTRY: Nigeria State Of Origin: Cross River State LGA: Obudu PROFESSION: Actor/Model. I have taken part in over 26 movies in my career as an actor including movies like Amazing Grace. Half Of a Yellow Sun. Street Of Calabar. The Scare. The Premier By Tinsel. Ojo In The House by Ebony Life tv. The Father by Callywood Studios to mention but a few and I have taken part in so many run way modeling jobs. Acting/Modeling my profession my career.

PRINCE EMMANUEL AKA PRINCE EMMY

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THE FATHER

LEAD ACTRESS

ANGELA AGBA Angela Andokie Agba (aka Angela Agba) is a Nigerian actress from Obudu, Cross River State, Nigeria. Born on 26th May, 2000, Angela currently resides in Cross River state, Nigeria. She is well known for her female lead role in the movie, “The Father”. Angela also has interests in modelling and music. When she is not on set, she spends time learning French, writing songs and stories. Angela is currently a freelance model. You can reach her at andokieagba@gmail.com and on Instagram @angela_agba

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THE FATHER

BIRTH NAME:

Ador Patrick HEIGHT:

5.8 ft tall BORN: Oct 30th 1994 ORIGIN: Obudu, CRS, Nigeria. GENRES:

R&B, Urban, Blues. OCCUPATION:

Actor, Biologist (B.S.C) HOBBIES:

Singing, watching/playing football, travelling. Instruments: Vocals

BIO:

SUPPORT ACTOR

ADOR PATRICK

I am just an enthusiast, focused on achieving my dreams through my passion and commitment in the industry. EMAIL:

INSTAGRAM:

Patrickador10@gmail.com

Patrick_ador.

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THE FATHER

SUPPORT ACTOR

ANTHONY: Amunde Anthony was born on the 8th of August 1990, to the family of Inspector and Mrs Vigilia Amunde in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. He graduated from Cross River State College of Education, Akamkpa in 2014 with a distinction from the Department of English Language/Social Studies. Anthony started acting in 2016: “Ayade”, “The Lunatic” (Shandel Productions), “The Reality” and most currently, “The Father” (Callywood Studios). Anthony’s hobbies are football and acting; He currently resides in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

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THE FATHER

SUPPORT ACTOR

MARCIA ADIE

Marcia Adie, born 30th April 1991, is a Nigerian actress, runway model and a singer. She hails from Obudu in Cross River State, Nigeria. Marcia has played roles in movies such as Ayade, Damage and The Father. She is also a modeling instructor.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 17

THE FATHER

SUPPORT ACTOR

BIG DADDY PROTECTED BY REGISTERED COPYRIGHT 2017©. PRODUCED BY CALLYWOOD STUDIOS IN COLLABORATION WITH HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PARTS OF THIS CONCEPT, LITERATURE OR THE RELATED ENTRIES MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM, USING THE SAME PEOPLE OR DIFFERENT PEOPLE, BY ANY MEANS (ELECTRONIC, PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING, OR OTHERWISE) WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PRODUCER. DUPLICATION OR SALE OF ALL OR ANY PART OF IT IS PROHIBITED. COPYRIGHT VIOLATION OR INFRINGEMENT WILL RESULT IN LEGAL ACTION.

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THE FATHER

SUPPORT ACTOR

MORNING STAR

Morning Star. Rapper/singer, songwriter and actor. From Obudu in Cross River State, Nigeria. “Your eyes do not see each other but there is nothing they can’t see together”.

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I AM BASSEY

SUPPORT ACTOR

I AM BASSEY ACTRESS MADAM

EME AWATT Eme Awatt (Eyamba) is the present Director/Head of Library services in Cross River State. She was the pioneer Vice Chairman, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter. A talented actor both on stage and motion, she has featured in many Nollywood productions including: “The Amazing Grace”, “Mutanda”, “Mary Slessor”, “African Queen”, “The Wind of Change”, all directed by Jeta Amata. “The Bleeding Rose”, “The Cartel”, directed by Chuks Mordi. “Dakada”, “The Day Before Tomorrow” directed by Paschal Amanfor. “I am Bassey” produced by Egor Efiok and directed by Charlz Archibong. Eme won The Best Indigenous Female Actor award in the maiden edition of Cross River Movie Award (CRMA) in 2013. A professional teacher, actor, librarian and PR executive, you can contact her via email: emeawatt@gmail.com

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I AM BASSEY GENDER: L.G.A.: STATE: NATIONALITY: MARITAL STATUS: DATE OF BIRTH: OCCUPATION: INDUSTRY:

NAME:

Lucy Inyang Emmanuel Female Ediba,Abi LGA Cross River State. Nigerian Married 1st February,1981 Actress Akwa-Cross/ Nollywood

HOBBIES:

Acting, Travelling, Swimming and Net Surfing

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS :

iploma in Local Govt.(University Of Calabar) 2004 D Degree (B.Sc.)(Hons.) Policy Studies And Administration (University of Calabar) 2008 AWARDS SO FAR

• Best Supportive Female Actor Sponsors: AkwaCross Movie Makers Year:2012 • Best Behaved Female Actor Of The Season Sponsors: AkwaCross Movie Makers Year:2012 • Best Female Actor(Single) Event: Academy Film Award. Sponsors:Citizen Film And Art Institutes Year: 2013 • Celebrity Actress Event:Celebrity Planet Award Year: 2012 And Many More MOVIES FEATURED

• Amazing Grace • Half of A Yellow Sun • Street Of Calabar • Princess Ekanem • I Am Bassey (Callywood Studios) • Most AkwaCross Indigenous Movies & Other International Movies. Attachments area

I AM BASSEY ACTRESS MADAM

LUCY e-mail: lucyinyangemmanuel@gmail.com Mobile No: .234 8036117590

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I AM BASSEY

TAKON DESTINY Takon Destiny is a passionate and versatile actor with vast experience on screen and stage spanning over 10 years. Classically trained at the Love world movie academy, He has great interpretation and communication skills. He is a lover of God and people. Takon is an active member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), A digital marketer and resource person at the google digital skills for Africa program where he trains and mentors young Africans. He is a dynamic and adventurous person ready to face the challenges of Hollywood. Takon has played various role on stage and screen,m. His most notable appearances are “Ojo’s in the house” Ebonylife tv films, “A pound of flesh” by Tyrone Terrence and callywood “I Am Bassey”, respectively. He can be contacted via email: dgovernor2020@gmail.com or on Instagram: @dgovernor2020.

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I AM BASSEY

MARY NAME: Mary Inyang Bassey HEIGHT: 5.7 STATE : Cross River Local Government Area: Biase HOBBIES: Reading, Travelling and watching movies. A runway model and actress, Mary is a very detailed person who is also very vocal, determined and proactive. Mary played a support actor in award winning Callywood film, “I Am Bassey”. You can reach Mary on Instagram: @marylnyang

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COLLINS CLEVER

Collins Clever popularly known as DEZIGN has a long established musical career beginning in Delta State,Nigeria and including a number of original and cover songs over the years across many styles of music from Rhythm and Blues to Afro HipHop, Jazz and Old school classic hits. On his coming to Lagos several years ago,he joined Donna Band (the In House band of Sheraton Hotel Ikeja)as a Lead Vocalist where he performed at every Friday and Sunday. He would eventually team up with his childhood friend, Harrysong, who had gone on to become a major Star artiste. He signed a contract with ALTERPLATE RECORDS owned by Harrysong and has released two songs under the label namely KNEES AND TOES and OYOYO. A remix of the song OYOYO featuring Harrysong and Humblesmith is presently tearing up the airwaves. Follow Dezign on Instagram and Twitter on: @iamdezign

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THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF TINAPA BUSINESS RESORT’ CONGRATULATES The Executive Governor Of Cross River State,His Excellency Senator Professor

Ben Ayade

On His Award For “The Success Of Callywood Goes To Hollywood 2017”.

ADIABO - CALABAR 2348038997120 INFO@TINAPA.COM.NG WWW.TINAPA.COM.NG

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 25

at any awards show, a price has been paid for the opportunity. Although such achievements have come with a monetary price tag, other forms of investment seem to outweigh currency. The truth is, the “red carpet moments” are just small increments in time. Not many people are snapping photographs on the longer hours of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and consistency that precede those glamorous nights. Perhaps, each is too ugly to be captured as an image frozen in time. Nevertheless, it is one’s investment in those four qualities that create success.

QWITH &A Egor Efiok

Consistent with a Purpose BY NITARA LEE OSBOURNE

or some people it seems like the red carpet gets rolled out for them personally, and all they have to do is walk across it, wave at the cameras held by “nameless” humans, and flash their pearly whites. They make success and achievement look so easy… almost like breathing. However, it doesn’t come that effortlessly. Whether one is walking on water or walking the red carpet

It’s those four qualities that encapsulate a trailblazing producer like Egor Efiok. Not only is she president of the Professional Filmmakers of Nigeria, she is the CEO of E4PR Productions and Director General at Callywood Studios, which is an entertainment platform created by Governor Ayade of Cross River State in Nigeria. Egor is also the recipient of the Hollywood Weekly Magazine Film Festival Award of Excellence, among many others. Her producing credits include such films as Murder on the Monorail, Kibeban, I Am Bassey, The Father, and the animated movie The Secret Princess. She has also co-produced the movies Turning Point and Unge’s War. The only explanations for these completed and produced projects other than the fact that she helped bring a cohesive team together to create movies for a variety of audiences’ viewing pleasures, is that Egor exhibited hard work, dedication, perseverance, and consistency. She is consistent with a purpose. It was an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to interview such a talented and ambitious individual like Egor Efiok. HW: Based on what I’ve read about you, I noticed you have success/interests in fashion, modeling, and acting. What is it that has drawn you to filmmaking behind the camera? EE: I am a former actress and model. I used to act and model in Nigeria between 1992 and 1994 when I was at the University of Calabar studying Theatre Arts. I left Nigeria in 1994 to return to the UK – which is where I was born -- and that was how I stopped acting and modelling. HW: And is this when your career segued directly into being behind the camera?

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EE: Yes. Given my flair for the arts, it is no wonder that I have combined all my talents to do what I love most... filmmaking. Writing my own stories gives me an adrenalin rush and my experience as a former actress has made me a natural acting coach. I always bond with my actors and show them exactly what I want to bring out the best in them. HW: That’s spectacular that you are a filmmaker who loves writing and desires to bring out the greatness within your actors. EE: Thank you. When I returned to the UK, I studied Education Studies at the University of Greenwich. I was a precocious child and have always been eloquent in writing and speaking. I am a naturalborn writer and I was a teacher for eight years. HW: Ah, of course… a teacher naturally wants to bring out the best in her students. You’re doing the same with your actors. EE: I suppose so. You’re right. HW: You relocated from the UK to Nigeria to take up the appointment of Director General of Callywood in Calabar, Cross River State. Is it more financially rewarding over there? Do you regret the decision to relocate or are you content? EE: I have always advised people to work in the fields that they love. When you do that, you will discover that because you love what you do, you won’t even realize when you overwork yourself and do not get paid, as your primary intent is not money. I work even when there isn’t enough money and sometimes even use my own fundsto achieve my goals. HW: That’s dedication. EE: Well, I love my job and always strive for perfection. I want to be appreciated for my hard work. I may not be rewarded immediately, but I know that I eventually will. People are noticing my work everywhere, as I am very vocal and share everything on social media. Callywood is an initiative of Governor Ayade’s that I really praise because a lot of Cross River State youth are benefiting from it. Many of the actors in our Callywood films are first time actors and when they become really huge, they wouldalways appreciate the fact that Governor Ayade paved the way for them to become great. I am honored that he chose me to help him attain this feat and I will not let him down. I will do everything within my power to put Callywood on the global map.

HW: We also noticed that Governor Ayade’s name is on the poster of The Father as both the executive producer and storyteller. Storyteller? Did he really give you the story? EE: Oh yes, indeed! Governor Ayade is a man of many talents. People who do not know him would be amazed at how vast his intelligence is. What happened was that after I wrote Kibeban, Governor Ayade watched it, liked the idea, and he liked the actor Khing Bassey (Tinsel). Khing played the Reverend Father in the film, but Governor Ayade felt that the story had too many plots. He was pleasantly surprised to discover that Khing Bassey was from Cross River State and commented that he looked like Ramsey Noah, a Nollywood veteran. He then gave me this new story and asked me to fly Khing Bassey back to Calabar to play the Reverend Father again. Unfortunately, Khing Bassey was unavailable, as he was on set in Lagos, but I found the perfect replacement in Michael Okon (Delilah). In fact, this role was made for Mike. He owned it and carried the film so well. His acting held everyone spellbound on set. I would love to cast him and Khing Bassey as brothers in another Callywood film. Both guys are top dudes. HW: What is the message or messages that you would like to send out to the world as an African filmmaker/producer? EE: As a filmmaker, strive to be unique and thorough. Never cut corners or do anything to undermine your worth. HW: Words of wisdom. Have you experienced any obstacles as an African female filmmaker, specifically because of your gender or race? If so, how did you overcome those obstacles? EE: I will not deny that there are obstacles in this business, but I have never been one to give up and… I believe that the sky is large enough for many stars... I am one of those stars and I fit in somehow. With hard work and consistency, there are no obstacles that cannot be overcome. HW: That’s inspiring. You persevered. You don’t view obstacles as closed doors, but you rather take on the point-of-view of a person who believes in possibilities. EE: That is my point-of-view. I believe this is part of the reason that I’ve experienced the successes that I have.

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YOU WILLSOMETIMES ENCOUNTER DOORS BEING SLAMMED IN YOUR FACE AND YOUWILL SOMETIMES MAKE MISTAKES. YOU ARE HUMAN, SO DO NOT LET IT WEIGH YOU DOWN.

HW: I’m sure. Now… transitioning here just a bit… can you explain or “define” “Nollywood,” and how did you find yourself back in it after teaching for eight years? EE: Nollywood can simply be defined as Nigeria’s film industry. It is the third largest movie industry in the world. There are certain reasons that led to the growth and stability of the industry. Nigeria is a very rich cultural entity that has, for decades, culminated into a very beautiful world-acclaimed theatre, upon which this movie industry is built. HW: That’s so intriguing. I don’t know why more people aren’t talking about this in the United States. What was your comeback like? EE: Well, in general, it is not easy to make a comeback into an industry like Nollywood after a 15 year hiatus, but as a former Nollywood actress, I still stayed in contact with my colleagues. So… my comeback wasn’t exactly difficult. They made it easy for me by giving me a chance and I have remained eternal friends with them.

you co-produced within your career. What did this film do for you emotionally, as well as for your career? EE: I call Turning Point “my baby” because it opened my eyes and brought out the best in me. Emotionally, I will always be thankful to Niyi Towolawi who was the main producer and who directed Turning Point , for believing in me so much that he invited me on board as co-producer. HW: Did you have any other roles on the project? EE: I was also the Nollywood casting director and helped build the story with Niyi. Turning Point also had Hollywood stars in it and my participation in the film opened doors to my Hollywood career. HW: That is so amazing! You took a chance on casting an undiscovered actor in this film. You casted Igoni Archibong for your lead in Turning Point. Do you constantly look for undiscovered talent to prove that they are out there or do you feel drawn to A-list actors?

HW: If you could change anything about the film industry in the United States or even internationally, what would you change and why?

EE: Yes, I constantly seek out undiscovered or unappreciated talent to elevate. If we keep using just the accomplished actors, how would new talent be discovered? The A-list actors have already made their names and mark in the industry. I believe that they should bless and encourage new actors by playing supporting roles alongside them -knowing that their popularity would make the new actors get noticed.

EE: I would make access to funding very easy for filmmakers because this is the greatest stumbling block that I have encountered as a filmmaker.

HW: I can definitely see how that can help elevate new talent. What was your process like in working with an up-and-coming actor?

HW: That sounds very familiar. There are always enough talented people who want to make phenomenal movies, but there tends to feel like a shortage of investors who want to provide the funds.

EE: I trained Igoni Archibong for ten months to prepare him for his lead role in Turning Point. I cast Jackie Appiah as his wife, Enyinna Nwigwe as his best friend and Patience Ozokwor as his mother. I also cast Ebbe Bassey and Oge Okoye in the film. These are all seasoned actors and veterans in the industry who worked very closely with Igoni.

HW: Loyalty and building relationships is important in every industry, but especially in the film industry, right? EE: Absolutely.

EE: Precisely. HW: The film Turning Point was your first film that

HW: And what was the result?

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EE: The effect that this always has is that it brings out the best in the new actor and this was exactly what happened with Igoni. He went on to win three awards for Turning Point, which included a NAFCA (aka African Oscars) win for Best Actor in a Leading Role, amidst stiff competition. Taking undiscovered talents like this to the top is something that makes me feel accomplished. HW: What else are you hoping to accomplish as a storyteller and then as a filmmaker? EE: I am hoping to stand out by crossing boundaries that haven’t yet been crossed in Nigeria. I have a very daring imagination. I have someone from Paramount Pictures here in Hollywood coming to Calabar next month (December) to check out Callywood Studios and locations for a collaboration. He is already helping me rewrite my next script, which promises to be a blockbuster. I will not give any more clues for now, but watch this space! HW: What factors do you attribute to your current level of success? EE: Determination and hard work. HW: For the upcoming and ambitious filmmakers who want to know what is the best way to achieve success in 2017 and beyond, what words of wisdom would you like to impart that they can actually apply in their careers and be on their paths to success?

EE: Be consistent and always strive to be the best. You willsometimes encounter doors being slammed in your face and youwillsometimes make mistakes. You are human, so do not let it weigh you down. Most importantly, keep picking yourself up. Try and try again. Youwilleventually succeed. HW: Well said, Egor. Thank you for sharing who you are with Hollywood Weekly. We wish you all of the best with your endeavors in Callywood and beyond. EE: Thank you. It was my pleasure, Nitara. You are more than welcome.

Hard work, dedication, perseverance, and consistency will produce results over and over again. Egor Efiok has proven this through what she has shared. Walking across the red carpet represents the evidence and public acknowledgement of such experiences, although that is not what her goal is in working in the film industry. Who Egor is to the world is one who loves what she does and has a genuine passion for drawing greatness out of her actors, while providing thought-provoking and entertaining movies for audiences everywhere.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 29

THE HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE OF CALLYWOOD FILMS “THE FATHER” AND “I AM BASSEY”.

n 3rd November 2017, 2 Callywood Studios films, “The Father” and “I Am Bassey”, respectively, were premiered in Hollywood. The Director General of Callywood Studios Egor Efiok and the lead actor of “The Father” Michael Okon, were there to represent Callywood. The premiere was attended by top Hollywood executives from Fox Studios and Paramount Pictures who reviewed the films and were so impressed that they were given 4 awardswhich included “The Success Of Callywood Goes To Hollywood2017” for His Excellency Senator Professor Ben Ayade.

30 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

This led to an invite to the stands o f the Hollywood film executives at the American Film Market and a meeting at Fox Studios where Egor and Michael got to meet and liaise with many Hollywood stars. They used the opportunity to attend the Nigerian International Film Summit at the American Film Market too, where they networked with respected Nollywood stakeholders. Please see @ egorefiokladyboss on Instagram for more photos, information and for ongoing projects in Hollywood throughout this month.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 31

EGOR EFIOK BRINGING HOLLYWOOD INVESTOR FROM PARAMOUNT PICTURES TO CALLYWOOD STUDIOS THIS DECEMBER

ollowing the successful premiere of 2 Callywood films “The Father” and “I Am Bassey” in Hollywood on 3rd November 2017, Egor Efiok opened talks with Hollywood filmmakers from Fox Studios and Paramount Pictures, respectively, to collaborate with and invest in Callywood for their African themed projects. She showed them photos of Callywood Studios and convinced them that they could build different sets inside there if they wanted to film in Africa. Keith Barrows a former Paramount Pictures executive is coming to Calabar in December to inspect Callywood Studios himself and check

32 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

out other locations. If he is satisfied that they can shoot their next film there, this would be a really huge milestone for Callywood, an initiative of Governor Ayade’s. They are also rewriting the script of Callywood Studios first horror film, “DEATH Atlas”, “The Ring” style. Paramount Pictures produced the famous “Coming To America” and “Titanic” amongst others. See photos below of Egor Efiok with Keith Barrows and his colleagues at the American Film Market and afterwards at dinner where they discussed and agreed on this new deal. Congratulations Callywood! This is a huge milestone indeed! PROTECTED BY REGISTERED COPYRIGHT 2017©. PRODUCED BY CALLYWOOD STUDIOS IN COLLABORATION WITH HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PARTS OF THIS CONCEPT, LITERATURE OR THE RELATED ENTRIES MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM, USING THE SAME PEOPLE OR DIFFERENT PEOPLE, BY ANY MEANS (ELECTRONIC, PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING, OR OTHERWISE) WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PRODUCER. DUPLICATION OR SALE OF ALL OR ANY PART OF IT IS PROHIBITED. COPYRIGHT VIOLATION OR INFRINGEMENT WILL RESULT IN LEGAL ACTION.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 33

CALLYWOOD HANG OUT WITH HOLLYWOOD STARS COURTESY OF HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

EGOR EFIOK AND MICHAEL OKON AT THE AMERICAN FILM MARKET WITH HOLLYWOOD EXECUTIVES & NOLLYWOOD STAKEHOLDERS PROTECTED BY REGISTERED COPYRIGHT 2017©. PRODUCED BY CALLYWOOD STUDIOS IN COLLABORATION WITH HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PARTS OF THIS CONCEPT, LITERATURE OR THE RELATED ENTRIES MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM, USING THE SAME PEOPLE OR DIFFERENT PEOPLE, BY ANY MEANS (ELECTRONIC, PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING, OR OTHERWISE) WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PRODUCER. DUPLICATION OR SALE OF ALL OR ANY PART OF IT IS PROHIBITED. COPYRIGHT VIOLATION OR INFRINGEMENT WILL RESULT IN LEGAL ACTION.

34 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

EGOR EFIOK AND MICHAEL OKON AT THE US CHINA FILMMAKER ASSOCIATION EVENT COURTESY OF HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 35

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THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF CROSS RIVER STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY PROFESSOR

Ivara Esu,

Congratulates

The Executive Governor Of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Professor

Ben Ayade, on his award for “The Success Of Callywood Goes To Hollywood 2017”.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 37

THE SPEAKER OF THE CROSS RIVER STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY,

Hon. John Gaul Lebo

Congrat

From All Of Us To The Exec

River State His Excellen THE CHIEF OF STAFF,

Hon. Martin Orim

Ben A

On His Special Recognition A Callywood Goes To

THE CHIEF PROTOCOL OFFICER,

Mr Emmanuel Asikpo

THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY,

Mr Christian Ita

THE COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION & ORIENTATION,

Barrister Mrs Rosemary Archibong

38 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

tulations

cutive Governor Of Cross

Barr George Abang Ekpungu Ph.D Hon. COMMISSIONER FOR NEW CITIES DEVELOPMENT CROSS RIVER STATE NIGERIA

ncy Senator Professor

Ayade

Award For “The Success Of Hollywood 2017”.

CROSS RIVER STATE’S COMMISSIONER FOR YOUTH & SPORTS DEVELOPMENT (AKA 2ND YOUNGEST COMMISSIONER IN CRS)

Mr Asu Okang

CROSS RIVER STATE COMMISSIONER FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT,

Mr Eric Anderson

THE SPECIAL ADVISER GOVERNOR’S OFFICE AND EVENTS MANAGER,

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THE GENERAL MANAGER OF TINAPA LAKESIDE HOTEL,

Mrs Justina Ovat And Her Team

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 39

TEAM CALLYWOOD STUDIOS WISH OUR DISTINGUISHED HONOURABLE CHIEF PROTOCOL OFFICER TO GOVERNOR AYADE,

Mr Emmanuel Asikpo, A HEARTY HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY. YOU ARE AN ASSET TO CROSS RIVER STATE SIR, AND WE LOVE YOU. HIP HIP HIP HURRAY!!!

40 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

CALLYWOOD STUDIOS, The Executive Governor Of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Professor

Ben Ayade, on his award for “The Success Of Callywood Goes To Hollywood 2017”.

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JENNA MATTISON ON GHOSTS AND INFRASONIC SOUND BY ALEX A. KECSKES

JENNA MATTISON SCREENWRITER, FILMMAKER AND BESTSELLING NOVELIST, JENNA MATTISON’S FILMS INCLUDE “FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY,” “FISH WITHOUT A BICYCLE,” “THE THIRD WISH” AND “DEADLY REVENGE.” IN “THE SOUND,” WHICH SHE WROTE AND DIRECTED, MATTISON DRAWS US INTO THE LIFE OF A SUPERNATURAL SKEPTIC WHO DEBUNKS PARANORMAL SIGHTINGS USING LOW-FREQUENCY TACTILE SOUND WAVES.

HW: Thank you for taking the time for this interview. So are you moving away from light comedies and dramas to nail-biting thrillers? What compelled you to make this film? JM: I suffered an injury that left me deaf on one side and with very damaged hearing on the other. I went through seven head surgeries. It was terrifying. During that time, I realized the importance of sound and how it affects all our senses—like how we smell and touch. I almost died and it changed my perspective on what’s important. Suddenly, writing rom-coms didn’t hold that same value to me anymore. So I wanted to write something a little deeper. I wouldn’t have chosen to write a horror film, but I’m glad I did. For in a sense, the story chose me. I had produced a movie for a company in Canada. They approached me and said, we really want to do another movie with you; you’re a writer, do you have any ideas for a horror film set in Toronto? I didn’t want to make a slasher film with a bunch of kids going to a cabin and getting killed. I thought, how could I bring myself into this and do something I can feel good about? So I started researching ghost stories in Canada. I came across this story about a woman who was pushed or jumped onto the tracks of Toronto’s lower bay station. The station had been closed since 1966 because it was supposedly haunted. I put all the pieces together and added the sound element to create this story. HW: Many of us are unfamiliar with infrasound. What did you learn about this science and its mythology that surprised you? JM: Infrasonic or tactile sound is sound that you

RICHARD GUNN & ROSE MCGOWAN (PHOTO: SAMUEL GOLDWYN FILMS) 42 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

feel rather than hear. It’s like a low-level humming. Or when you’re driving in your car and someone else has the bass on really loud in the car next to you—you feel agitated and anxious. The sound releases chemicals in your body and it’s a very real phenomenon. It’s really fascinating. I could go on forever about this subject. In the movie, I wanted to just titillate people and make them understand what it was. I wanted to get them interested in the impact sound truly has on us. I also wanted people to become aware of the impact their sounds have on others. Science has proven that noisy environments raise your stress hormones, causing heart problems. HW: When Kelly sensed the frequency had dropped to 1 Hz in that room, its impact was truly shocking. JM: The lower the spectrum of sound, the more dangerous it is, to the point where it can physically harm you. It can and has been used as a weapon. HW: What challenges did you face filming in the lower bowels of an abandoned subway? JM: Only part of the film was shot in the lower bay station. For one, we couldn’t afford it. It’s also a very intense shooting environment. So we created our own sound stage out of an abandoned warehouse in Toronto. I worked closely with Jim Goodall, my production designer to create this very dark, creepy environment. For me, the scare in horror movies is not what you see but what you don’t see. It’s what’s in the shadows or what could be in the shadows. And that’s what I wanted to create because the overt isn’t scary to me. There are no screams or screechy scores in this movie where we raise your stress hormones and you think you’re scared. I wanted the audience to get sucked into that environment without beating them over the head with it. HW: The film was frighteningly atmospheric. How did you approach lighting and sound design in those dark, dank places? JM: Sound design was one of the most important aspects of the film. It was very detailed and layered. I actually found sounds from space and Mars that I included as a sub-rumble layer. Space sounds can be very spooky. I rejected all the traditional sounds associated with horror films. The sound mixers called me after they were all done and had watched the movie from beginning to end and

said now we’ve got it. We also added a heartbeat. I wanted to create anxiety. The score was created by this classically trained Canadian composer, Aaron Gilhuis. He initially approached me with this big beautiful score, which I rejected. He was frustrated but stuck it out. I told him to come back with five naked piano keys, but make them count, make them eerie. And he did. HW: What was it about Rose McGowan that convinced you she would be ideal as Kelly Johansen? JM: It’s interesting because some of the producers wanted other people. I wanted a strong woman who could carry the film. I hadn’t thought of Rose until her agent mentioned her to me. Rose had read the script and really liked it. She and I talked via Skype, and I saw her strength and all the things I hadn’t seen in her other movies. Talking to her as a person, I realized Rose was this fierce, hyper-intelligent opinionated woman. One of the biggest issues for the other producers was Rose’s hair, which was really short—just an inch long. So we had to wig her for the role. HW: Kelly has this tough outer shell, always getting right down to business. Is this to conceal an inner pain and sort out her demons? Or were you eager to dispel the smiling, cheerful woman protagonist? JM: Maybe a little bit of both. When Rose arrived a week early, I told her that Kelly is dead inside. She can’t cope with what happened. And as the movie progresses, we bring her back to life. It never felt appropriate to me that Kelly would be smiley. That was a problem for some of the producers who complained that Kelly came across as a bitch. And I said, no, she’s a haunted person who’s not country-club polite. Why can we have a million male characters like that, but not a woman? I didn’t want her to come off as flirty or to lead with Rose’s obvious beauty and sexuality. I don’t think many people have seen that side of her before, and she was a bit unsure as to how she would be perceived. But she did an amazing job. There’s very little about the movie that I would change other than having more money. HW: Can you go into the plusses and minuses of directing a film you wrote? JM: I think, going back in time, I probably would have wanted to direct more of my earlier films. When you’re writing, you’re imagining and the characters are speaking to you. I imagined this movie when I wrote it; so in directing it, I tried to stay true to that vision and imagination. I’m not precious about my writing, so I was open to other opinions. But at the end of the day, there has to be one person at the

helm. There were a lot of shots I had to fight for, shots that ended up being so important to the story. The DPs and I were at it much of the time. I didn’t want the film to be a homogenized mish-mash of everyone’s opinion or agenda. HW: You’ve worn many hats, but “The Sound” is your directorial debut, what’s harder writing, directing, or producing? JM: Certainly producing. He who controls the purse strings has the toughest, tedious, most taxing job. I didn’t find directing that difficult. I did a lot of block shooting, with scenes back to back, and people looked at me like I was insane. But Rose was such a pro. She literally grew up in front of the camera. And she would have to go from cynical to scared to crying and it was totally flawless. So I really enjoyed directing. It was exhilarating to see my writing come to life in the way I’d imagined it.

“THE SOUND” Writer/Director JENNA MATTISON (photo: Cinematic Red) poster (courtesy: Samuel Goldwyn Films)

HW: What can you tell us about your new TV series being produced by Imprint Entertainment? JM: It’s also produced by WeatherVane, the same company that co-financed “The Sound.” Jason Van Eman and Ross Marroso are executive producers. When they read the pilot I wrote for “Devil’s Highway,” they found the actual route 666 (highway 491) that runs through a patch of Navaho land near Shiprock, New Mexico. It’s the site of the most accidents, deaths, and disappearances of any stretch of road on earth. It’s surrounded by all this American Indian folklore. We were shooting “The Sound” when they read the pilot and they said, we have to move on this. I was in the studio system with it and not prepared to make it independently, so when it failed to land anywhere, WeatherVane came forward. “The Sound” was set for limited USA release on September 29th.

MICHAEL EKLUND (PHOTO: SAMUEL GOLDWYN FILMS)

CHRISTOPHER LLOYD & ROSE MCGOWAN (PHOTO: SAMUEL GOLDWYN FILMS)

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 43

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Dan Gilroy ,Carmen Ejogo and Denzel Washington at the New York special screening of Columbia Pictures ‘Roman J. Israel, Esq.’ at the Henry R. Luce Auditorium.

Roman J. Israel, Esq. Roman J. Israel, Esq. is set in the underbelly of the overburdened Los Angeles criminal court system. Denzel Washington stars as a driven, idealistic defense attorney whose life is upended when his mentor, a civil rights icon, dies. When he is recruited to join a firm led by one of the legendary man’ s former students – the ambitious lawyer George Pierce (Colin Farrell) – and begins a friendship with a young champion of equal rights (Carmen Ejogo), a turbulent series of events ensue that will put the activism that has defined Roman’s career to the test.

GENRES: Dramatic Thriller

PRODUCED BY Jennifer Fox, Todd Black, Denzel Washington

RATING: The film has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for language and some violence.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY Brian Oliver, Betsy Danbury, Charles D. King, Kim Roth, Poppy Hanks, Michael Bloom, Adam Pincus, Aaron L. Gilbert, Alex Lebovici, Steve Ponce, Derek Dauchy, Ben Ross

STARRING: Denzel Washington, Colin Farrel DIRECTED BY: Dan Gilroy

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