We are starting a new segment ‘People Who Rock’ and will be featuring people in the entertainment who have been making positive impact in the industry. So many times we see the stars but don’t realize for every star you see, is a star maker … someone who made that star look good and shine good. Today we have on our cross hairs Uduak Isong-Oguamanam… the little lady with the powerful name I like to call her!

B.A: You produced the hilarious ‘Okon Lagos’ and it has won how many awards at ZAFAA?

UO: It won Best Comedy of the Year, Best Comedy-Actor(Imeh Bishop Umoh) and Best Comedy-Actress (Vanessa Koko).

Uduak flanked by Emem Isong and Azu Amatus

BA: What made you come up with the story, ‘Okon Lagos’? You wrote and produced it, right?

UO: Yes I wrote and produced ‘Okon Lagos’. I decided to tell the story of someone that comes to Lagos , from the perspective of someone who really does come to Lagos! Yes he faces trials and travails but at the end of the day, Lagos is the place where you make it at the end of the day!  And I wrote the story with Bishop in mind. When I met him I knew he could do that ‘fish out of water’ experience.

BA:  So what was it like producing the story?

(l-r:)Imeh Bishop Umoh (Okon), Emeka Duru & Uduak on the set of 'Okon Lagos'.

UO: It was okay actually. Not as scary as I thought.  Yes, it was my first production but I have worked as Asst. Director on some productions with respected directors, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, Desmond Elliot etc so I was not completely green.  Then ofcourse I had a very good production Manager in Emeka Duru who is seasoned in running productions so he helped greatly in taking the stress off me.  Desmond Elliot directed for me and interpreted it well. I shot a lot of scenes outside so it wasn’t so expensive at the end of the day. The actors too were very understanding and didn’t charge me too much.

BA: I was about to ask about that wasn’t it dangerous shooting outside in Lagos? I get the feel it must be.

UO: Oh very… because you get harassed by Area Boys, touts, security operatives etc Esp at stadium and Kilo, so we had to deal with all of that to get the movie done.

BA:  what about the artistes? What was it like working with them?

UO: Very very nice… we had Monalisa Chinda, Moses Armstrong, Bishop Umoh and we also had a few scenes with some new, upcoming artistes who were on time and so we finished in no time at all.

Monalisa and Moses Armstrong in 'Okon Lagos'

BA: Like how many days?

UO: Five days!

BA: Wow! So you are saying that….

UO: Let’s not go there, abeg … (General laughter)

BA: Okay, I get it… hmm… (making a general plea) our senior colleagues, make you help our producers nah!

UO: Bola! I said I will not walk down that road with you! (laughter)

BA: Sokay! So this what they call the typical Nollywood film! No ‘Hollywood’ shooting here.

UO: Yes o! Sharp-sharp… but with good camera work.

BA: Or should I say Sabbywood (Asaba-style) (tongue in cheek)

UO: No o! This was NOLLYwood abeg! (laughter).

BA: You write and direct? Which films have you written before? Remind us..

UO: A Piece of Flesh, Unfinished Business, Ekaette, Edikan, Timeless Passion, (Co-written) Bursting Out, I’ll Take My Chances, Weekend Getaway. And two that I don’t like to say I wrote but I wrote, ‘Through the Fire’ (which later ended up as Part 1-4 Entanglement!) I wrote it and it was sold to a marketer.

BA: But Through the Fire was nice!

UO: Yes but I didn’t like how it was shot..it didn’t turn out how I wanted it to. Then it was stretched and divided to make another movie ‘Entanglement’!

BA: My dear, how you for do? You were climbing then…

UO: I know and I still am… but what I really want to do is family movies and Christian stories because there are not many movies that cater to that genre now. i'm glad I was able to write 'On Bended Knee' Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha's movie coming out later in the year.

BA: That’s true. Lets delve a bit more on your writing.  I understand you’re a Commonwealth Short story award winner.

UO: Yes, I won the Commonwealth short story competition in 2006.

BA:  How did you get into writing?

UO:  About 4 years ago, my sister Emem when she was more of a writer, (she’s more of a producer and marketer now) had a lot of scripts to write for some clients and asked me if I could handle some.  Well, I was a literary writer then and not a script writer but I felt I could try my hand at it.  I I wrote my first script titled ‘A Piece of Flesh’ and she said it was good!so that gave me the confidence to write more and basically that’s how it all started.  My brother Anietie also encouraged me alot.  Since the age difference is not much, we are quite close. It was he who gave me the link to the Commonwealth competition (He had won the previous year) and he funded ‘Okon Lagos’ my first movie.

Uduak with Emem Isong and Anietie Isong

BA:  Really? That’s what I call ‘sibling co-operation’ as opposed to rivalry!

UO: Oh yes!  He supports the Arts as well but from the comforts from the corporate world! (laughter). We are in the trenches!

BA:  So to personal life now… Is Uduak single?

UO: No… I’m happily married to Dr. Chidi Oguamanam, Slam’s (the Artiste's)brother and have two adorable children; a boy and a girl, Kaima & Chilerem.

BA:  So what next for Uduak?

UO: Well, apart from producing, I’m administrator of the Royal Arts Academy school where we are into training. I also intend to do more sequels to the ‘Okon’ franchise. I intend to milk it for all it worth.

BA: Well said by a Ibi(bio)-Igbo woman!

UO: Yes ooo! (General laughter).

'Okon Lagos' is still selling at most available video stores around the country. Go get your copy now!

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