On Set with Andy

When we aren't working on our own creative endeavors, we are sometimes on the field, witnessing, supporting and collaborating with others on theirs. This gives us almost as much joy as working on our own projects because it gives us the perspective we need to see the bigger picture which is, of course, our combined contribution to the world and how it affects everything around us.

Recently, I was lucky enough to join Andy Amadi Okoroafor on the pre-poduction set for his debut feature film, "Relentless".

For those of you who haven't heard of this likable, global citizen yet, he is the editor in chief of Clam Magazine, one of the most astonishing, beautiful and eclectic publications to cover fashion, design and creativity. It is the brain child of he and his creative partner, the prolific photographer and director, Andrew Dosunmu.

Clam Magazine's focus is global and with offices in Paris, New York and Japan, and contributors everywhere in between, it really does cover the globe. You can find issues at Jazz Hole and it's totally worth it so get it!

Andy is not a complete stranger to the film medium having worked as an art director in fashion and music videos for such clients as Jean Paul Gaultier and Les Nubians (Temperature Rising) for Virgin Music.

Andy's movie, "Relentless", from what I could see, is shaping up to be a beautiful, visually driven existential story about angst, isolation and loss set against the crazy, driven city/shantyscape of our dear Lagos metropolis.

From what I could glean it's a film that will share some of the beautiful brutality of movies like City of God and Salaam Bombay as well as the inarticulate melancholy of a Wong Kar Wai feature.

Production is backed by Paris based Charivari Films and Clam Films.

Some pretty famous faces showed up for the first cast reading which is what I attended. I'm not sure I'm allowed to mention all their names so I'll just leave that till another time. What I can say, though, is that there was a good energy in the air. The cast read through the entire script which was easy as the dialogue was very lean. We stopped only for a brekky of large chunks of fruit!

I was really happy because I got to handle a camera and cover the entire event and Andy said he might use it on the DVD. I don't know if he really will (blushes) but that would be soooooooooooooooooooo cool.

Anyway, I plan to stay very close to his set so expect random updates on the making of what I believe will be a remarkable addition to the Nigerian film making archives.

Here is a feature in Variety Magazine that mentions the film.