By Guardian Nigeria
16 April 2024 |
2:10 am
Roy Madu, also known as the Towncrier is a man who loves his crafts so dearly. That is why, he never stops showing his creative side and telling African Stories through the art of filmmaking and making creative sounds. Madu’s audacity to challenge norms and present authentic black African narrative in a most relatable manner…
Roy Madu
Roy Madu, also known as the Towncrier is a man who loves his crafts so dearly. That is why, he never stops showing his creative side and telling African Stories through the art of filmmaking and making creative sounds.
Madu’s audacity to challenge norms and present authentic black African narrative in a most relatable manner is worthy of note. He is no doubt articulate, professional and detailed in his work.
The US-based Nigerian film producer, actor, singer and creative head of Marinba Productions, said filmmaking is not just about making money, but churning out quality and good films that will transform lives.
Madu who wrote, produced and starred in the movie: “I Surrender All” says Nollywood can compete favourably with Hollywood standard if we put our eyes on the ball. He said this while describing this mind-blowing film.
According to him, starting out was not easy but he never gave up. “The beginning was hard just like it is for any other hustler out there, however the journey of a million mile starts with a step.
Success of any kind do not fall from sky; they are the result of hard work and dedication.
He added: “Some start from a humble beginning and work their way through the ranks while others start from where their progenitors had left after watering the ground. No pain, no gain.
“First, I consulted with my Director, Boyce Uboh, owner of Boycee Films and Studio located in Beltsville Maryland USA. His studio has all it takes to make a world class movie like high-definition cameras, lighting kit and sound machine.
Initially Mr. Uboh was reluctant to work with a Nigerian with an African story set in USA. He said he does not like cut and nail African movies and I fired back, you can change it with what you have here. That was when I aroused his interest.
“After a productive consultation, he saw a potential in Marinba Productions and decided to collaborate with me to set a benchmark for the production of Nollywood movies in USA.
He continued: “Next, I met with Ms. Patricia Ndubueze to work out modalities of using her house in Bowie for some major locations; met with Pastor Ubong Essien to discuss using his Church for some church scenes, then I met with Khetan Suresh MD to negotiate for clinic, ambulance and hospital scenes.
“Also, I met with Mr. Paschal Agubuzo, owner of DeRanch Restaurant in Landover Maryland for a pub scene. When it looked like the setting is ready, I just looked into my actors and actresses’ data base, picked some matching characters, and I then I went to Baltimore Maryland, where Chima Movie Empire and Xculture Promotions were conducting auditions and picked up some extras.
“Ms. Stacey Dickey, the Unit Production Manager (UPM) went to work, coordinating the cast and crew, time and location, and making a daunting task so easy. Cinematographer (DP), Michelle Farrell; Sound and Lighting duo of Ryder Ansell and Roger Ricardo were all ready for action. William Rollins was standing by for graphic stunts and of course the background music were renditions from Afro Marinba hits Volume 1 & 2 by Roy Madu “The Towncrier” himself.
As a focused filmmaker, Madu has worked on various successful projects and still working on other laudable projects which he will unveil later.
NwokeAgulu
