THE FOURTH WALL - SCINTILLATING SEUNMANUEL

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SCINTILLATING SEUNMANUEL

Hullo fourth wallers,

So I was trying to get Akete to tell a new story but it turns out he was part of the people that travelled out to sell suya. Akete is still in Russia for the world cup even though our team is out; but as you know we celebrate drama here and also strive to make Nigerian arts visible to the world. Therefore we will be switching it up from time to time. Some interviews, videos and story skits.
Today I have the privilege of introducing you to a young fine man making waves and setting a pace in the movie industry. I already heard so much about him so when I finally got him to take this interview, it all made sense. I hope you enjoy your read...

Sandra T. Adeyeye: So, how would you like to be introduced?

Seunmanuel: My name is Seunmanuel Faleye. I’m a TV and Movie Producer; Creative Director, Writer and Actor. Executive Director Mirror Multimedia Network, M2NET.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Did you study theatre arts in school?

Seunmanuel: I have a B.A. in Philosophy actually.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Wow. I'm aware you're an actor and a vibrant film maker. How did that happen?

Seunmanuel: I've been making movies for over a decade now. I was AD on my first set in 2006. I've always been involved in movie making before going to the university. Well, my earliest introduction to drama was in church. I was part of my church drama team. The level of professionalism obtainable amongst members of the group back then, struck a chord in me and brought the consciousness of wanting to toe the line as a career path. Since then I've gone on to keep improving myself; taking relevant trainings in stage, film and television production.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Nice

Seunmanuel: Yeah.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Do you do stage performances or strictly film?

Seunmanuel: I do both, even though I've not done stage in a while. I've been more invested in film, especially in the aspect of operations, or production process if you may.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: What is the difference and challenges between these platforms?

Seunmanuel: The first difference is the scope of the audience. Theatre has a confined audience per time. It’s limited to space. While film because of the fact that it engages electronic media, becomes limitless. That's why a movie made in Hindi language can be seen in Nigeria.
Theatre is also made for immediate consumption by its nature. It is made for a live audience. But film is made for later consumption, after being shot on real life sets, it's been cut in the editing suit and packaged digitally for viewers.
Acting for stage, requires amplified gestures too. A lot of voice modulation and body gestures.
While for film, the actor is calmer and doesn't need to over act; the camera will amplify your actions and expressions through suitable shots.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: If you could go back in time, is there anything you would do differently?

Seunmanuel: I don't think I want to change anything. I might not be there yet, but I know I'll be grateful for the choices I made in the end.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Okay. Now for the quickie... Only short replies are required.

Seunmanuel: Okay.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: What's your favorite play text?
Seunmanuel: Second Class Citizens by Buchi Emecheta. Its a novel actually. I consume a lot more novels than plays.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Who's your favorite playwright?
Seunmanuel: For the screen I enjoy works of writers like Tunde Babalola and Tunde Aladese.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: What's your favorite Nollywood movie?

Seunmanuel: '76 by Izu Ojukwu. 

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Who's your favorite actor, director, DOP, Lightsman, Costumier and Set Designer.

Seunmanuel: My favourite Nigerian actor is OC Ukeje, undisputed. And filmmaker - Femi Odugbemi. My favourite Cinematographer,  Hamzat Barshan. For the others, none has earned the reputation of being favourite yet. Lol.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Who's your favorite comedian and why?

Seunmanuel: My favourite comedian would be BOVI. I like him so much. His Jokes are for the intelligent who are grounded with society issues. He puts in a lot of research in developing his joke materials.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Are you a registered member of any body governing performance in Nigeria?

Seunmanuel: Yes, Actors Guild of Nigeria.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: How would you like to be remembered?

Seunmanuel: I want to be remembered as a social influencer and cultural ambassador.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: What would you say to future practitioners?

Seunmanuel: Until you're ready to burn the bridges behind you and focus on your dreams, success is elusive.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Last words to NiWco readers?

Seunmanuel: I love what NIWCO is doing. To the readers, There's so much of information being thrown around on Nigeria Writers Colony. Stay here to learn.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Thank you for your time...

Seunmanuel: My pleasure.

You can follow Seunmanuel Faleye on his social media pages with: Instagram: @seunmanuelfaleye Facebook: Seunmanuel Faleye
Twitter: @Seunmanuel

SANDRA T. ADEYEYE,

Author of Woman and Founder NiWco_street.

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