Yemi Amodu is a name that rings in Nollywood. Perhaps, not too loudly for stage acting, even though he is distinguished in acting. But, primarily, the Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigerian born Amodu is generally regarded as one of the greatest film writers in the history of Nollywood.
Movies produced by Yemi Amodu are noted for their exceptional use of language and diverse themes, particularly the narrative expressions that give them aesthetic values and, ultimately, making all his works successful. Within a space of 30 years plus, the 56 years old seasoned director and producer has either produced, directed or featured in several movie projects, with 97 percent of them rated box office hits. They include ‘Ladepo Omo Adanwo’, ‘Ogede Didun’, ‘Afonja’ (an epic), ‘Erin Lakatabu’, ‘Lanlehin’, ‘Forever Mine’, ‘Ogun Abele’, ‘Owo Eje’, ‘Obiri Oloja’, ‘Ojukan Epa’, ‘Matuwo’, ‘Okiki’, ‘Campus Girl’, ‘Obinrin Ale’, ‘Shadow Parties,’ ‘Angel Eys’, and ‘Erebe’, his newest cinematic project, and many more.
To make a good movie, all that is needed are three things: the script, the script, and the script. Yet while it’s easy to find great films, it’s not easy to find great directors and producers. Of the few best that Nollywood can be proud of, Yemi Amodu alone reportedly represents 45 percent. He is noted as a producer with razor sharp design and endless imagination, with his works covering a unique cinematic vision. The first of his work, divulges a close source, provides inspiration for the next.
Behind the camera, insiders say Yemi is a great director with admirable qualities; regardless of the movie’s plot. “He has his strengths. He is cool in a tough situation, and still makes the decisions needed while under pressure. He doesn’t crumble under stress and is open to new ideas,’ noted the source.
As is the case with seasoned movie directors, Yemi Amodu’s time is said to be mainly split between writing, networking, researching and directing. He is always focusing on developing new concepts spending countless hours working on his craft. He is so attached to producing and directing that they don’t feel like a job to him most of the time. He feels mentally and physically healthier when scripting and directing, which the source says, has been his driving passion for so many years.
Yemi Amodu started in the arts industry as an actor, while still in secondary school. The Bachelor of Arts graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, who is the director of research and documentation for the Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria,produced his first movie, ‘Evil Rise, shot on U-Matic, in 1992. His unique idea of Screen and Apparatus theory, representing the physical and narrative components of cinema, stands him out. Yemi is the skilled handler behind the success of top Nigerian music stars’ video albums.
Yemi has several awards to his credit. They include ‘NFVCB Director of Best Film of the Month’, ‘Best Director FNEI’, ‘Director/Producer, Best Indigenous Film’ at Abuja Film Festival, and ‘Director, Best Epic Film of the Year’ by YOMAFA.
-Folorunsho Hamsat
