The Nigerian film industry, often dubbed Nollywood, has undergone remarkable growth in recent years, with filmmakers pushing the envelope in terms of both storytelling and artistic expression. However, with this heightened creativity comes an important responsibility—one that involves navigating delicate and sometimes uncomfortable subject matter. This was recently brought to light during the production of the movie *The Double Inlaw*, which starred veteran actor Olayiwola Rasaq, better known by his stage name, Ojopagogo.
Ojopagogo, a seasoned actor with decades of experience in the industry, was cast in a role that required him to perform a romantic scene. Upon receiving the script, Ojopagogo assumed that the scene would be portrayed in a way that maintained professionalism, with the use of technical shots and angles. However, as filming progressed, it became apparent that the scene’s execution was far more intimate than he had anticipated. Although he initially refrained from expressing his concerns, Ojopagogo began to feel uneasy about performing the scene, as it conflicted with his personal values and his image as a cultural ambassador.
Feeling that his age, reputation, and cultural background made such a scene inappropriate, Ojopagogo approached the director, Samson Kismet, to express his discomfort. He politely suggested that the scene be reconsidered or reimagined. However, Director Kismet, confident in his vision for the film, was determined to shoot it in the originally planned way, which sparked a disagreement between the two.
What followed was a tense three-hour standoff, which led to the involvement of key members of the production team, including producer Eyitayo Oladoshu (also known as TY Kuti) and production manager Omotoso Deji James. They sought a resolution through open dialogue and ultimately helped the two parties reach a compromise. After careful discussions, Ojopagogo’s concerns were addressed, and the romantic scene was filmed in a way that maintained the integrity of the actor’s boundaries while still fulfilling the narrative’s needs.
Reflecting on the incident, Director Samson Kismet acknowledged that the experience taught him valuable lessons in communication and actor collaboration. “I didn’t view this as a crisis but rather an opportunity to be professional and to truly understand the perspective of my actors,” Kismet explained.
For producer Eyitayo Oladoshu, the situation was a reminder of the importance of timely script delivery and pre-production communication. “The misunderstanding stemmed from the fact that the actor didn’t receive the script in advance. As a producer, it’s my responsibility to ensure these things are handled well,” he remarked.
Omotoso Deji James, the production manager, also shared his thoughts on the issue, pointing out that better preparation would have prevented the standoff. “This experience has highlighted the critical need for thorough communication and proper planning in order to avoid such misunderstandings in future productions,” he said.
In an exclusive interview with Prince Adetunji Fabode, a seasoned media guru, Ojopagogo, Kismet, Oladoshu, and James reflected on the lessons learned from the experience. They discussed the importance of understanding and respecting actors’ boundaries, particularly when handling sensitive or intimate scenes. The consensus among the group was clear: the Nigerian film industry must prioritize open dialogue, respect, and compromise to ensure that all parties involved feel comfortable and valued.
Ojopagogo, whose career spans decades, emphasized the need for cooperation between all stakeholders to foster a creative environment that is both supportive and professional. “With adequate support from the government and cooperation from the industry, we can create an environment that accommodates actors’ boundaries while still allowing for artistic expression,” he said.
This incident underscores an important truth for the Nigerian film industry: as it continues to evolve and innovate, filmmakers must remain sensitive to the well-being and personal values of the actors who bring their stories to life. While creative differences are inevitable, it is through respectful dialogue and a shared commitment to understanding that these differences can be bridged.
As the industry continues to grow, the ability to balance creativity with respect for individual actors’ boundaries will undoubtedly define its future success. With more stories like this, where compromise and communication lead to a better understanding, Nollywood is proving that it can be both innovative and respectful—a model for the global film industry to follow.
By embracing these values, filmmakers can create a more inclusive and respectful environment that allows actors to give their best performances. Ojopagogo’s experience, alongside the contributions of Director Kismet, Producer Oladoshu, and Production Manager James, shows that even in the face of disagreement, mutual respect and understanding can lead to a more harmonious and productive creative process. The Nigerian film industry is well on its way to creating a more collaborative and supportive environment for all involved.
