Arinze Ezeanyaeche
At 22, this ‘boy’ is the youngest movie producer/marketer in the Nigerian movie industry, globally known as Nollywood. The above sentence may sound very strange and difficult to believe, but it is the gospel truth. At just 22 years, Arinze Ezeanyaeche holds the record of being the youngest movie producer and marketer in Nollywood.
In this exclusive interview, Anambra State-born Ezeanyaeche, who sits atop the multi-million naira movie house, A.2.Z. Productions, said: “Moviemaking runs in my family. I research and package all my stories myself. End of Money, the latest movie from my table, is a good example of how good and quality movies should be produced.” He shared his thoughts on Nollywood, filmmaking, and more.
Enjoy the interaction!
We would like to know how your romance with Nollywood began, and also a bit about your background.
I’m a 22-year-old man from Igbo Ukwu in Anambra State. I’m also from a family of moviemakers. My eldest brother, whom I learnt the art of moviemaking and marketing from, is Ojiofor Ezeayaeche. He is the C.E.O. of O.J. Productions, a frontline moviemaker. My immediate elder brother, Uzochukwu Ezeanyaeche, is also a big player in Nollywood. … He is the C.E.O. of Solid Movies International Limited. I came into Nollywood as a teenager under the watchful eyes of my eldest brother.
Why the passion for moviemaking at such a tender age?
My love for movies is as old as myself. As a child growing up then, I always dreamt of being one of the biggest movie producers/markets. I even told my people I won’t go into any other profession, except showbiz with a bias for movie making and distributions. Though we are not there yet, but I’m very optimistic we would get there soon. My love for quality movies is unequalled and that is why I’m giving it my all.
We would like to know some of the major movies from your stable?
At A.2.Z. Productions, which is my outfit, we do not believe in quantity; we believe so much in quality. We also don’t believe in churning out movies as if they will go into extinction. We take our time in producing and packaging our movies. We are a brand and do not want our loyal customers to abandon us. So, we are very conscious of what we feed the consuming publics as movies. And our quality jobs speak for us.
Some of them are Tears and Sorrows, Awilo Sharp-Sharp, Back From America, Goodbye New York. Others include Journey of Love, Oh! My Son, Guy On The Line, and the recently released End of Money and the forthcoming Final Money, which is the sequel. End of Money is the latest movie from my stable. It is also star-studded. We have Pete Edochie, K.O.K., Ken Okonkwo, Ejike Asiegbu, Keppy Ekpeyoung Bassey, Obot Etuk, Chiege Alisigwe, and several others in the movie. Even the doyen of hi-life music in Nigeria, Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, was invited all the way from U.S. to feature in the movie. It is a well-told and scripted political thriller movie.
I spent more than a year shooting this movie. The sequel is titled Final Money. It will be out soon. I’m out to set standards with these movies. Every home needs these movies.
Where does the inspiration to produce these great movies come from?
God Almighty is my biggest inspiration. He also inspires me a lot. Aside Him, I also look up to my eldest brother, he is also a big influence in my life and career. He was among those that pioneered what is today known as Nollywood.
What is your mission and vision for your young but leading film production house?
I want A2Z to be a global name and brand just like Warner Bros and others. I also want to be a reference point in movie making from this side of the divide. I see a vision where Nollywood will overtake Hollywood soon. I want to always strive to be the best in whatever I’m doing. I don’t like cutting corners. Nollywood is the new face of the showbiz world.
How do you feel being addressed as the youngest producer/marketer in Nollywood?
We really thank God for everything. I must confess, it has not been easy getting to where one is today. Movie making is not really by my making, but by the special Grace of God. I like my work speaking for me, that is why I hardly attend events. God’s strength and inspiration has continually kept me going. I’ve always said it that the last thing I will do is to be a copycat or claim what I’m not.
The challenges for me as the youngest producer/marketer are many, but I always surmount them with God by my side. Again, I don’t mix business with pleasure. I’m also a very hardworking man; I don’t relent on my dreams till I achieve them. Most of my colleagues and pals call me workaholic.
I’ve also received several awards within and outside Nigerian, for my untiring efforts in Nollywood. Lots of institutions and corporate bodies have recognized my input in the industry through awards. My most recent award was the one I got last year December from movie producers/marketers, as the youngest producer/marketer in the whole of Nollywood. It was tagged Award of Excellence, in 2004. But my biggest award is God Almighty; He is always by my side.
What is your take on Nollywood?
It is really evolving. When I came in as a teenager then, it was not as big as it is today. I’m optimistic that very soon, we would take over from Hollywood. It is an industry to be reckoned with. We also want government and corporate bodies to come in fully to partner with us. When this happens, we would have a formidable and duly regulated industry. I believe strongly in this industry.
What piece of advice do you have for those aspiring to be like you in Nollywood, especially our teeming youths?
Nigerian youths should shun drugs and other societal ills if truly they want to make a head way in life. Hard work pays, they should also follow their dreams, no matter how long it takes. With God by your side no mountain is insurmountable. Nigeria is blessed with abundant human and material resources; it is now left for you to know where you fit in. Sincerely speaking, my knowledge about movie making is unlimited and I promise to always dish out the best. People should not compromise quality and standards. Lastly, people should try and believe in themselves no matter the situation or condition.
First published, March 2005.
Culled from Azuh Amatus’ best selling books, FAMOUS FACES…I
