For 29 years, filmmaker, Adim Williams has been in the motion picture industry churning out blockbuster movies.
In this brief chat with the publisher of SOLIDNEWSNG.COM Online Magazine, AZUH LILIAN, Williams who is also a writer and former Vice President of Association of Movie Producers speaks about his latest project among other interesting issues.
What movie projects are you handling currently?
I have a number of projects but they are mainly for YouTube channels.
You’re no doubt an icon in Nollywood, what had kept you going over the years?
Creativity and integrity have kept me going this long.
Do you think the government has done enough to support Nollywood, especially in the area of funding
Absolutely not. The best attempt was during President Goodluck Jonathan government with Project Net Nollywood. They gave grants to some filmmakers and sponsored a number of others for training locally and internationally with the grant. I and a number of producers/ directors did a master class course in University of California, Los Angeles ( UCLA) in 2015. Some other filmmakers travelled to other countries still based on the project Act Nollywood Programme. It was a very good intervention. But after Jonathan left office, everything about the programme crashed. No other government has done anything substantial since then.
What is your advice for emerging talents in the industry?
Acting, filmmaking is a very serious business. It is not for jokers. You need high Intelligent Quotient to make it to the top. Again, it’s like a marathon, not 100m dash. So you also need the staying power.
Your job is quite demanding, how do you relax?
I play a lot of music. There’s always music around me in the house; in the cars, on my laptop and everywhere. I play many kinds of music but especially reggae, dancehall, highlife, afrobeat and of course, Naija pop culture.
Can you recollect the first time you acted? Your first ever acting role?
My first ever acting role was in Rattle Snake Part 2, with Amaka Igwe. I was a car chase driver. We were auditioned by handing over a car key to us (504) to move the car down the street and back. The way I maneuvered the car when it was my turn, Amaka Igwe declared that the role was mine. I’m kind of stunt driver in real life.
Most people watch your films to make them happy. What makes Adim Williams happy?
What makes me happy is music, football, sharing love and kindness. Being in the midst of genuine and lovely people. I love animals too a lot except snakes. I am a fan of National Geo Graphic Channel. If I go to see my mother in the village, all the animals in the house, dogs and goats feel my presence.
What’s your philosophy of life?
You’re absolutely in charge of your life. Good or bad, take responsibility and get better.
Aside acting, what else are you into?
I’m a veteran writer and director. I actually made my name as a writer and director. I won Best Nollywood writer (English) Award in London, UK way back in 2003. I also produce, especially my own movies. I’m a former Vice President (VP) of Association of Movie Producers.