Trending "Kaylynx": creating the new movie destination

An interview with a passionate filmmaker KELLY D. LENKA 

From Kanke LGA of Plateau State a Mass Communication Graduate and presently a Film Maker, Married.  I love editing, writing of screenplays and I love playing basketball in my spare time.

I have been in the filmmaking industry for five (5) years even before I entered NFI, Nigerian Film Institute, but I have been in the entertainment industry for about twenty (20) years now. I was awarded the best Dee-Jay on the Plateau that time (2001) by the Benson & Hedges.

I stopped  Deejaying ten (10) years ago and that heralded my sojourn into the entertainment industry, this I did to concentrate on filmmaking and not to be distracted.

How has the Film Industry been?

The Film Industry on the Plateau comes a long, long way, most re-known actors/actress have their roots here, that they can’t deny, but  most often, people on the Plateau who are even in the industry don’t tell their story, the Plateau story, so we need to start telling our stories, through the medium of filmmaking. The film I just shot is basically about a community just  like Plateau which is a combination of the Northern part of Nigeria, so I feel that we the upcoming Filmmakers and other entertainment outfits should make a difference, that’s why I decided to write a story that will portray our interrelation on the Plateau and let the whole world know.

Nationwide the film industry is thriving. I have seen a lot of changes and improvement. Gone are the days when you start watching a film and you just get bored. Things are really different there are films with interesting storylines and the production crews are up to date.

What recent project do you have?

My recent project is called the “Recovery of Borno” is on air right now on AREWA 24 it is produced by Leslie Dapwatda and Noless Studios 819. The one I just shot is not premiered yet, it is titled “LIKITA KAUYE”. I wrote the script and served as one of the producers while it was directed by Leslie Dapwatda.

What are we expecting from you within the next Three (3) years?

So many films should be expected, especially movies about the people of Plateau State of Nigeria. I recently finished writing a script title the “Accord” which is about the peaceful nature of the people of Plateau, how they intermingle and love everyone.

What is the name of your production outfit?

The Outfit is called Noless Studios 819 it is owned by Leslie Dapwatda, who is my Brother, and I am one of the directors. We are presently working on so many projects.

Can you tell us the challenges encountered in producing a movie?

There are so many challenges. We have a very good terrain in Plateau; however, locating them is cumbersome. The state government should provide land or build up a film village, they shouldn’t wait for the federal government, we have all it takes to bring filmmakers, home and foreign, Jos is the Hollywood of Nigeria, let’s use our God-given resources. Another challenge, I don’t know if it is particular to Plateau state, is the right to fly drones which presently requires a permit from the Police before launching it. Minor challenges are controlling your cast and crew usually presents themselves when you least expect.

Is the Plateau State entertainment industry and an affiliate of any of the main bodies in Nigeria?

Honestly, presently there are many contending bodies struggling for the soul of the Plateau State entertainers. Like the issue of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) which I don’t know if it exists on the Plateau. Because, presently, there are two PMAN excos in the State struggling for relevance on the Plateau. They need to get their act together so that we the filmmakers will know ‘where to hang our coats.’

Can you compare the film industry on the plateau with that obtainable outside Nigeria like Hollywood?

Yes! It can be compared, what makes a film good is the storyline and what makes the story excellently acceptable are the gadgets we use to portray the pictures that tell the story. We have wonderful stories, amazing plots on the Plateau. Our studio “Noless Studio 819” prides itself on the state of the art gadgets, second to none on the Plateau. We have Black magic URSA  camera, Sony FS5K, and our drone a Phantom 3 shoots on 4K all these gadgets give an amazing picture quality.

Basically, we can be compared to Hollywood if we tell our stories well and use these gadgets plus the beautiful terrain we have, our films will have Hollywood qualities.

Why should people use Noless Studios 819 for video, filming and movie production?

We are one of the best production companies in the Middle-Belt zone because our work “Zauren Musika” is already on African magic, “Recovery of Borno” is on Arewa 24 amongst other productions. We have our corporate headquarters is in Atlanta Georgia, USA. We have our extension here in Nigeria in Jos, Plateau State. We have state of the art gadgets and we are diligent in what we do.

What are your parting words?

My advice to filmmakers on the Plateau let us put our hands together and tell our story. The people need to know who we are! Thank you !!