Leading Nigerian filmmaker, Tope Oshin, is back on the set of MTV Shuga Naija 4 for the fourth time! But this time, she is playing the multiple roles of producer, director and showrunner.
In this exclusive chat with eelive.ng, Ms Oshin speaks about the new season of Shuga and hints on the kind of action the show’s viewers are set to enjoy. She also has the most touching thing to say about the amazing ensemble of cast and crew she gets to work with.
Enjoy!
On how it feels to be back working on the set of Shuga, she says:
It’s always been an honour to be a part of MTV Shuga in all the capacities I have worked on the show. Seasons 1 & 2 Casting, 3 – Directing, and this new season as Showrunner, Producer and Head Director. MTV Shuga is a life changing project for young people and the entire viewing audience. Projects like these are necessary, and for me as a filmmaker, it has always been my drive to affect and change the world with every work of art I create or put my name to.
On what excitement the new season of Shuga has in store, she reveals:
MTV Shuga Naija this season is themed Choices. This is to reflect and to mirror the very important decisions young people have to make in their present life that affects their immediate future, their family and the society in general. The stories this season are character led and feature very identifiable characters and stories and situations that the audience can relate with directly. We have cooked this season as a perfect blend of entertainment, messaging and great aesthetics.
You are playing a variety of roles as in the past but your company as been named as official production company for the show, what would you say qualified you for this?
Having worked in the film and TV industries for over 20 years as a storyteller, and personally responsible for well over 7000 hours of television and film content, telling great stories is all my drive. Being invited to lend my expertise as a storyteller and producer to MTV Shuga Naija 4, developing the stories, scratch to finish, is just in line with what I’ve done all my career and still moving along with.
Sunbow Productions as well in its own capacity has developed and produced a number of projects, including TV commercials, films and drama series, since its existence in 2011. Among our past clients are EbonyLife TV, MTV Staying Alive Foundation, Nooce Thematics, Ark Resources, Abdu and Simba Productions among others.
On the new cast line-up and the working dynamics of both old and new cast and crew on set, she says:
We have an interesting array of new cast joining Shuga Naija this season; veterans like Richard Mofe Damijo, Bob Manuel-Udokwu, Gloria Anozie, Uche Osotule and others like Belinda Yanga, Omowunmi Dada alongside some new and upcoming discoveries.
Also exciting is the star crew lending their expertise the project this season. Star producer Bose Oshin is co-producing this with me. The other amazing directors on the directing team are Daniel Ademinokan and Tolu Ajayi. Other people on my team are Yinka Edward, the Director of Photography, Kemi Adesoye, the head writer, 1st AD Ade Oshin, Pius Fatoke leading the sound team, Francis Ouma our gaffer from Kenya, Yolanda Okereke head of wardrobe, Jumoke Tychus for Makeup, and not forgetting Chima Adighie, the Art Director.
I’m totally excited to share the great work this amazing team is putting into this with everyone in a few months.
