Buky Campbell, United State based filmmaker, journalists and broadcaster speaks to eelive.ng about the award-winning movie, Unbreakable, which she produced, her passion to see to the improved mental health of people and how to make the best of Nigeria’s film industry.
You are described as an artiste, journalist, writer, a filmmaker and producer. Is there any of these that means more to you than the others and how do you juggle all of that?
Those disciplines are not what I am, they are attributes of who I am. What is important to me is how those attributes help me to be a better person and impact others positively. I am an advocate and I use my training in journalism and film production as a vehicle to advocate for others. I enjoy what I do so making time for and doing the work is fun. Juggling our many responsibilities is what life is about. I just do it.
What has been the motivating factors for all these areas of endeavors that you find yourself; but makes you want to seek more or do more than you are doing at any moment?
My greatest motivation is a desire to improve the life of my family and others I meet through my work. I feel there is always more to do and even when I believe I have done it all. I still review to see if I missed anything. I have a healthy dose of doubt in my own abilities and that keeps me motivated to do better.
You practiced in Nigeria before you travelled. How did you find things after you moved out of Nigeria in comparison to what entails at home?
It was a tough adjustment. I tried staying true to my profession, but I put it aside for a few years and went into the field of mental health advocacy. Until a few years later when I got a unique opportunity to start the AIT office in New York. That was a great learning experience for me as I went back fully into broadcast journalism which was my forte. It was a busy number of years and as the Bureau Chief and I learnt a lot of things about broadcasting in the US. It is more similar than different.
And now, it has been 27 years after you left but you keep in touch with developments at home. What is your take as per where the arts are in Nigeria?
The arts in Nigeria has been hijacked by many who are involved for motives far from the love of the arts. Many are involved because they want to be stars, they want to “blow”, they want the accolades but are only willing to do the barest minimum. Social media has made it easy for many to become famous just for being famous. We must go back to loving our stories and the telling of those stories. There is too much westernization of our art and it is sad to see because no one else can authentically tell our stories.
Couch casting is an issue that raised its head in Nigeria recently, but people say it a malady as old as the industry, what is your take about that?
Couch casting is not new. But it was not much of an issue when I started in the industry because there was not much to gain from being an actor. The stakes were not as high and the rewards not as tangible. There was nothing a director had to offer an actress because the purse was lean; and talent was the only criteria relevant at the time. The industry was fueled by passion and dedication, directors did not have much to leverage.
There were great friendships and relationships nurtured and fueled by our love for the craft from theatre to screen, we put in our all, many times with no pay. Today, many call themselves actors based on their Instagram followers and reality show appearances. They get roles based on everything but talent. Couch casting is a symptom of the bigger problem which is pursuit of fame not pursuit of excellence.
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How do you feel when you hear these things and what do you think practitioners can do to make the environment safer for the vulnerable?
The problem is not unique to the industry. There is a societal problem that makes it acceptable for people to get benefits based on their alliances. The industry must set strict rules of engagement on set. Underaged actors must be chaperoned. Those in positions of authority like directors, producers, and DOP’s need to adhere to a strict code of ethics that includes never being alone with any actor without a third-party present. Auditions must be done transparently, never in secret and always with a third party. When you are in a position of authority in the chain, coercion is a word you never need to be mentioned. These things are basic common-sense conduct when you are in a position of authority but somehow, we forget to our own detriment
What inspired your passion for disability and mental health advocacy?
I was employed as an advocate for people with developmental disabilities for years in New York and in that time, I got drawn into the field. In the last 3 years I have been with the Georgia court system as a court appointed special advocate for children and I find that it is still something I am extremely passionate about. I like to see the underdog win. I like to see those with difficulty overcome and triumph. I am a fierce advocate for equity in everything and I am committed 1000% to ensuring that those with mental health and physical disabilities get a fair share in society.
Mental health is a sensitive issue. How do you portray it in film without adding to the harmful stigma surrounding it?
In telling this story, we did not dwell solely on the outward manifestations of the disease. we looked at the often-overlooked diagnostic aspect in Nigeria and followed up with the importance of family and community support. Many movies portray the ugly physical aspects of mental illness, so we decided to dig deeper and show the process from the point a problem arises through diagnosis and treatment while highlighting the importance of a good support network.
What was the best part of making “Unbreakable”?
The best part was working on a topic that many in the industry shy away from. It was exciting to explore the topic and create a believable story that delivered the message and gave the audience something to think about after watching.
What was the most difficult part and what lessons did you learn?
The most difficult part was navigating the red tape after being away for so long. Many things had changed. Sadly, many were worse. I had to figure out the old friends I could still trust and those to avoid. It was exciting working with old friends and the new faces in the industry.
What is the next thing to expect from you?
I am currently working on a talk show and a sitcom but thanks to Covid 19, everything is on hold. Pre-production is still ongoing, and I am eager to get back to it as soon as all this is over. I am focused on content creation for the forgotten demographics of young women and children. There are exciting projects in the works.
Can you share a bit of your story with us, your background, things that pattern your childhood, the principles that guide you and the path your walked to get here?
I am the second of six children but the first girl. I grew up in a home where my parents allowed us to make our life choices guided by them. I have always been strong willed with a strong sense of responsibility as the first daughter. I am brutally honest and believe in fairness for all and the importance of helping others. I take my responsibilities seriously and my relationships are important to me. I am a fiercely loyal friend and an even fiercer ally. I take chances, perhaps too many but I never regret even if things do not work out. I am always open to new opportunities and I always acknowledge and applaud others as they walk their path.
Any advice for young people interested in this path?
Know the trade and understand your “why”. When you recognise and acknowledge why you do things; it becomes easier to do them and it motivates you to do them.
Know the trade, study, under study, study some more and never stop pushing. There are many aspects of the trade. Many find their joy and flow behind the camera and those who have the talent stay in front of the camera. The industry is changing rapidly, and new departments are springing daily, find your niche and do your best work.
