Why I decided to become a film director- Tope Oshin

Tope Oshin, says she decided to explore film directing from being an actress because she prefers to be on the “other side of the camera,” than being in front of the camera.

In an interview with actress, Judith Audu, Oshin who is renowned for productions like Hotel Majestic, Tinsel, MTV Shuga and Up North shared her journey into the film directing world.

“I discovered directing from the counsel and advice I got from the great Amaka Igwe. It made me feel more fulfilled than acting. Sometimes I would be on set and be called for a role, so it left me no time to act. Going into film directing wasn’t so much of a transition from acting. It just happened and it didn’t make me available for any other thing.”

First Experience on set

Sharing her first experience on set as a director Oshin revealed:

“My first experience was on Apprentice Africa, as an assistant director. I went with the confidence of all the studies that I have been doing so it was an opportunity to practice. It was a different ball game, but knowing is doing. I didn’t arrive there all at once.

“Tinsel was my real first encounter with the Multi Camera system. I was afraid but with the help of a South African facilitator I was able to succeed. There is nothing beyond you and there is nothing you cannot learn. You just need to be interested and commit yourself.

“Before Tinsel, I had directed a film, Young Smoke so it was largely experimental. I acted in it and directed it. That was when I had to pick between acting and directing. I realised that I wanted to be on the otherside of the camera than in front.”

Segregation in a male dominated industry

Speaking on how she was able to hold her ground in a male dominated industry, Oshin had this to say:

“When the late Amaka Igwe tried to sell the idea of film directing to me, I said ‘this is impossible.’ I was a girl and no one would listen to a girl. Especially in an industry that was mostly dominated by the Igbos at the time. But she convinced me that she was a woman herself and would teach me and back me when I was ready.

“Great people gave me a chance and a listening ear. I got encouragement from people like Ruke Amata, Femi Odugbemi and more. I told them I was interested in directing and they would tell me ‘come on set.’ These people gave a chance. The thought of being downplayed as a female director never came up. I loved what I was doing. It helped shaped my mind that there are no female or male directors, there are simply directors. When I am on set, I don’t see myself in terms of gender. My gender does not make a difference, there are no books for female directors.”

Advice for upcoming directors

Tope Oshin who doubles as a film producer and casting director gave an inspiring advice to upcoming directors who look up to her.

“Why do you want to be a director? I ask people from time to time. At auditions, in my e-mail people tell me, ‘I want to be a superstar.’ When the motive is wrong, it mars everything. You only want to be popular because Kunle Afolayan is popular? The why will give you a clear path.

“Ensure to do your best, which is your responsibility. Learn as much as you can about what you want to do in the entertainment industry. In as much as the entertainment industry is a fun place to be, it is also a hard place. Go and learn how to be what you want to be. Take as many courses as you can and study people who are in the process. It is not the ability to memorize that makes you an actor. It is the skill you acquire, same thing with directing and producing. Improve from there.”