19 Jul Spotlighting Directed by The Alien
Fakiyesi Adebayo Emmanuel, also known as ‘The Alien’ – Founder of THE ALIEN VISUALS PRODUCTIONS And MAYHEMCRE8TIVES – is a man who has lived many lives, from being a dancer, dabbling in blogging, to graphic design and even making music. Growing up in a family of creatives, with a father, who used to be a photographer, and his actor brother, he’s always been encouraged and driven to explore his interests and talents. In this interview, he demystifies his brand by letting us in on his many lives and how growing up surrounded by creatives informs his current work as a director and an editor. He shares how he feels about the current state of the filmmaking industry and his hopes for his brand in the next couple of years.
Do you believe in articulating your goals, or are you a “go with the wind” kind of guy?
My vision board is always right in front of me. I am definitely the type of person who loves to plan. Having vision boards with my goals clearly written on them often feels like affirmations for me. Having them written down makes it easier for me to bring my plans to life.
Did you have any expectations when you first started working with Clarence Peters?
First of all, working with Clarence was a dream come true. It’s a rare opportunity that I know a lot of African filmmakers would want—working with him in such close proximity. I was able to experience him, and how he works on a whole new level. Previously, I’ve worked in the broadcasting and creative industries, so I knew how things worked, but this was different because he was someone I looked up to and now call a mentor. It ended up being a stepping stone.
Music Video for Kizz Daniel by The Alien
When do you think you first realized how passionate and committed you were to your craft?
I grew up in a very creative environment. My family and I have always been drawn to the creative side of things. People don’t know this, but my dad used to be a film photographer, and a very daring one at that. I have a brother who used to be an actor and a sister who became a dancer. I also used to be a dancer myself. I grew up seeing film and celluloid around the house. At some point as well, my dad sent me off to computer school very early on, and I went into graphic design and blogging. I also dabbled in magic with my brother. He later encouraged me to learn how to edit, since he was a director at the time and needed an editor. Growing up in the scene with a love for the arts and an interest in tech has served as a catalyst for where I am today.
When working as an editor, how do you marry your creative ideas with those of the director?
Right now, I’m more of a director-editor but when I was working on projects as a sole editor, I worked side by side with specific directors. It’s really about understanding their vision and being able to interpret it in their style while adding my own creative eye. I always tap into the knowledge I’ve gained from my experience in dance and music. Sometimes I don’t even need a brief, even though I always ask for one. Half the time, once I see the footage and listen to the song, I know what to do.
How do you bring ideas together before you have to direct a film?
I draw inspiration from so many things, from my own personal experiences to watching a lot of films to even just listening to the song. A lot of the time, it’s just based on vibes. Artists usually come with briefs that are rather interesting, like wanting to fly in their music videos. Being able to really pay attention to the client’s needs and be in line with their brand is very key.
How do you handle working on multiple projects and hitting deadlines?
I hate deadlines. I am just thankful that my clients give me creative freedom to do my thing. I’ve never really had a client rush me. They underestimate all the work i do in post production. I still try to find out when a client needs their final cut and try to be honest about how long it will take.
Music Video for Mohbad by The Alien
What do you think about the state of music videos in Nigeria today and their progression?
I think it’s so amazing. We’ve grown so much and are still growing. This new generation of creatives is much more diverse in its ideas. I wish we had more freedom to create. Some record labels and artists aren’t always willing to explore concepts that are more daring and less superficial. A lot of them want to stick with safer tropes like videos centering girls and money. There are a lot of stories to tell and explore. I also wish we weren’t stuck with having to create in Lagos. Nigeria is such a vast landscape, but we don’t get to explore as much as we want to because of the country’s insurgency. Regardless, I am so proud of us and our progress.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Wherever God takes me. I am big on God and his plans for me. I might have my own plans, but God might decide otherwise. I have hopes that the company I am now building, succeeds and outlives me. I have dabbled in a lot of things and explored many interests, and who knows, I might decide to become a pastor tomorrow, so I hope my company can stand on its own at some point. I am excited to see how my plans play out and what God has in store for me in the years to come.
You can find more of The Aliens work here
David Thompson
Posted at 17:59h, 29 JulyVery inspiring words
Definitely someone worth looking up to. Everything being said here upcoming creatives will see and put into thier life
Thank you the alien for sharing you are awesome 👏
Musa
Posted at 19:12h, 30 JulyLove from here