EXCLUSIVE: Veteran Actor, Olayiwola Rasaq (Ojopagogo) Sparks Crisis On Movie Set Over Romantic Scene

The Nigerian film industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with filmmakers pushing the boundaries of storytelling and creativity. However, with great creativity comes great responsibility, and sometimes, this means navigating sensitive or uncomfortable scenes. A recent production of the movie, “The Double Inlaw”, starring veteran actor Olayiwola Rasaq, also known as Ojopagogo, brought this challenge to the forefront.

Ojopagogo, a renowned actor with years of experience, was cast in a role that required him to perform a romantic scene. However, when he received the script, he didn’t fully understand the extent of the scene and assumed it would be shot technically. Despite his initial reservations, Ojopagogo didn’t discuss his concerns with the director or production team before filming began.

As filming commenced, Ojopagogo’s concerns about the romantic scene intensified. He felt that performing the scene would compromise his values and reputation, particularly given his age, cultural background, and role as a cultural ambassador. Ojopagogo approached the director, Samson Kismet, politely expressing his concerns and advising against the scene. However, the director insisted on doing it his way, leading to a disagreement.

The standoff led to a three-hour delay, with the production team, including the producer, Eyitayo Oladoshu (TY Kuti), and production manager, Omotoso Deji James, intervening to find a middle ground. After a series of discussions, Ojopagogo felt heard and understood, and the scene was eventually shot in a more technical and acceptable way.

Director Samson Kismet reflected on the experience, noting that it taught him valuable lessons about discussing sensitive scenes with actors beforehand and considering alternative approaches to filming. “I didn’t see it as a crisis, but rather an opportunity to be professional,” he said.

Producer Eyitayo Oladoshu (TY Kuti) attributed the crisis partly to the actor not receiving the script earlier, leading to a disagreement when filming began. “As the producer, I played a key role in resolving the crisis by sitting down with the director and the actor to find a compromise,” he explained.

The Production Manager Omotoso Deji James also shared his perspective, acknowledging that not providing Ojopagogo with a script before arriving on set contributed to the crisis. “I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of communication and preparation in preventing similar crises in future productions,” he said.

In an exclusive interview with Prince Adetunji Fabode, Publisher of Naija TODAY News, Ojopagogo, Samson Kismet, Eyitayo Oladoshu (TY Kuti), and Omotoso Deji James shared their experiences and insights on the importance of respecting actors’ boundaries and concerns, particularly when dealing with sensitive or uncomfortable scenes.

The experience highlights the importance of respecting actors’ boundaries and concerns, particularly when dealing with sensitive or uncomfortable scenes. As the Nigerian film industry continues to grow, it is essential for filmmakers to prioritize open communication, preparation, and compromise to ensure that creative differences do not compromise the quality of the final product.

By embracing these values, filmmakers can create an environment where actors feel comfortable and respected, leading to more authentic and engaging performances. As Ojopagogo noted, “With cooperation among stakeholders and government support, we can create an industry that respects and accommodates actors’ boundaries and concerns.”

The Nigerian film industry has come a long way, and with experiences like this, it is clear that there is still much to learn and improve upon. As filmmakers continue to push the boundaries of storytelling and creativity, it is essential that they prioritize respect, communication, and compromise to ensure that the industry continues to thrive.

With this exclusive insight into the making of a Nigerian film, it is clear that the industry is committed to growth, learning, and improvement. As Ojopagogo, Samson Kismet, Eyitayo Oladoshu (TY Kuti), and Omotoso Deji James have shown, with respect, communication, and compromise, even the most challenging creative differences can be overcome.