FILMING WITH DIGNITY : MY LAGOS EXPERIENCE

Maybe its me but I have not seen a law that prohibits public institutions for filming. Also have i not seen an official guideline or procedure from either the ministry of youth and sports, information and culture, science and technology or any other on public institutions. This leaves consent at the discretion of the authorities in-charge of the locations. But over zealousness, fear of the unknown, greed, and lack of understanding has placed film makers at the receiving end. If you are involved in filming either as a producer, director or location scout you must have one sordid tale of an “embarrassing moment” at a location. Let me share few of mine working as a producer and project manager for a production outfit based in Lagos.

Let me start with a mortified personal encounter with the principal (or was it vice-principal) of a secondary school in Lagos. We were contracted by an agency to shoot a 30 seconds advert of one of the leading contender of the April 2015 election.

The concept was conceived by the agency. Part of the concept includes a classroom with students looking good (as what is promised to be achieved in education if voted in) and a tattered school (to use as the present day state of education). We decided to use a real school to better depict what the agency devised.

I am to produce it (campaign advert) so i approached the principal of the school for approval. Was shocked to heaven. I was received like i was covered in dirts.

I approached her to let her know that am a film maker and also let her in on the concept or treatment. She wouldn’t hear anymore the moment election and campaign come together as one. I try to explain to her i mean no harm. She didn’t hide her disdain for my visit - she was too scared of losing her job. She made it all about me but in the real sense of it - she was protecting her job. Hiding her lack of proper understanding of the situation and what cause of a yes could be.

“You cant use here o, You can use here o lailai (never)” rudely and conceitedly she fumed

She treated me like a scoundrel. I was so sad not because i couldn't use the school for filming but the rude approach of the school principal. Its was so depressing that i couldn't hold an intellectual conversation with her without her chasing me away like a criminal - its least imagined. I have to carry on with the project so i proceeded elsewhere. We film the scene and were not treated like criminals.

Next, we have another project. Its for a diary company celebrating motherhood - and the associated values. We need a stadium and school. In the fore-front (with another colleague) of securing location for the shoot as usual. I drove down to the location and was received at the gate by the security man. He asked of my purpose. I told him i want to film at the stadium. After asking few unconnected questions he gave me the manager’s number and i called him.



 
“Please sir, my name is.... I want to make an enquiry about the use of the stadium for filming”

Scared but well mannered, he said.

“well, you are coming rather late even if i want to consider you because the Governor (Ambode) has placed a ban on social activities in all public institutions and that includes this stadium. Am so sorry”

All my explanations why filming can’t be considered a social function entered through one ear and escape through the other. Infact all the conversation was on phone he wouldn't even what to see me lest i convince him or something. I persuade and explain to no avail. I told him my company is a registered production company of good standing and that we pay tax - and that public institutions are built with such money. That giving us permission will in no way infringe content of the circular. But trust me i was only talking to myself he wasn’t listening anymore.

Had to start “calling and calling”and could secure another government stadium on the Island with a screaming bill. We were charged as if we are coming there for a party. The shoot date fall on an “owanbe” day so i might pardon them for that. Well i have to explain again that we only need it for few hours of filming and that we are not having a party. My explanation changed nothing as its obvious there is an agreed fee for the location even if you only want to snap a picture. Well the job must be done and as the producer i must see that its done.

We later had to shoot at a stadium in one of the federal tertiary institution in Lagos.

Next is the secondary school scene. I still have the memories of my encounter with the other principal intact. Someone who is a part of my team went to the school to negotiate with the management or anyone on how we can use the school to shoot. I got an affirmative call and i was so relived that we have the school scene locked down. But getting to the school the whole story changed.

We met with yet another rude and austere female vice principal. She didn't waste time exhibiting the anticipated unpleasant reception.

“leave the school now, can’t you hear? E ma wo awon omode sha, won fe ko ba min (look at these children, they want to put me in trouble)” she screamed in a disparaging manner

We walked up to her. She chases and insult us like criminals as we try to explain that we are film makers. And that our work is legit and that we meant no harm. It wasn't funny as she paid no single form of attention to us. She continues pushing us with the help of some of his teachers. The height of it was when she threatened to tear the uniform one of our talent wore. All the while we have stopped filming. It’s so sad when i heard one teacher say we will call the police and it dawn on me we perhaps are operating on different level of intelligence. I can’t imagine that a teacher in a secondary school will think us a criminal deserved to be arrested for filming in a secondary school we have already been to, to secure permission?

After several wasted shooting time and begging. She came up with the Ambode circular “thingy” again. I explained that filming can’t be categorize as social function as contained in the circular. That government real intent for the ban is party. And that film making doesn't involve merry making but serious creative and production activities. All these explanations didn’t make her consent or stop being rude. So we stopped and moved to another location and got the job done.

Now, one thing recurred in the whole encounter - we still shoot elsewhere because those people doesn’t think it’s a crime. But the headache of not knowing who will consent or not makes production planning complicated. Unlike when you know which agency to approach for approval and fees.

Government should by way of legislation or through agency of government make access to use of public institution easy and dignified through concise guideline and regulation. The government will also do itself a favour as they can use this opportunity to generate revenue this period of oil price descent. This is the only way we can shoot with dignity.