Desmond
Elliot
For the observant something is happening in Nollywood… more and more of the stars aren’t content with being pigeon-holed as just actors and actresses. Some have decided to take their destinies in their hands by being Executive producers. This particular actor is not content with just being an Executive producer alone but also a Director and the person I’m talking about none other than Desmond Elliot.
To say Desmond’s metamorphosis is a surprise is an understatement. Most people see him and label him ‘Pretty boy,’ model, actor but did people ever think ‘Director? Nollywooduncut.com was able to corner him recently on set, while he took a breather in between directing AND acting some scenes, and he had this to say:
NWU: Hi Desmond.
D.E: Hi Bola. Good to see you!
NWU: I see you are busy wearing two caps- that of actor and director!
D.E: Yes o!
NWU: What’s the name of this movie you’re directing?
D.E: Its called ‘Spellbound’.
NWU: And you are acting as well as directing?
D.E: Yep!
NWU: Is this your first directorial job?
D.E: No, my first was a film shot in Ibibio language titled ‘Uyai’, after that was ‘Guilty Pleasures’ Mind you I co-directed that one with someone… Daniel Ademinokan. Same with ‘Bursting Out’.
NWU: Which films have you directed alone?
D.E: ‘Memories of the Heart’ and ‘Holding Hope’ they are not out yet …then two others which are still untitled.
NWU: Wow! And you acted in them too?
D.E: Naturally.
NWU: Interesting… so of the two hats you’ve been wearing which do you prefer?
D.E: Directing.
NWU: Really?
D.E: Yes.
NWU: Why?
D.E: Because directing gives me greater fulfillment and artistic control.
NWU: Why did you decide to go into directing?
D.E: Well, as an actor I certainly saw better ways a film’s message could be achieved if things had been done differently. So I was always thinking about it in my mind. So when the opportunity came for me to direct, I took it. I first started with co-directing with someone then I picked up from there.
NWU: I loved some of the shots in ‘Guilty Pleasures’ especially the one where Terso walks in on Liz in the bathroom. Brilliant!
D.E: Thank you.
NWU: So will you leave acting for directing?
D.E: Not necessarily. Acting gives me more money!!
(General laughter. Just then he gets called by the Production Manager).
D.E: Uh-oh! I’ve got to run!
NWU: You go, guy! Thanks for chatting with me…
D.E: You’re welcome!
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