Jennifer Okorie, Nigerian Film Producer behind the upcoming series Chess has opened up about her upcoming series and the production challenges she faced in bringing the stories to life.
Speaking to The Nollywood Reporter (TNR) Okorie revealed that the crux of Chess is betrayal amongst loved ones, emphasizing how the story is contemporaneous to reflect a society bedeviled by egocentrism.
The filmmaker said that usually the common man cares less about his actions and their implications on his fellow man. This self-centered attitude, according Okorie, has a significant influence on unity within the home and society at large. “Hence, Chess becomes pertinent in creating awareness on the need to go back to the original African tradition of “an injury for one is an injury for all,” she said.
As a producer on Chess, Okorie delved into the role she played and how she managed the creative and production decisions while keeping the story original. She noted that management begins with planning, which entails careful assembling of cast and crew members.
To effectively manage her role, Okorie said the goal of the project was first sold to everyone coming on board in order to avoid misunderstanding during principal photography and post-production. “So, the creative team headed by my director had the freedom and time to tap deep into their creative intuitions and the production team under the stewardship of my production manager also understood what the project demanded of them and stuck with it.”
For lessons, she said she learnt that working with a large array of cast is more daunting than she had envisaged. According to her, Chess has over 40 characters and being her first time working with such numbers, it was both challenging and educational.
Okorie pointed to the meticulous approach of selecting the cast, which was to ensure quality acting and storytelling. “Together with my director, we carefully selected our lead actors and also did an audition where we put together an array of sub-leads and extras.
“To tell you how meticulous we were, we cast a girl from Ghana and made sure she came for it because we saw what we wanted in her. As regards their deliveries, I assure you that they were top notch. They all brought their A-game to the set and poured it all out in this series,” she shared.
With her filmmaking career, Okorie said she wants to be known as that filmmaker who goes overboard to tell relatable stories. “ I also want to be known for giving opportunities to actors without families and friends in the industry,” Okorie said. For her, it is both a commitment and promise as she finds her feet in Nollywood.
Chess series is expected to see appearances including Lam Chris, Samie Onot, Anita Nwachi, Jerry Mudiaga, Enitan Oluwole, Miriam Ogbonna, Paul Word Uma, Jose and Jesse Anyanwu, including Veteran Chris Akwarandu.