It’s a challenging field, but one with talent, drive and determination, industry success can be achieved. Pleased to meet Director Remi Vaughan-Richards.
Official AMVCA photo by Devesh Uba
FILM SIX Q & A
1. How did you start your Career in Filmmaking?
I studied textiles my BA at Middlesex, then MA at the RCA. The course at Middlesex was very open and free then when I went to the RCA it was more conventional textiles and I realised that that was not my world — somehow I landed my first job on Jim Henson’s “Greek Myths” with all the fantastic animatronics and elaborate set design — that was when I knew that I would always work in film…I went from working on fantasy, sci-fi and period films making elaborate costumes and props, to propmaking and set dressing on films like the first Judge Dredd (with Sly Stallone) and other big budget films, as well as storyboard artist for BBC and other productions. Long story short — I realised my heart had always been in directing but thought I would have to go to Film school, then I realised that I had been working in the industry for over 10yrs that what I knew could not be taught at film school and that was it! Started with own projects then eventually got commissioned, then went back to Nigeria and from there I have never looked back. I work for UK and Nigerian clients and am now making my own projects.
2. Who/what has been your inspiration?
My inspiration — one major person — Orson Welles. He was so ahead of his time. More contemporary directors are Ridley Scott with “Blade Runner” which was visionary in it’s time. But really I could go on and on…there is not one director or inspiration…it is where I find it — from photography, to directors, to real life. Film styles evolve constantly so as they evolve I find new inspirations.
3. Can you tell us about your current work and what you are promoting?
Faaji Agba launched globally and also in the UK
My current work — well I still await my next passion project after Faaji Agba, sadly passion projects just don’t happen, they kind of find you. Aside from that I am developing a slate of low budget films in Nigeria, as well a collaboration in the UK, the ball is rolling, but, these things all take time. What I am actively promoting is Faaji Agba, the passion project documentary which took 6–7yrs to complete. Faaji Agba is about Kunle Tejuoso of Jazzhole Records in Lagos, Nigeria and how he brings together 7 Yoruba master musicians between the ages of 67 and 85 to form the Faaji Agba Collective. Through their lives we also learn about the music, culture and history of Lagos. More to come…..
4. What advice can you give to other women wanting to break into film?
Hmmmmm, I always find that one tricky when it comes to advising other women, you see I don’t like to put a gender or colour on myself — I have something I want to do and I do it. I am blind to gender challenges. So advice — in the words of Arnie Schwarzenegger “Just do it”
5. Which Actors — male and female/dead or alive — globally would you say have made an impact?
Another tricky question — actors constantly surprise us and we move from generation to generation….Mae West, was great at portraying strong women. Sigourney Weaver did a lot to show strong female presence in the Alien films…there are too many names to mention, it makes me feel like I am doing a test :)
6. What are you doing next and how can people keep up to date with what you are up to?
Next, I think I touched on that in an earlier question. I’m waiting for the next passion project to hit me. Doing my usual commissioned work and following my own personal, SingingTree Films productions. We are developing a series of films in Nigeria and there is one feature film I am working with in the UK, “The New Thirty” with producer, Yvonne Ibazebo and writer Wendy Okoli. It’s a story of 2 Nigerian British Londoners who are coming to ‘that’ age. One is approaching 30, the other is approaching 40yrs old. I am always looking for projects that will excite me.
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