We all know how lucrative Nollywood has become, being the 2nd biggest film industry on the planet! So it is always great to hear new talent emerging in The diasporas across the globe.
A refreshing comedy drama which highlights the importance of humanising black British men by seeing them on the right side of the law. ’The Solution’ comes at a pivotal political time, where young black British men are consistently heavily profiled for crime and negative stereotypes in popular media and sadly, on screen in fiction film.
We caught up with British Nigerian talents, Alex Kayode-Kay (Writer/ Co-director/ actor) and co-star Charis Agbonlahor to discover what it takes to emerge in the U.K film and TV industry
PMN: When did you get into the arts?
AKK: got into the arts as a child. I entered writing competitions around age 12. But I began to see it as a professional vocation that I could actually make a living from as an actor and filmmaker in my 20’s.
CA: I became involved in the arts around the age of around 10. But not professionally until I was around 21. The industry has changed a lot since then.
PMN: What are the ups and downs of being in entertainment?
AKK: Rejection is a big thing. You need a thick skin in the entertainment industry, because you are constantly being told “no”. Whether it’s being turned down for funding for your film or being passed over for an acting role. Even when you think you’ve made it and recieved acknowledgement, there’s always another no round the corner. Persistence is important.
CA: I’d say the ups are being apart of great projects like ‘The solution’. And working with other talented creatives. I love the whole process. Apart from auditioning. I really dislike auditions. I find them so rigid which sometimes takes the fun out of the creativity. But it’s a skill in itself and one that i’ll have to grow to enjoy eventually- I hope. Ha
PMN: What has been your best experience?
AKK: Actually getting The Solution made. It started as an idea in my head. Then something I put down on paper as a script. Then assembling all the pieces, like funding and cast and crew. Hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I’d do it again in a second.
CA: That’s a really difficult question to answer. I don’t have a favourite or best experience. I have an accumulation of experiences that has helped me maintain my interest and passion for the arts. But I couldn’t single just one out.
PMN: What was the most fun moment working on The Solution?
AKK: Working with some really talented actors and seeing their process. Charis in particular has such a great natural quality in front of the camera, and I believe more directors will see that and utilise it. And Memphis is barely in her teens, but a real professional. Liam and Elsa as well were great to work with as I had big on-camera scenes with them.
CA: I really enjoyed the rehearsal just before filming. It was nice to experiment with my character Hope, and find her in myself if that makes any sense. It was just nice to explore her even if it was only for a brief amount of time.
PMN: Why should people watch this film?
AKK: It’s funny and dramatic. It’s got a very diverse cast. It’s got a heart as well. I think people will appreciate that this is more escapist fare than is usual for us to get as Black British individuals. Don’t get it twisted, sometimes I love gritty, issue based drama torn straight from real life headlines. But we also need entertainment that just takes us to a different place. The Solution I hope, does that.
CA: First of all the diversity of the project is a massive reason why people should watch this film. I feel like the project is quite unique in its subject and also execution so people should also watch it for that reason. Besides the lead actress (Memphis Lee Dixon) is a young talented woman of colour and we could do with more of that representation in the UK.
We couldn’t agree more!
Thanks for talking with us Alex and Charis.
Readers, you can watch The Solution on UK Fully Focused’s Youtube channel ‘Million Youth Media’ this Thursday 25 July from 7pm GMT.