Akinnayajo Babatunde, Mr. Tunez Filmmaker, Founder: Unique Motion Media Konsult
Jul 21, 2022
Tell us about how you got started.
I started many years ago, let me say when I was 10 years old. I started acting as a child at school and at my local church with close to a thousand people for an audience during special programs. That was the beginning because we were trained to act on stage, and this went on for over 10 years. At 17 years old, I released a musical album with my band group called Datutyz. It was a four-man band of brilliant and talented singers who made waves and had an impact in Nigeria back then. At 22, I learnt photography under a UK company that was in Nigeria. I was a photographer and video jockey. We worked in different capacities within Nigeria, including weddings and event photography. In 2013, having worked as a photographer with some quality experience, my love for theatre and film made me seek after learning the art of filmmaking. I took a filmmaking course under an American filmmaker, where I learnt how to be to be a cinematographer and director. The drive pushed me, and I shot my first short film. I did the second and the rest is history. I have since then been on a roller coaster of productions… from music videos to documentaries to feature films etc. It has been an interesting journey.
What makes your company unique?
My company is unique because the name of my company is Unique Motion Media Konsult… lolz! That’s just a little joke but what makes my company unique is the fact that we offer training and programs that bring our students on our big projects to practically learn what has been taught in class. Moreover, after graduation, exceptional students are employed. Also, we offer professional services as our company has a web of extremely professional crew members who give exceptional services to our clients and equip our students as well.
No business is without setbacks, can you tell us about a time when you faced a significant setback and how you recovered from it?
Well, in my industry, one of our major setbacks is the funds to produce good movies. It’s not news that producing a quality film needs a whole of money and where to get such money is usually an issue. At some point in my career when I told myself I was done with short films and I needed to start doing the film business, I was stuck because I could not afford to get the millions to shoot the film I wanted. The banks were not going to give money to a new filmmaker who had not done a big successful film nor was any individual ready to do such. This was a big issue as my career was on hold for years as I waited and tried to raise funds for my first feature. I had to take on directing some other projects to save money. I also took jobs outside my field to be able to raise some money to feed myself and save. Eventually, I raised some money and started with the little I came up with. It worked! It was not the best, but I was able to express my creativity and showcase my story. It premiered beautifully. After the movie premiere, some investors saw my potential and decided to make a film with me. It came out fantastic and that was the break for other investors.
How do you define success and to what do you attribute your success?
To me, success is when you can achieve your goals positively and it positively affects people around you. You can’t describe success without impact on either individuals or society. I say I am successful because I have personally trained many people to become filmmakers and actors. I have given opportunities to people to hone their craft for self-sustainability and development of the society.
What's next for your business, what will it look like in 5 years?
Tell new African stories that will inspire and impact the lives of the people. Films that will entertain and educate. Five years from now, we want to directly impact thousands of African lives by teaching and equipping them to become their dream actor or filmmaker with the aim of telling African stories.
What do you think the future holds for Africa-focused entrepreneurs and advice do you have for entrepreneurs who are just starting out?
Africa is blessed with people with great talents and skills and as a matter of fact, African entrepreneurs are doing exceedingly great things and breaking biases. My advice is that they should believe in themselves and never give up. They should acquire the necessary knowledge in their field and be creative enough to put Africa on the map through their skills and prowess.
Owning a business while balancing a personal life can be challenging; how do you take care of yourself?
Yeah, it can be very challenging, especially as a filmmaker. We spend a lot of time on the production set, and this wears one out. For me, I take a lot of rest after production by spending time with my family. I also do not take my yearly vacation for granted. When I am free, I watch a lot of films and stuff on the internet.
What is your favorite quote or mantra? What keeps you going?
The word of God: “Be determined and be confident, don’t be afraid or discouraged, for I am the Lord, that will be with you wherever you go”. This keeps me going any day and time.
What is your favorite app or a business tool that you can't live without
Hmm… Well, I would rather we say apps I am used to. I can live without apps. Lolz! I think it’s my Instagram and LinkedIn.