I had been on several movie sets, but I realized there were very few movie producers that often offer my colleagues and I our next meal ticket by only reaching out to familiar faces. Meaning I usually cross paths with colleagues I worked with a week before on a new set. It felt like nepotism played a major role in the industry. It was quite astonishing to me that our movie industry was very one sided as a lot of people understand the ‘show’ part and do not take advantage of the ‘biz’ part (showbiz). I kept asking myself what would it take to be in the producers’ shoes, providing jobs for people in an industry I was so much in love with as well as ensure the business part of the movie industry was ventured into. At the time, it seemed like it was my best option to aid in a country with high unemployment rate but great talents. I started asking these questions I asked myself to others who could answer in 2016.
I learnt about movie production and realized I could do it. The biggest mistake I made was to find facts on how much I should invest in terms of time, finances and all other resources but never sought laid down guarantees on my return on investment. I ended up making an educational movie ‘Black sheep’ which could not be commercialized for over two years. It was my biggest mistake but my biggest pride and lesson. In terms of investments, it would be considered a failure, but I said to myself, I can only get better if I learn. I learnt from every mistake I made and spent two years of leaning and research before venturing into production again. My next production right from inception ‘Drops of Happiness’ is not only educational, but highly commercial. My realization is that business with less than 0 profit is very common and loosely accepted in the Ghanaian movie industry came late. But I realized it eventually and I work every day to ensure every venture afterwards is profitable.
What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture or to make significant changes in an existing business?
How did the idea for your business come about?
I have always wanted to inspire the youth and empower women in my country and the world at large I realized I can sell the information I believe my society so much needs thus I ended up with film production as a universal language to communicate with everyone anywhere in the world thus helping society through education, provision of employment but at the same time making profit.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
My biggest hurdle was insufficient marketing strategies and unavailable movie distribution channels in Ghana. I am overcoming it by adopting out of the box marketing strategies from other industries and targeting distribution channels outside my country.
What books are you currently reading? And your recommendation for entrepreneurs to read?
Currently I am reading the seven habits of highly effective people by Stephen Covey.
Books I recommend
[if !supportLists]· [endif]The subtle art of not giving a fu*k by Mark Manson
[if !supportLists]· [endif]The 10x rule by Grant Cardone
[if !supportLists]· [endif]This is marketing by Seth Godin
[if !supportLists]· [endif]The hard thing about hard things by Ben Horowitz
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits?
How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
Fortunately, my family and friends have always been supportive of my endeavours.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
‘Never say Never ‘spirit. (positive mental attitude). I believe everything you want to achieve in life is ‘ever’ possible once you are determined and consistent, you would achieve it.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
Its alright to be obsessed with your goals because you know yourself better than anyone.
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
Write down your goals daily. Learn about the business you want to invest in and gather as much facts as possible before entering any business. Most importantly, do not let anyone convince you that you CAN NOT do it, once you dream it, believe it, you can live it. But you must work hard and save towards your dreams, no one would give you handouts.
