Why do some of our marketers behave so badly? Is it Greed? Nonchalance? Or sheer wickedness? Why do they take producers for granted, take their films, market them and refuse to pay? Have they forgotten that these are people’s hard earned money, sweat and time? Why do we have to succumb to their meanness? Well, this has got to stop! We need to clamp down on them and let them know it’s unjust and unmerited. We need to start naming and shaming them.
We have heard many stories of marketers duping producers and they, not being able to do anything. The different guilds are not even able to assist or support, but we will. If you have had any such experiences, please do not hesitate to contact the Owl on https://www.nigeriafilms.com and I will do justice for you. I promise.
Now, the name and shame begins. Round 1
The Owl met up with this beautiful producer who resides in America and this is her story.
Femi Adelakun-CEO –Zentury Pictures swindled me.
The Owl:
Good Day Madam: Tell us your name , who you are and what transpired between you and Zentury Pictures briefly.
Bukky.
My name is Bukky Amos popularly known as AREWA. I live in America. I am an actress and also a movie producer. In 2006, I produced two movies titled “Tanlomo Arewa” and “ Babatodun”. The two movies were given to Mr Adelaku-CEO of Zentury Pictures to market.
The Owl:
Can you tell us how you met? Dates and what was discussed?
Bukky
My first meeting with him was in September 2003 in the United Kingdom and after that, we’ve met severally amongst friends. We did not meet again officially until May 2006 when I travelled to Lagos. This was when he practically appealed to me to market my film (Tanlomo Arewa). I contacted a very close friend of his, Aberuagba (Rotimi) and also Philip Dada (Sound Image) who both vouched for him and assured me that he will pay my money after the film is released.
The Owl
How many of your films did he market for you and when did you give them to him?
Bukky
He actually marketed two of my films, my other film “Babatodun” was edited in his studio in July 2006 and he also begged me to allow him market it. My dad was in the studio with me the day he came and he even asked my father to appeal to me to let him market the movie. I was sceptical as he had not paid for the first one but had no choice as he promised to pay for the two movies in January 2007 together. Besides, the other two marketers who vouched for him were friends that I trusted.
The Owl
How much is involved? Has he made any payments at all?
Bukky
N2.5million naira for the two. This was after series of negotiations. He has not given me a KOBO. Although, I know the films sold very well.
The Owl
What was his reasons for having not paid you?
Bukky:
He said he made a wrong judgement on his political ambitions and consequently lost a lot of money promising he would pay me as soon as possible.
The Owl
Do you have any proof, such as any written agreements that you can produce as evidence?
Bukky
Yes, the masters were signed for on delivery by his editor.
(Bukky showed the owl some signed documents)
There was no written agreement but my lawyer sent a letter to him in August 2007 and he called me to confirm receipt and promised to pay in full by February 2008.
(Bukky played back some saved/recorded messages of their conversations through the phone to The Owl)
The Owl:
Has there been any others involved in the mediation of getting your money back?
Bukky
His fellow marketers such as his best friend, Mr Femi (Gemini Pictures), Kush- Highwaves), Philip Dada (Sound Image), Aberuagba (A and Q), Gbenga Adewusi (Bayowa Pictures), Fala and many more. I also called and spoke with his wife on the issue severally to no avail. You can contact all of them for verification. His editor too, who signed for the movies could be contacted too.
The Owl:
When was your last contact with him?
Bukky:
He does not pick my calls anymore.
The Owl
What do you want to be the outcome of this publication?
Bukky
He is full of empty promises and excuses. I just want to appeal to him publicly and for his fellow marketers and good Nigerians to beg him to pay what he owes me. Many times he had called making promises but never fulfilled them. He has asked for my bank details more than four times but never credited the account with a penny.
(Bukky is infuriated as she talks)
I used my hard earned money to produce these films and it is sheer injustice that he had sold them and not paid me. He is such a callous man.
I want my money back!
The Owl
From this experience, what is your advice to fellow producers especially in Diaspora?
Bukky:
I think because we live abroad, they take us for granted. Please, do not give your films out until you get a signed contract and your money. This has been a hard lesson for me and I hope and pray that he owns up and pays my money.
The Owl
Thank You.
There you are fellow Nigerians. Is this fair? Please appeal to him as we would not stop until we get her money back.
Although, we have been unable to get Mr Femi Adelakun (Zentury Pictures) own side of the story, the recorded tapes we have listened to prove that a certain Mr Femi Adelakun has called several times appealing that he would pay the moneys owed to this lady. Why don’t you just pay up? If you feel that these allegations are wrong. Let’s hear your own side.
The Owl is all out for you! So, if you know you are in that category where you think you can just take someone’s film with the promise of marketing them and you don’t pay, you will find yourself not only in Court but in front of the papers. We would alert other prospective clients to Ben Johnson from you.
Next will be————–Don’t worry, just watch out for my next publication.
The Owl says—–Watch Your Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
