Despite hitches, Saidi Balogun completes multimillion naira movie shoot

Despite some hitches that almost forced him to suspend the shoot of his latest flick, actor turned producer, Saidi Balogun,  has expressed his joy over the completion of his new project that is in both English and Yoruba.

Balogun and his crew had arrived in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, a few weeks back to commence the shooting of his new work, but he encountered some technical difficulties that almost ruined the smooth sail of the production.

The production, which would star some of the industry’s finest actors and actresses, was put on hold for a few days before it finally began as he hinted that he had expended more than N1 million on camera equipments that were brought in from Lagos only for them to develop faults that forced the crew to start all over.

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When R visited the scene of the location at Adewole, Ilorin, a few actors and actresses were seen on set as Balogun made frantic moves to ensure the job was done.

Speaking with R on the development and what it had cost him, Balogun said he almost suspended the shoot when it appeared as though nothing could be achieved. His words: “We were meant to be here for only two weeks but we ended up spending four weeks because we had issues with our camera and other equipment but thank God for raising helpers for us.”

On the choice of Ilorin, the actor explained that as part of his research while writing the story, he felt that the best place that would provide the kind of atmosphere and calmness that would help the actors was Ilorin, adding that “when you look at the cast and what we intend to achieve, you will not agree less about the choice of location. It came with an extra cost, but I am glad we have done what gives us joy.”

On the set were Mr Latin, Femi Adebayo, Adunni Ade, Sotayo, Baba Dee, Ashabi, Sunkanmi Omobolanle, Akeem among others.