Tolulope Oke is a graduate of Sociology from the University of Lagos. She also read Dramatic Arts at the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile Ife. A prominent Nollywood actress, she has featured in several film productions and has just produced a new film, “Cookie Spot.”
In this interview, she speaks about her new movie, its focus and importance to the audience and the impact of COVID-19 on the industry. She also has words of encouragement for women for women and youths.
“Cookie Spot” and its storyline
“Cookie Spot” is a reflection about life. I believe in hope and I tried to project life and it possibilities. “Cookie Spot” is a story of survival wherever you may find yourself. There is always a means of survival. It is about a lady who got help from a woman where she was working to establish her own business. She wanted a good life for her mother and herself which the mother rejected due to an incident she didn’t reveal to her daughter about her father. Some notable Nollywood stars who featured in “Cookie Spot” are Adejumo Lewis, Funso Adeolu, Sola Sobowale, Ayo Adesanya, Bolanle Ninalowo, Omowunmi Dada and a host of others.
The message
Women should not be overwhelmed with challenges. They should believe they can make it despite all odds. I believe every woman has a staying power that should confront every challenge and overcome. I want every woman out there to have positive spirit which will definitely make them overcome in life.
There is the need for women to support one another. The young women should see the bigger picture of whatever they are doing. Possibilities are endless in life. Whatever you are doing, you should not give up. You can always be a better person wherever you are. You should learn to survive in a way that will add value to others.
“Cookie Spot” will challenge every young lady out there to have the strong will to succeed against all the odds in life.
Communicating the values of “Cookie Spot”
It has become imperative to project the values of “Cookie Spot.” The movie will be showing on television, online, cables and cinema. To reach all and sundry, there is a strategic focus to adopt the cinema as there is the cinema culture in Nigeria. This will facilitate making the movie a must watch by all.
“Cookie Spot” will challenge every young lady out there to have the strong will to succeed against all the odds in life.
Impact of COVID-19 on the entertainment industry
COVID-19 has slowed everything down. Life, I believe has been altered by the pandemic. People have been looking at how to cope with the post-COVID era. Digital channels have come to stay to promote products and services. For movies, people are health conscious on what they do. Now, you see standby doctors on film set to ensure the environment is safe for everyone. The benefit of this is that everyone focuses on his or her health status more. It is a good development for the industry which shows we are more conscious of our environment. It means anyone who is not physically fit should not participate in movie production. It shows the producer will take responsibility. It means we pay attention to everything that matters. It puts Nollywood in good light.
There is more to bringing people on set. We should be conscious of our health as it is important. We should be concerned about the health status of the crew. COVID has made it mandatory to focus on basic things that are often overlooked.
Focus of the industry
The focus of the industry is to release good and quality contents. There are digital channels for ready-made markets. When quality movies are provided, they showcase our professional expertise and project the nation’s image. It is important to focus on professional expertise and develop techniques in movie production. The technical part of our movie is also getting better, in terms of sub editing, music background and post-production.
My strategic essence of “Cookie Spot”
I want to showcase myself as a very detailed producer and actor. I also want to let the audience, especially the younger ones, know that there are opportunities around them. They need to identify such opportunities and deploy creativity to promote themselves. It is also to promote entrepreneurship. It tells the youth that success takes perseverance. It also teaches hope. I want the younger generations to believe in their potentials and have their potentials. Success is a destination not a journey. I also want to add value to the society and at the end of the day it is win-win situation for all. “Cookie Spot” is also a story that promotes family values.
“Cookie Spot” also focuses on women helping on another. Women should identify potentials in others and help them. Women should see themselves as pillar of support for one another. A support for a woman is a support for other generations.
