Nollywood’s beloved power couple, Lateef Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe, have opened up about the incredible challenges they overcame to bring their latest Netflix movie, ‘Lisabi’, to life. In an intimate interview with City 105.1FM, the couple shared three pivotal struggles that tested their resolve and creativity.
Financial Struggles: A Car on the Line
Lateef Adedimeji revealed that the film’s budget ballooned beyond expectations, forcing him to consider drastic measures. “We had a particular budget for this film, and we had to spend like five times it. It was tough. Extremely tough,” he confessed. In a desperate bid to cover costs, Lateef even put his car up for sale. Fortunately, help arrived just in time, saving his vehicle from the auction block.
Last-Minute Casting Changes: Mo Bimpe’s Unexpected Debut
Mo Bimpe wasn’t initially cast as the lead actress, but fate intervened when the original actress became unavailable. “When they came to me with ‘you have to take the female lead role,’ I was like ‘ah ah, we already have an actor for that, why are you asking me to play the role?'” Mo Bimpe recalled. With no time to prepare, she stepped into the role, juggling her responsibilities as producer and manager.
High Production Costs: A 5 Million Naira Pool
Lateef Adedimeji cited the example of building a pool for a single scene, which came with a staggering 5 million naira price tag. “My director is a very creative person. We didn’t have the idea of a pool before in the film; he just came up with it, and then we had to build a pool… Just for that scene alone,” he explained. The costly set piece was a testament to the couple’s commitment to bringing their vision to life.
Through these trials, Lateef and Mo Bimpe’s partnership proved unshakeable. Their perseverance paid off, resulting in a cinematic masterpiece that has captivated audiences on Netflix. ‘Lisabi’ stands as a testament to the couple’s dedication to their craft and their ability to overcome even the most daunting challenges.
As the Nollywood power couple looks to the future, their journey serves as inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and artists. In the face of adversity, creativity, resilience, and a willingness to take risks can lead to greatness.