Monday, September 16, 2013

SHOOTING DOWN IN THE NIGER DELTA!

Recently some cast and crew from Royal Arts Academy productions went to Bayelsa to shoot a docu-drama about an amazing individual. More on that later but check these lovely location pics!

We are off! Some crew and cast at the MM2 off to Port Harcourt! 
Some hopeful actresses during auditions in Yenogoa, Bayelsa.  

Child posing for the camera! Love it! Lol!
Bola Aduwo, Emem Isong, Uduak Oguamanam and Mbong Amata down by the river side!  
Sister Act! Lol! Emem and Uduak!

Austin (DOP) with Des Elliot on location.
Mbong in character! 


Emem with K.O.K
Belinda & Uduak


Friday, September 6, 2013

WHEN THE GIRLS CAME TO TOWN....!

Royal Arts Academy CEO, Emem Isong celebrated her birthday recently and did they have a blast! Since she is shooting in Bayelsa the action took place there and people did not know what hit them when the (Akwa Ibom) girls came to town! Lol! Several close friends flew in from Lagos, Uyo and even London to felicitate with the happy celebrant and they (including RAA crew members) all grooved into the wee hours despite calls by the P.M that call time remains 8am! Check out some pics of what went down!
Emem Morgan, Mbong Amata, Emem Isong & Ini Edo-Ehiagwina
Emem Isong - the celebrant looking calm... the calm before the storm! Lol
Austin Nwaolie & Desmond Elliot - So who is teaching who here? Lol

Belinda Effah and Mayen digging the show
Okanwa Yes o! Hold that cup in the air!
You too Emem Boy! Lol

Chima - always cool calm and collected

Thursday, September 5, 2013

MY TRIBUTE: BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR EMEM ISONG!

The birthday messages continue to pour in for our C.E.O and Chairman, Emem Isong! This is a tribute written by Bola Aduwo, a Consultant Publicist, writer and friend of many years to Emem. It first appeared on her entertainment website Nollywoodaccess.com but we felt we should repost it here for your perusal!
 Today is the birthday of popular Nollywood producer & writer Emem Isong. I along with several others, I salute her. As she marks another year in her journey through life, I want to take this time out to pay tribute to this astute producer, talented writer and game changer. We do not meet many like her often so when we do, I believe it is necessary to give honour to whom honour is due.

I met Emem several years ago as a first year student in the secondary school, Federal Government Girls College, Calabar. Emem then was quiet but very witty, funny and passionate about drama. Even then, I remember that if there was anything that had to do with dance, drama and culture she was always very interested and involved. I met up again with her after University and she had just resigned her job from the bank and had shot her first movie ‘Breaking Point’ and was looking for how to market it. I (from a conservative Yoruba background) was amazed at her passion and her guts. To be doing what she was doing in a male-dominated, Igbo-controlled movie business, with no God father and zero budget… Hmm… no small feat at all.

 Fast-forward to 2013, Emem is still witty, funny and passionate about her craft (I don't know where the quietness went to sha!) and I'm glad to say hugely successful. She has consistently continued to produce quality movies that touch the heart, inspiring a legion of actresses, actors and would-be producers along the way.

She has mentored and inspired many (especially the women) and let them know that you do not have to go to the proverbial 'casting couch' to make it in any field. As her Publicist and one of her writers, I personally have learnt from Emem's humility, open-heartedness and vast creativity.As she marks her birthday today, I, Bola Aduwo wish her many, many happy returns, God's blessings, favour and success. :D

REFLECTIONS.... ON MY BIRTHDAY BY EMEM ISONG

This is a Special message by Emem Isong on her birrthday! Enjoy!



Birthday celebrations are landmarks we use to mark several stages in our lives; As children birthdaysare used to show love and appreciation for the child by the parent and foradults, it is aimed at celebrating success and one’s contribution to society atlarge at such milestones as silver jubilee, golden jubilee , diamond jubileeetc.

As I add another year,I cannot help but look at the milestones in my life and be thankful to God.Truly He has been faithful. When I began my journey as an impressionable, idealisticyoung lady, truly I had no idea how far I would go or what would be in thecards for me. As I veered off the well-beaten path and decide to fjord my ownroad in the still virgin territory of film making, all I had was my God and aburning desire to succeed in the dream that refused to leave me. That was tosee the stories in my head come to life. With perseverance, passion and prayer,I eventually saw those dreams slowly but surely become a reality. I givegratitude to God Almighty for He has truly been my shield and buckler, mystrength and my helper in everything.

To show myappreciation, I will like to give back by granting scholarships to six talentedand blessed individuals (Each from one of the six geo-political zones) in thecountry to study in Royal Arts Academy. This is in a bid to promotenational unity and integration. Also I come from the school of thought that believesthat if you give a man a fish you can only help him temporary. However, if youteach him how to fish you provide for him for life.
 
Information and modalities for thescholarships will be announced soon so keep a look out for that on my Twitterhandle @ememisong and on the Royal Arts blog www.royalartsacademy.blogpot.com. Finally, I am truly humbledby the heart-felt messages and well wishes I received on my birthday from manywho called by phone, BB, Facebook etc to wish me happy birthday. Thank you so much and may God reward you richly.