TIPTOPSTARS

Just a couple of days from now, the first 26 episodes of My Successor will be handed to CRTV for broadcast. “We’ve pleaded to CRTV to give us some more time, so that the serial can be launched publicly,” Godwin Nganah told this reporter. “As soon as that is done, we can then forward it to them,” he added. Shooting is however still going on. “Editing as well,” the director, Asaba Ferdinand (Penda) confirms. It’s been over a month since the crew set to work, criss-crossing Yaounde.  Many have observed My Successor has been one of the most exciting film projects so far. “It has brought together people with different, yet interesting views,” one actor said. “I hate to imagine that some day, it will be over and we’ll all go back home,” another regretted. Meanwhile, My Successor has been a unique experience. Some of its actors have shot challenging scenes they think will stay in their memories for ever. One of the scenes was shot in a hospital theatre. Off set, this reporter sought their views:

Penda (Director)
I was discovering the theatre as a director. I had to keep getting advice from the attendant. You know the theatre has its rules, regulations and language. Once you get there, you must behave as required. I was not easy drilling my actors on that, but at the end of the day, we succeeded. It was one of the scenes I enjoyed directing most and it has enriched my experience.

Buminang (D.O.P)
The theatre scene was a big challenge to me. I was at my best when I was shooting it. It required diligence and proper angling. The apparatuses, theatre outfit of the Doctors and the operation itself were really glamorous on camera. It was generally interesting shooting in the theatre.

Yimbu (Actor)
I was one of the Doctors in the theatre scene. It was one of the most exciting scenes I’ve ever done in my career as an actor. First, I saw myself in a completely different world. I developed a new feeling as soon as I put on the theatre outfit and stepped into the room. The operation was another sensation. I became a surgeon at that particular moment. It was an exciting experience and I loved it. It’s definitely going to be a scene that will move the audience.

Onya (Actor)
I was one of the doctors in the scene. I enjoyed being there. The theatre scene was a new experience on set for me. I think I will like to start doing more of such roles. It was difficult acclimatising fast, but with the aid of the attendant, I and my interlocutor understood the theatre language. The performance thereafter was fantastic and I think it’s going to be a thrilling scene in My Successor.

DiDi Lobe (Actor)
I was the one being operated upon. I had to lie motionless for the period we were in the theatre. It required endurance, but I love it. I was particularly happy with the make-up. Would you imagine that my intestines were out…..yet……. The scene was exciting, just as the role was challenging. It was so natural and captivating.

Mispah (Actress)
I was one of the nurses, assisting the doctors. I felt I was no longer what I am, but a nurse as soon as I got into the theatre outfit and went into the room. It was nice in there and I’m convinced viewers will love the scene.

Frank (The Making)
My camera saw everything in the theatre. I loved the images. It’s not all the time one has the opportunity to have such images. I was indeed.

Bobo Leennox (Make-Up Artist)
The theatre scene was one of the most challenging to me since I began My Successor. First, I had to think of how to get something that will resemble a surgical operation. I will not want to disclose what I did, but would urge Cameroonians to watch My Successor and assess what we are doing as far as make-up is concerned. It took me time, creativity and ingenuity to come out with what they are going to watch in that particular scene. But all I know is that it was a wonderful job which met the set objective. I am particularly happy that I did that job. It was a memorable job and I think I’ll make reference to it anywhere, any time.