TIPTOPSTARS

Cameroon is bracing to welcome yet another explosive movie. Ride My Wrongs is currently undergoing post-production in a Yaounde studio. The 90-minute film was shot on locations in Yaounde. It is glamour in every sense - gorgeous costumes, smooth and attractive make-up, befitting apartment and above all good acting.

Perhaps good acting is what will sell Ride My Wrongs more. For another time, star folklore singer, Richard Kings is starring in a movie. For those who know him, the Yaounde-based musician is an excellent speaker. This quality of his could not escape the attention of producers of the movie. "And behold, Richard gave us just what we wanted," Elvis Tanwie, the movie's director told me. "He was great and showed no signs he was a fresh boy on set." Tanwie went on.

As well, newcomer Epule Jeffrey put up an amazingly wonderful perfomance. Jeff, as he is fondly called is only new in the industry, but his set show is sufficiently mature. "Paired up with Richard, Jeff was great," lighting technician, Tanko Frank said.

Then came Ebot Vera, the revelation in the Cameroon film industry! Her performance in Ride My Wrongs caused the producers to vow not to miss her in any subsequent production. The ebony-like actress, a Masters student in the Performinmg Arts and Cinematography Department of the University of Yaounde I reproduced her lines, gesticulated, smiled and cried when the directed needed her to, etc. Then her ebony complexion gave the movie the flare, savoured in contemporary urban African stories.

On her part, Awobang Perine dished out what she knows best - what she had earlier performed in Student's Cot, Osmosis and others. Reacting to Perine's performamce, Tanwie said, "She impressed us as usual."

Ride My Wrongs will be launcehed in June in Yaounde and most probably Kumbo. It is directed by Elvis Tanwie, also featuring Tim Solange. While Ashley-Amourmega aka ANIVA did the continuity, Dogstar managed the sound. Watch out for this bluck buster!

One of the hottest telefilms ever is on its way to Cameroons national television, CRTV. The Crazy Enterprise is a production of Blue Diamonds Entertainment, under gestation. The 52 episode series, written by Chi Anthony is being shot on locations in Yaounde. According to the author, The Crazy Enterprise deals with corporate misdemeanor: corruption, competition, fight for position, back stabbing, blackmail, sexual harassment, dishonesty etc. He further tells us the story is born from inspiration from a Yaounde college principal "When she came back form the US, the said College head recounted her experience from which I drawn inspiration to write the story" Chi tells us. To make it more attractive, the producer of The Crazy Enterprise decided to make it a situational comedy (Sitcom).

    What has it taken the young producer to engage in such a huge project? "Sound financial material and human resources," says Chi. He goes on:  "We have improved in every other aspect of production from Ancestral Wrath and the other productions you know about." The young producer explains that unlike before, they are using a DV Cam 2009 version. "Lighting has moved up from 500 to 1500 watt," he explains further. A costume department set up specially for the project constantly sews and supplies appropriate costumes to actors. The 11 crew members and 85 actors, TIPTOPSTARS learnt, are entitled to 3 square meals each shooting day. However, it is a big challenge having to deal with huge crowds, but the producer of The Crazy Entertainment is succeeding in doing that. "This is because the actors, actresses and crew members are quite disciplined," says Chi.

     The Crazy Enterprise is expected to hit the airwaves in March this Year. It is directed by Billy Bob Ndive starring Yimbu Emmanuel, Solange Yijika, Muma Pascal, Quinta Eyong, Njoya Grace, Tunyi Florence, Fri Louisa, Ofer Rose, Agwe George Keti sylvanus, Tume Balon and Ebot Vera. Also featuring are Blessing Peace, Ruthy Johnson, Forgwe Jennet, Marc Vaow, Kingsley Fisher, Mbang Milton. The series also benefits from a production collaboration of some young English producer/directors including Neba Lawrence, Asaba Ferdinand (Penda), Agbor Steve, Agbor Gilbert, Vivian Nintal, Chiatoh Collins, Yisi Mathew and Godwin Nganah.