Rogers Ofime
{{Short description|Nigerian film producer}}
{{Infobox person
|name = Rogers Ofime
|image =
|imagesize =
|caption =
|birth_name = Rogers Ofime
|birth_place = Lagos State, Nigeria
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1973|3|10}}
|occupation = Film Producer/Director
|years_active = 2001 – present
}}
Rogers Ofime (born March 10, 1973) is a Nigerian born Canadian based film maker and television producer. He is best known for producing several notable Nigerian television soap operas, including the successful Tinsel,{{cite web|url=http://pulse.ng/movies/rogers-ofime-nantap-honours-tinsel-producer-id3932539.html|title=Rogers Ofime: NANTAP honours Tinsel producer|last=Bada|first=Gbenga|date=July 2015|work=PulseNG|access-date=5 April 2017}} which was the first multi-camera studio based television daily soap to be produced by a Nigerian producer in all of East, West or North Africa and more recently Hush.{{cite web|url=https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/i-believe-in-teamwork-it-promotes-professionalism/|title='I believe in teamwork, it promotes professionalism'|last=Thomas-Odia|first=Ijeoma|date=April 2017|work=Guardian Saturday Magazine|access-date=9 April 2017}}
Early life
Ofime was born in Lagos, Nigeria. In May 1985, he graduated from St. Paul's Primary School in Lagos, Nigeria and then went on to Iponri Grammar School in Lagos in June 1991 for his secondary school education. After his secondary education, in May 1994 he obtained a Certificate in Drama from the Obafemi Awolowo University in Osun State, southwest Nigeria and another Certificate in Music from the same university in May 1996.
In July 2000 Ofime graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (2nd Class Lower) B.A. Dramatic Arts from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun state, Nigeria.{{cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201412041661.html|title=Nigeria: Rogers Ofime... Detailed, Articulate On Screen|last=Akutu|first=Geraldine|date=November 2014|work=All Africa|access-date=8 April 2017}} In October 2004 he obtained a Masters of Arts (PhD Grade) MA Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. In 2016, he graduated from Robertson College in Canada with a certificate in Business Administration.{{cite web|url=http://life.guardian.ng/2016/06/rogers-ofime-ardour-for-redefining-nollywood/|title=Rogers Ofime… Ardour For Redefining Nollywood|last=Thomas-Odia|first=Ijeoma|date=June 2016|work=Guardian Life|access-date=8 April 2017}} He then enrolled for a PHD at the Lagos State University, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Growing up, Ofime looked up to mentors such as Erika Klopper, Desiree Markgraaf, Tade Ogidan, Richard Mofe Damijo, and would grow to become a fan of Steven Spielberg and Tyler Perry. He had his first opportunity given to him by Tade Ogidan, a foremost Nigerian director. But the opportunity that led to his breakthrough in the television and film industry was given to him by Erika Klopper. According to Ofime, "She believed in me when everyone doubted my ability to deliver a studio based multi-cam daily series."
Career
In 2001, Ofime began producing movies, television series and commercials as a television production manager in Lagos, Nigeria and by 2005, Ofime took a job with South Africa-based Film Company, Sky Sweeper Films. In his time there, Ofime produced his first set of television commercial projects, which enjoyed notable success.{{cite web|url=http://rogersofime.com/index.php/biography/|title=Biography: Rogers Ofime|last=Akutu|first=Geraldine|date=November 2015|work=Rogers Ofime|access-date=9 April 2017}}
In 2007, Ofime was head hunted by top South African media company M-net and was commissioned to produce a daily soap opera Tinsel on the M-net/Africa Magic platform. While working on Tinsel, he worked with a 120-member film crew, 15 recurring actors and 500 supporting actors. The show went on to become one of the most viewed television series in Africa, viewed by millions and syndicated across 48 African countries on satellite and local television stations. It also made him the first Nigerian producer to produce a multi-camera, studio-based daily television soap opera in West, North and East Africa.
In 2013, Ofime was mandated by M-net to develop a Tele-film initiative by putting together a team of 120 film-makers to produce at least 80 tele-films in 2013, 60 films in 2014 and 40 in 2015. The movie project initiative, which was successful is called the Africa Magic Original Films (AMOF) project.
Ofime relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and set up his own production company, Theatron Media Incorporated and has worked alongside several notable film producers and directors including Tade Ogidan, Erika Klopper, Juliette Hagopian, Robert Peters, Curtis Graham, Steve Morrisson and Titus Orpen.{{cite web|url=http://pulse.ng/movies/rogers-ofime-why-i-created-zone-222-tinsel-producer-speaks-on-new-tv-series-id3856568.html|title=Rogers Ofime: Why I created 222|last=Bada|first=Gbenga|date=June 2015|work=PulseNG|access-date=9 April 2017}}
Ofime is the Executive Producer at Native Media TV, a production company, under which platform he produced the series, "Zone 222" and "Till You Are 16" for Africa Magic TV.{{Cite news |date=2016-01-16|title=Native Media Unveils New Produc|url=https://guardian.ng/features/native-media-unveils-new-produc/|access-date=2021-02-24|website=Guardian News|language=en-US}}
In 2020, he produced a movie titled "Voiceless". A movie that focuses on the troubles faced by those living in the northern part of Nigeria.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-16|title=Voiceless: The anguish of living in Northern Nigeria|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/11/voiceless-the-anguish-of-living-in-northern-nigeria/|access-date=2021-02-24|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}
Personal life
Ofime is married to Olabimpe Ofime. They met in the university, and have been married since 2002. They have two children.
Awards and recognition
At the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA), a movie he produced, Oloibiri, was named Best Movie West Africa. The movie is story of the historic town where Nigeria's first commercial oil discovery was made by Shell Darcy in June 1956, and starring Nigerian great actors like Olu Jacobs and Richard Mofe Damijo, Oloibiri beat A Trip to Jamaica, 76, 93 Days and The CEO to win the award.{{cite web|url=http://pulse.ng/movies/amvca-2017-oloibiri-wins-best-movie-west-africa-id6318273.html|title=#AMVCA 2017: "Oloibiri" wins Best Movie West Africa|last=Izuzu|first=Chimdunga|date=March 2017|work=PulseNG|access-date=9 April 2017}}
In May 2015, Ofime was honoured with a plaque by the National Association of the Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners, NANTAP, as a certified thespian for his commitment to the development of arts and culture in Nigeria.
A list of Ofime's awards include
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
- Best Sitcom, AMVCA 2017 - The Johnsons
- Best actor in Drama, AMVCA 2017 - Hotel Majestic
- Best Actress in drama, AMVCA 2017 - Hush
- Best actor in Comedy, AMVCA 2017 - The Johnsons
- Best actress (Gold award) International independent film awards Los Angeles - Price of Spice
- Merit award (Best short film), California, USA - One out of Several
- Best Movie West Africa, AMVCA 2017 - Oloibiri
- 'Best Foreign Film' Award, 2016 San Diego Black Film Festival, USA - Oloibiri
- 'Best Film' in Water Category', 2016 Green Me Global Festival for Sustainability, Lagos - Oloibiri
- Homevida 2016 Award for Feature Film category promoting Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance - Oloibiri
- 'Best Film' Award, 2015 NAFCA, Los Angeles - Oloibiri
- 'Best Screenplay' Award, 2015 NAFCA, Los Angeles - Oloibiri
- The Audio Visual Award (TAVA) for the outstanding producer for 2011 - Tinsel
- Best TV series (English) City People Awards 2017- The Johnsons
- Best Sitcom Nigerian Teen Choice Awards 2016 - The Johnsons
- Best TV sitcom Naija 102.7FM comedy Awards 2017 - The Johnsons
- Best TV sitcom Naija 102.7FM comedy Awards 2018 - The Johnsons
- Best TV series African Youth Choice Awards 2015 - Hotel Majestic
- Best TV series Tava Awards 2010 - Tinsel
- Best Feature Narrative Long Film, American Golden Picture International Film Festival - Make Room{{cite web|url=https://americangoldenpictureiff.com/december-2019|title=FULL LIST OF WINNERS AND NOMINEES: AMERICAN GOLDEN PICTURE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2019|work=americangoldenpictureiff.com|access-date=27 October 2021}}
- Best Cinematography, American Golden Picture International Film Festival - Make Room
- Best Editing, American Golden Picture International Film Festival - Make Room
- Best Screenplay, American Golden Picture International Film Festival - Honourable Mention
- Best Picture, Universal Movie Awards 2021 - Voiceless
- Best Director, Universal Movie Awards 2021 - Voiceless
- Best Screenplay, Universal Movie Awards 2021 - Voiceless
- Best Film Edit, Universal Movie Awards 2021 - Voiceless{{cite web|url=https://unimaawards.org|title=FULL LIST OF WINNERS AND NOMINEES: UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 2021|work=unimaawards.org|access-date=25 October 2021}}
{{div col end}}
Filmography
=Feature films=
| class="wikitable" | ||||
| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="19" | 2013 | Hotel Rush | Producer | Patience Oghre Imobhio | MNET Original Film |
| Fifth | Producer | Ehizojie Ejesebholo | MNET Original Film | |
| Roadside | Producer | Ehizojie Ejesebholo | MNET Original Film | |
| Kopa | Producer | MNET Original Film | ||
| The Room | Producer | Patience Oghre Imobhio | MNET Original Film | |
| Complicated | Producer | Solomon Macaulay | MNET Original Film | |
| Kin | Producer | Patience Oghre Imobhio | MNET Original Film | |
| Prodigal | Producer | Ehizojie Ejesebholo | MNET Original Film | |
| Moving On | Producer | Alex Mouth | MNET Original Film | |
| Homecoming | Producer | Ehizojie Ejesebholo/Patience Oghre Imobhio | MNET Original Film | |
| Olive Branch | Producer | Alex Mouth | MNET Original Film | |
| A Shot in the Foot | Producer | Solomon Macaulay | MNET Original Film | |
| Buffon | Producer | Patience Oghre Imobhio | MNET Original Film | |
| Spinsters | Producer | Ehizojie Ejesebholo/Solomon Macaulay | MNET Original Film | |
| Night Raid | Producer | Alex Mouth | MNET Original Film | |
| This House is not for Sale | Producer | Ehizojie Ejesebholo | MNET Original Film | |
| Target | Producer | Alex Mouth | MNET Original Film | |
| Secret Lives of Yahoo Boys | Producer | Ehizojie Ejesebholo | MNET Original Film | |
| Undertaking | Producer | Patience Oghre Imobhio | MNET Original Film | |
| 2014 | Scarlet | Producer | Patience Oghre Imobhio | MNET Original Film |
| 2016 | Oloibiri | Producer{{cite news|url=https://independent.ng/rogers-ofime-celebrates-as-oloibiri-readies-for-netflix-debut/|title=Rogers Ofime Celebrates As Oloibiri Readies For Netflix Debut|last=Medeme|first=Ovwe|date=17 April 2021|work=independent.ng|access-date=12 October 2021}} | Curtis Graham | A Right Angle & Theatron Media Production |
| rowspan="2" | 2018 | Zero Hour | Executive Producer | Robert Peters | Native Media Production |
| Mugabe | Executive Producer | Robert Peters | Eastgate Production | |
| 2020 | Voiceless | Executive Producer{{cite news|url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/11/27/ofime-digs-into-insurgency-trauma-in-voiceless-movie-2/|title=Ofime Digs into Insurgency, Trauma in "Voiceless" Movie|date=27 November 2020|work=thisdaylive.com|access-date=12 October 2021}} | Robert Peters | Native Media/Theatron Media/White Media |
| 2021 | Kanaani | Producer | Tola Olatunji | RAS Films/Native Media |
= Major television series =
| class="wikitable" | ||||
| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 - 2015 | Tinsel (1,500 Episodes) | Producer | Various | MNET TV Series |
| 2011 - date | The Johnsons (1892 Episodes) | Executive Producer | Various | MNET TV Series |
| 2015 | Till You Are 16 (13 Episodes) | Executive Producer | Various | Theatron Media |
| 2015 - 2016 | Hotel Majestic (260 Episodes) | Executive Producer | Various | MNET TV Series |
| 2016 - 2017 | Hush (260 Episodes) | Executive Producer | Various | MNET TV Series |
| 2019 | The Mystic River (Nigerian Series) 26 Episodes) | Executive Producer | Various | Native Media |
| 2018 - date | Coloré (52 Episodes) | Director | Rogers Ofime | Native Media/Theatron Media/Mugosa Media |
=Short films=
| class="wikitable" | ||||
| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="3" | 2015 | One out of several | Producer/Director | Rogers Ofime | Theatron Media Production |
| Liberated | Producer/Director | Rogers Ofime | Native Media Production | |
| With Love | Producer/Director | Rogers Ofime | Theatron Media Production | |
| rowspan="2" | 2016 | Price of Spice | Producer/Director | Rogers Ofime | Theatron Media/Native Media Production |
| Date | Producer/Director | Rogers Ofime | Theatron Media Media Production | |
| rowspan="3" | 2018 | The End | Director | Rogers Ofime | rowspan="3" | Native Media Production |
| Bridges | Director | Rogers Ofime | ||
| Cover Up | Director | Rogers Ofime |
=Documentaries=
| class="wikitable" | ||||
| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Peter Odili | Production Manager | Tade Ogidan | OGD Pictures |
| 2004 | Ashaka Cement (LFT Day) | Production Manager | Owolabi Odesola | Cross Craft |
| 2005 | Unilever: Touching Lives | Production Manager | Owolabi Odesola | Cross Craft |
| 2005 | Coca-Cola | Production Manager | Owolabi Odesola | Cross Craft |
| 2009 | Diary of a Legend | Producer | MNET Africa | |
| 2017 | Voiceless | Director | Rogers Ofime | Native Media Production |
| 2017 | Never Again | Director | Rogers Ofime | Theatron Media Production |
| 2017 | Restoration: A Refugee story{{cite web|url=http://www.wearemovingstories.com/we-are-moving-stories-films/2017/11/20/restoration-a-refugees-story|title=Hollywood International Independent Documentary Awards - Restoration: A Refugee's Story|date=20 November 2017|work=wearemovingstories.com|access-date=16 October 2021}} | Director | Rogers Ofime | Mugbosa Media/Theatron Media Production |
=Reality Television=
| class="wikitable" | ||||
| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | The Intern | Line Producer | Tade Ogidan | Reality TV Competition produced for Bank PHB |
| 2008 | Project Fame | Production Manager | Hydei Uys | Production for Endemol |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb name|5277927}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ofime, Rogers}}
Category:Film directors from Winnipeg
Category:Film producers from Manitoba
Category:Canadian television directors
Category:Canadian television producers
Category:Nigerian emigrants to Canada
Category:Obafemi Awolowo University alumni
Category:Nigerian film producers
Category:Nigerian film directors