Olabode Adediya popularly known as Bodjetstar is a rising cinematographer, film maker, video editor, graphics designer and blogger. He is the Principal Director of Bodjetstar Media. He is also a Biochemical analyst and Health personnel. In this interview with ABDULHAFEEZ T. OYEWOLE, he speaks about how his passion for impacting in people's lives encouraged him to acquire all the skills needed to help him achieve his short and long term goals. 

My name is Olabode Damilola Adediya popularly known as Bodjetstar. I was born in Mushin Lagos in the 1980s. I hail from Ogun state, Ijebu East Local Government. I am a native of Ikija-Ijebu, that's 'Owu-Ikija'.

Well, I attended St. Paul (U.N.A.) Primary School, Bashua, Shomolu, Lagos. Then proceeded to Morocco Comprehensive High School, Igbobi-Yaba, Lagos. The school was later renamed to Morocco Comprehensive Junior High School (M.C.J.H.S.), when Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu re-organized the educational system whereby the Junior (J.S.S) Classes was separated from Senior (S.S). So, Schools were renamed by adding 'Junior' and 'Senior' to the ones that are only meant for JSS 1-3 and SSS 1-3 classes respectively. Then, the Junior Classes from our neighbouring school, Angus Memorial High School, was merged with ours, while our Senior Classes was merged with theirs and they were renamed as Angus Memorial Senior High School. 

After completing my 3 years (i.e. JSS 1-3) at M.C.J.H.S, I went to Angus Memorial Senior High School  (A.M.S.H.S.) for my Senior Secondary School. To the glory of God, I was the Laboratory Prefect and also the Assistant Class Captain. My Class Captain then was Dawodu by name. 

I was a member of the Jets Club and also HLPC (Health and Life Planning Club). Through HLPC, I registered with Action Health Incorporated (AHI), located at Jibowu, Yaba. I learnt a lot at AHI Youth Centre. They organized programmes for young people and also enlightened us on Sex education. I collected their magazine, Growing Up, which also inspired me. I really enjoy my stay at the School because I utilized every opportunities to develop myself. Then, an organization partnered with our School for computer training. I obtained the form and started learning Computer. Though I had little challenges but with time I found them solved. I graduated from A.M.S.H.S by June 2005. 

By year 2010, I gained admission into Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), where I studied Biochemistry. Biochemistry is all about life. We discover the essence of life. It's a versatile course that  prepares students and give them the opportunity to function effectively anywhere they find themselves. Though students say it is a tough and difficult course; it is an interesting course that is seen in our everyday lives. 

Skills acquired in Biochemistry help me a lot. It helps in planning and achieving goals. Its applications in life help in yielding results after taking some steps in different stages. That's the logic behind "Pathways". 

When I was in 100 level, I joined the Road Safety Cadet (RSC) Club and I was also part of the Dugbe International Entertainment Troupe (DIET) - a theatre group where I was trained in cultural/traditional dance, stage play and acting. We performed on stage just like the Theatre arts’ students. The group was founded by a Theatre arts graduate, and has its branch in University of Ibadan. The group was made up of talented students from different departments such as Law, Business Admin, Theatre Arts, English/Linguistic Studies, Microbiology, Biochemistry and so on. We performed on stage during events organized by Faculties and Departments and also during "Initiation Day" (a programme organized by the faculty of arts for Freshers in the department of English language and Theatres. That's the induction day for them). These extracurricular activities did not disturb my academics because there is time for everything. Time to study and time to play. 

So, at the end of 200 level, I had left the troupe and the cadet; and in 300 level, I was made the H.O.D. (Head of Department) of the drama department in the church I was attending (RCCG). Being a drama minister, I applied the skills acquired from the troupe to train the members of the drama unit. 

Bodjetstar is a three syllable word culled from my name, my unique complexion and what I want to be. The word “BOD” is from my name BODE. “JET” is a black and shinning ornament used in making jewellery. “STAR” is what I want to be. I want to be a shinning light that illuminates without being hindered by my complexion or background. 

Moreover, I gave myself that nickname than people giving me a nickname. The nickname came to existence when I was in Secondary school. It was created Around 2003/2004. 

Some (people) do misspell it to Bodjester which is another meaning to them.  They write "jester" to the name because of me being a comedian. Jester makes jest of people, and I hate making jest of people so I always correct those who spell it wrong. 

Bodjetstar is a multifaceted brand. I love its uniqueness, that's why I use it till now. I have Bodjetstar TV on YouTube and Facebook  to share my videos. I use Bodjetstar for all my social media handles. BODJETSTAR means “Bode Black and Shine”, and I am proud to be Black because combination of all colours gives black. 

The influence is all about discovering myself, using my talents/gifts to add values to lives. A man's gift will makes way for him and he will not stand with mere men but with Kings. 

How did you get started as a cinematographer, graphic designer, video editor and film maker? 

Thank you for this question. Let’s start by saying to make a film, you need these skills. I learnt graphic design while I was in secondary school. I also trained myself and sharpen my skills by designing posters and fliers needed in my drama unit and also the publication unit in my church then as a member. Practice makes you perfect. 

I started cinematography by shooting videos of my school life at university for documentation purpose in order to watch later in the future. After shooting, I edited the footages and keep. That one apart. Being a drama coordinator, I thought of making a short gospel film that would be shown in the church using a projector than just stage drama. So I decided to create something using what I have to get what I need. Then I produced a short film that was projected in the church. Since then I have started, even, to the NYSC period. While in school I produced four short films. They were: “Who are you in the toilet?”, “The Mind”, “Our God”, and “Expiry Day”. 

During my NYSC Orientation Camp, I applied for Cinematography Class of the NYSC SAED programmes. I learnt more and sharpen my skills and received the certificate in the course from Purpose Film Academy. I was able to produce a short film as a member of the NCCF drama unit. The film was titled "In His Steps". As a corps member, I also produced documentary films for a project called “Operation 300!”. 

Before I completed my NYSC program, I also produced 2 documentary films to encourage and inspire the students on the importance of education and how to overcome some of the challenges they face. They were titled: "We Are The Ones" and "Lost But Found”. I was also part of a feature film project produced by a friend, "Ecstasy", a film about Corpers' life during service year. 

What are responsible for your interest in things that revolve around motion pictures and movie productions despite your chosen academic field? 

One thing is that media have a great impact in the lives, if people and film is one of them. I watch Indian movies and see how they promote their country and their culture. Their storyline is unique right from the first act to the conflicts and the last act of their story. 

Motion pictures is a means of education and information. You learn faster from what you see than what you just read. I see movie productions/motion pictures as a tool for educating, enlightening, encouraging, informing and inspiring people. 

How do you perceive all what you do, that is film making, cinematography, video editing, graphic design: vocations or professions and your reasons? 

I have passion for film making, cinematography, graphics design and video editing, and I feel fulfilled doing them. I take them as vocations, while Biochemistry is my profession because I spent up to five years studying it and earned a BSc. Degree. 

God is the one who taught me video editing and He inspires me in creative designs. 

What is your idea of a good: cinematographer, film maker, video editor and graphics designer? 

As a cinematographer, your framing, shots and movements determined what the viewers would see and how you want to portray the scripts. You give life to that script and give the right emotion and interpretation of the story. 

This also applies to an editor. You complement the work of a cinematographer by polishing the look of the footages and add all that is required to make it something valuable and worthy to watch by the audience who will watch the video. 

As a film maker, you create something people will refer others who haven't known about your film to. You create value not just to make money. 

As a good graphics designer, your see the invisible through your imaginations and make it visible. A good graphics designer must be creative with unique designs. The combination of the texts, shapes, images and colours must state or explain the purpose of the design. 

How can one make money from all these (that is from cinematography, graphics design, film production and video editing? 

Lots of people are creating videos, short films and skits, even music video. Building a business around these would earn you income. There are digital TV stations that need quality contents, and you creating such will fetch you money. Also, designing banners, fliers, posters and so on will put money into your pockets. It's all about your creativity, passion and innovation. Just try to be unique. 

What is your take on the Nigerian movie industry and if you have a chance to change anything in the industry, what will that be? 

We are improving. It's just that we need quality contents that are informative and educative. Movies should be censored to ensure quality contents and not just anything. People are not watching some Nigerian movies like before. They prefer films from the Asian countries. Why? Because, their contents worth it. 

If I am given the chance, film making must be of quality and piracy will also be something to look into.

The motivation is to see that people of virtues are seen in the society. Moreover, family is the smallest unit of the society. Charity begins at home. 

Having over 6 years of experience as a teacher leads to the creation of the blog: Channel of Virtue (www.channelofvirtue.wordpress.com). A happy home makes a happy children. Parents, who are in disagreement at home, have a negative effects on the children, as this affects their  (i.e. children) performances academically and spiritually. A good child having good character is as a result of the home he or she comes from. Some children lacks manners. They have no moral at all and its the faults of their parents. 

So my blog, Channel of Virtue is for every family. It targets the young people -to learn about living a good life and help them develop and stay motivated through self improvement and personal development-, couples -to help in nurturing love and good relationship that can be a role model to their children-  and parents -to raise godly/god-fearing children and nurture them to be good ambassadors of the family through the parenting tips and strategies-.

The title is "Making Your Marriage Work”. It is all about common issues in marriage and how it can be addressed. It involves a practical guide that gives solution that will make a marriage that is not working out well to function right. 

What are your gains/achievements  (in terms of awards, recognitions, movies etc.) since you started as a cinematographer, graphic designer, video editor and film maker? 

As said earlier,  I have been able to produce short films of my own, with titles already mentioned. And I also worked with various NYSC individuals and groups' project to achieve their various purposes through featuring, editing, designing of fliers, creating documentary and adverts around their events and projects. Education CDS was one, then Operation 300!, and NYSC movie project: Ecstasy, among others. 

In addition, I designed the year book for the Batch A 2015 NCCF Corpers, when I was serving at Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State. 

I also founded the Media CDS Group which grew from two to over twenty members and worked with my team to reach the goals of the CDS group. You (the interviewer) being my Vice then was of a great value to me because you encouraged and worked with me not only as a colleague but as a brother to achieve all we achieved during service year. Right from the monthly publication: Clarion Focus, to the excursion to the Media House at Iwo: Reality RadioVision Services - the owner of Reality TV and Reality FM. 

So, the chance I had to work with these individuals  -God knows where they are now- and groups was very uplifting. I can't forget the lessons learnt in a hurry, because they keep me going and growing on daily basis. 

I love singing, especially in praising God. I hate dirtiness because cleanliness is next to Godliness.

Stay motivated. Use what you have to get what you need and be yourself. Don’t wait until you have all the resources. When you work towards your vision, there would be provision for your vision. Always put God first by committing everything into His hands. 

God taught me video editing and majority of what I know. So, relying on Him is my source of inspiration. Without God, I wouldn't have achieved what I achieved. My greatest achievements is yet to come.

To be interviewed, kindly contact Abdulhafeez T. Oyewole via E-mail, Twitter and Instagram.