TWG

TWG

Wednesday 2 September 2015

SAM OMOLE

SAM OMOLE is an emerging enigma storming the film industry with films embellished with values and morales. Founder, Theatre Xtraordinaire Ministries talks about his life, ministry, purpose and lots more in this interview with TWG HUB, do stay with us.


TWG: Good morning, tell us about yourself and your family.
SAM: My name is Sam Omole, I’m an Information Technology Specialist as well as the founder of Theatre Xtraordinaire Entertainment. I am the oldest of three children, two boys and a girl.

TWG: What is your most important childhood experience?
SAM: Growing to know and love God and having parents who cared for us.

TWG: How did Theatre Xtraordinaire begin?
SAM: The vision came into being on November 12, 2004 when I gathered together the first 15 pioneering members at Covenant University. Little did I know that it was going to become a company registered in New York as the home office, (smiles) man proposes, God disposes.

TWG: Wow, that’s a long while, and it has grown so big! How has the journey been?
SAM: Well, it’s had its ups and downs like every other successful venture but the key is to keep focus and be determined.

TWG: Give us detailed highlights of your successes and failure.
SAM: I always say the sky isn’t the limit for success, it’s only a benchmark. Well for failures, I wanted to do my first film in Nigeria in 2011 and after securing funding and crew and also negotiations with some A-level actors, everything crumbled. The funder pulled out and all attempts to get new funding failed.

TWG: That seems like a big setback. How were you able to overcome the failure and channel it into success?
SAM: It was a dark time. I had to draw on my faith and the promises of God. Habakkuk 2 was my greatest support, “even though the vision tarries, wait for it, it will surely speak”.

TWG: Based on your experiences, what’s your advise to people who have had serious set back and have thus given up on their dreams?
SAM: Get back on track and try again. Dreams can never be stopped unless the dreamer stops dreaming. Regardless of the challenges set before biblical Joseph, he never stopped dreaming. The dreams put him in trouble but the same dreams made him fulfill destiny.

TWG: Talking about biblical Joseph, why did you think he only had a dream about his final success and not a hint about his pending struggles and betrayers?
SAM: Obstacles refine us and prepare us by toughening us to face any challenges whatsoever. Any obstacles that you already have the idea about is not an obstacle.

TWG: How have you been able to represent Nigeria in the U.S?
SAM: I have represented Nigeria in the U.S by firstly, being a proud and true Nigerian. Theatre X has been known to originally start in Nigeria and our plans is to encourage and groom up and coming Nigerians here who are interested in entertainment through the academy (TX Academy).

TWG: Do you believe in Nigeria? If yes, state ways at which it can be better.
SAM: I believe Nigeria is a great country. One that can rise to the challenges that she faces and become the mighty nation destined. To do this, we Nigerians need to be transparent, united, believe in ourselves and above all trust God to lead us.

TWG: What’s your vision and purpose for living?
SAM: I live to serve the Almighty God and fulfill His unending plans for my life. He said to me June 21st, 2008 at 6:20 am “build your foundation in my Word because the depth of your foundation in my Word will determine the height of the actualization of my unending visions for your life".

TWG: That’s deep, what are your passions and interests?
SAM: Christian Filmmaking and Entertainment, Counselling, Mentoring, and on a lighter note, playing video games and chatting with friends.

TWG: What drives you in life?
SAM: God and family.

TWG: Tell us about your love life
SAM: I am not married yet but hopefully soon, as God directs.

TWG: Why did you choose the film industry and how do you think piracy can be curbed in Nigeria?
SAM: I have always wanted to impact and affect the lives of people not only one on one but through mass medium and with film, I am able to do that. I can reach people in the farthest of countries that my feet might never have touched. So it’s a powerful instrument when used in the right context. Priracy is the greatest enemy to the success of films in Nigeria. There has been a lot done to combat it to no avail. For me, one idea I think can make things a whole lot more effective here in the United States is the advent of VOD. We have Netflix, Hulu, Amazon on demand, ITUNES and all that. Iroko TV is doing something like that, but it has not yet gained ground in Nigeria because of the internet situation. Not everyone has access to the internet and those who do, cannot stream any video because of the poor network connection. But if the internet situation can be improved and Nigerians are encouraged to stream and purchase films online, then piracy wil be greatly reduced.

TWG: What production are you into presently and what plans are on ground presently?
SAM: We just finished our first full length feature film two weeks ago. It's an anti bullying film and its titled FOLLOWING PHIL. It's slated for a 2016 release. After that we did a 10 minutes Christian short film, which should be released by the end of the year. It's titled SEEKING SOLACE. It follows the story of the family who suffers the tragedy of loosing their mom. The family falls apart but after they recommit to Jesus, things turn around for good. As for the plans on ground, I’ll only talk of two things as it concerns Nigeria. Firstly, we signed a Nigerian Gospel artist YOYO MICHAEL. Her song THANK YOU is available on iTunes, Spotify, Spinlet and so much more. Also the video for Thank You will be released this month and will be available on YouTube for viewing free. Secondly there is a plan to do a mega-budget film in Nigeria by 2017. It will be a human trafficking film and will showcase some name actors. Those are the two information I can share for now.

TWG: That’s brilliant, where do you hope to be in five years?
SAM: Where God wants us to be, greater, better, bigger and above all, more impact in the lives of people as well as ours.



TWG: What is your advise to unemployed Nigerian youths?
SAM: They should not give up. Try new strategies. Network with more people and keep trying. Above all, reflect and see what unique gift God has given you. Put that to use and you might make history. PS – a mans gift makes room for him.

TWG: Last words for TWG HUB?
SAM: What you are doing is great. Promoting positive materials. Keep up the good work.

TWG: Thank you so much for your time, we truly appreciate it and we wish you greater success in all your endeavours.
SAM: Thank you

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