Take 5: Ledama Ole Sempele

Ledama Ole Sempele is Head of Operations at Film Crew In Africa, “a local production company that does extraordinary work.” A producer by profession, he has been involved in numerous television advertisements as well as programs such as Makutano Junction, Changes, Higher Learning, Kona, Siri ya Mtungi, and others. He also worked on the smash hit, Nairobi Half Life, and is currently on the team behind the upcoming, Night of the Lotus. He enjoys cooking, watching and admiring other people’s works [in the industry] and reading inspirational books that are

life-changing.

1. What excites you most about filmmaking? What’s your favourite part - camera work? Editing? Producing?

Definitely producing, which is what I do. And it is my favourite part - the planning process, when the idea is still on paper. I enjoy the organising process and bringing what’s on paper to life.

2. Do you think fatherhood has changed the way you make film?

Honestly, I love making interesting stories of any kind. Fatherhood has just made me realise that I have an added responsibility towards an extra person - my daughter. I have become more accountable and responsible both at home and at work.

3. Were you surprised at how Nairobi Half Life took off and ran? 

Yes, but to tell the truth, I had a very good feeling about that movie, I had no doubt that it would perform well and I was not wrong. I quit a paying job to work on NHL. I knew what I wanted and I went for it, money or not. The best thing about this decision is that I got the experience of being part of a great Kenyan film. The sacrifice was well worth it.

4. What are you working on next?

I have taken a short break from producing. I decided to take on a challenge and be a project manager/contractor in building a new home for Film Crew In Africa. I am in charge of construction of the next office we will be moving into. It’s been a challenging experience which, like my job, involves bringing to life what is on paper!

5. What do you think is the biggest drawback in film in Kenya - financially, structurally, or in any other way?

Allow me to use Hollywood as my case study for best practice in film. I believe we need a complete overhaul of the film industry here. We need to crack the financing code of film, from structures that will help govern the film industry, garner recognition from the government and/or the private sector, and finally find ways of distributing our films for them to make money for the film makers. These are some of the areas Hollywood has managed to streamline, making it a success. The Film industry in Kenya is considered to be one of the best in Africa when it comes to professionalism in film making; however, we need to unite and work together in making this industry a success.