Today we’d like to introduce you to stephen shenboyejo.
Hi stephen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Stephen Shenboyejo, but many know me as Steve The Director. I have had a passion for filmmaking for as long as I can remember. My journey began with a fascination for storytelling and visual arts, which led me to explore various aspects of film production.
I started my career as a Production Assistant and Video Editor at Mex Film in Lagos, Nigeria. During my time there, I created compelling video content for diverse clients, demonstrating versatility across different genres. This initial experience laid a strong foundation for my skills in directing, editing, and cinematography.
My career truly took off when I joined Ovation Media Group and later, Film Factory. As a Senior Video Editor at these companies, I had the opportunity to work on commercials, music videos, and documentaries. My proficiency with industry-standard software like Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and DaVinci Resolve allowed me to bring creative visions to life and consistently meet client expectations. I also played a pivotal role in training team members and implementing quality control measures, contributing to the overall success and development of the teams.
In March 2022, I founded FILM EMPIRE INT’L in Lagos, Nigeria. As the founder and lead Film Director, I have been responsible for managing production teams, ensuring seamless collaboration, and maintaining financial discipline throughout productions. My dedication to excellence has been recognized with multiple awards, including Best Director at several international film festivals. These accolades have affirmed my commitment to delivering high-quality content and storytelling.
Throughout my journey, I have remained dedicated to staying updated with industry trends and technologies, continuously refining my skills in color correction, grading, and non-linear editing techniques. My work has been featured in notable publications such as The Nation Newspaper Nigeria, VoyageATL, and Shoutout Atlanta, which has further solidified my reputation in the industry.
In summary, my journey from a passionate storyteller to a multi-award-winning filmmaker has been fueled by creativity, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence. I look forward to bringing my experience and vision to new and exciting projects.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey in filmmaking has been incredibly rewarding, but it hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like any creative field, it has come with its set of challenges and struggles.
One of the initial hurdles I faced was gaining recognition and establishing myself in a competitive industry. When I first started out, I had to prove my skills and creativity, often working on low-budget projects and taking on multiple roles to get the job done. These experiences, while challenging, were invaluable in building my versatility and resilience.
Another significant challenge was managing the financial aspects of film production. Ensuring that projects stayed within budget without compromising on quality required meticulous planning and resource management. This was especially critical when I founded FILM EMPIRE INT’L, as I had to balance the creative vision with financial sustainability.
Technical difficulties were also a common struggle. Keeping up with the rapid advancements in film technology and software meant continuous learning and adaptation. There were times when I had to troubleshoot technical issues on the fly, which tested my problem-solving abilities and patience.
Collaboration and communication posed their own set of challenges. Directing a diverse team of creatives, each with their own ideas and working styles, required strong leadership and the ability to mediate differences. Ensuring everyone was aligned with the project’s vision while maintaining a harmonious work environment was not always easy, but it was crucial for the success of each project.
Additionally, gaining international recognition was a significant milestone, but it came with the challenge of meeting high expectations and maintaining the quality of work across different cultural contexts. Winning awards at international film festivals like the Rome Film Festival and the Golden Wheat Awards in Turkey was a testament to overcoming these challenges, but it also meant that I had to constantly strive to innovate and excel.
Despite these struggles, each challenge has been a learning experience that has shaped me into a more skilled and resilient filmmaker. The journey has taught me the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. These lessons have been invaluable in my growth as a filmmaker and in achieving the success I enjoy today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’d be delighted to share more about my work. As a filmmaker, I specialize in directing, editing, cinematography, and color grading. My career spans over ten years, during which I’ve had the privilege of working on a wide variety of projects, including commercials, music videos, documentaries, and short films.
At the core of my work is storytelling. I am passionate about creating compelling narratives that resonate with audiences on an emotional level. My expertise in visual aesthetics and technical proficiency with industry-standard software like Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and DaVinci Resolve allows me to bring these stories to life with a unique visual flair.
I am perhaps best known for my work as the founder and lead Film Director of FILM EMPIRE INT’L. Here, I direct and manage production teams, ensuring that each project is executed with creativity and professionalism. Some of my notable achievements include winning multiple awards at prestigious international film festivals. These accolades include Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Music Video at events such as the Golden Wheat Awards in Turkey and the Rome Film Festival.
One of the works I am most proud of is Alone, a short narrative film. This project was particularly challenging yet immensely rewarding, as it pushed the boundaries of my creative and technical abilities. It also received significant recognition and accolades, which affirmed the hard work and dedication of my team and me.
What sets me apart from others in the industry is my versatility and commitment to continuous improvement. I have a diverse skill set that spans across directing, editing, cinematography, and color grading, allowing me to oversee the entire filmmaking process from conception to final output. My collaborative approach and strong communication skills enable me to work effectively with diverse teams, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the project’s vision.
Additionally, my ability to adapt to new trends and technologies in the industry ensures that my work remains fresh and innovative. I am also deeply committed to quality, often going the extra mile to ensure that every detail of a project is perfect.
Another distinguishing factor is my engagement with the broader filmmaking community through memberships in organizations like Sundance Collab and Film Independent. These platforms allow me to connect with other filmmakers, share knowledge, and stay inspired.
Overall, what drives me is a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for storytelling that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact on the audience.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is the power of storytelling and its ability to connect with people on a deep, emotional level. I believe that through film, we can tell stories that resonate with audiences, evoke emotions, and inspire change.
Storytelling has always been at the heart of my work because it allows me to explore and convey complex human experiences and emotions. Whether it’s through a commercial, a music video, or a feature film, my goal is to create narratives that are not only visually stunning but also meaningful and impactful. This commitment to storytelling drives my passion for filmmaking and pushes me to continually improve my craft.
Another aspect that matters deeply to me is the quality and integrity of my work. I am dedicated to maintaining high standards in every project I undertake, ensuring that the final product is something I and my team can be proud of. This dedication to excellence is not just about winning awards or receiving recognition, but about honoring the art form and respecting the audience’s time and attention.
Collaboration and teamwork are also vital to me. Filmmaking is inherently a collaborative process, and I believe that the best results come from working with a diverse group of talented individuals who bring their unique perspectives and skills to the table. Building a positive, inclusive, and creative working environment where everyone feels valued and motivated is essential to producing great work.
Finally, continuous learning and adaptation are crucial. The film industry is constantly evolving with new technologies and trends. Staying updated and being open to new ideas ensures that my work remains relevant and innovative. It also allows me to grow as a filmmaker and continuously push the boundaries of what I can achieve.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.instagram.com/bystevethedirector
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bystevethedirector
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-shenboyejo?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
