Welcome to Mykindofmovies Productions!
Hey Movielovers!
My names are Fred Mayford aka Mr. Magic and my production company is called Mykindofmovies Productions. I am a movie director, producer, creative writer, journalist, dancer and singer.
I was born into the industry. I started acting for the stage, television and radio when i was in primary school (Pry 4). I was part of Kiddies Show Time on LTV 8, Lagos, alongside my parents.
I wrote and did a lot of stage productions with groups like The Komikas, led by late Ralph Aboyeji until I became the producer and director of Famous Theatre Group. We did the works of Soyinka, Rotimi, Henshaw and other great plays. We were part of the Nigerian Carnival.
I shot Nwata Ri awo Ojo Anu, a home video in Igbo language for Famous Productions, in Obosi, Anambra State in 1992.
I acted in Bruno and the Law. I have been involved in the production process that spans television, home video and celluliod. I was on the set of The Return as a costumier assistant. My mother and I,late Felicia Mayford, went on to win the award for Best Costume.
As a journalist, I have been covering the arts and culture beat as well as entertainment for various newspapers in Nigeria.
I started with the Lagos Weekend, Daily Times, Lagos Horizon, Radio Lagos, Post Express, Channels.
I worked as the entertainment editor of Dakova's Eminent People Magazine. While also there I was opportuned to know most of the things that happens in the fashion and modelling world. My stay there brought me in contact with top fashion designers and models in Nigeria.
I became the editor of Starwatch Magazine. It was the first magazine devoted to the Nigerian movie industry, popularly called Nollywood today. This was in 1999. While I was the editor, I came in contact with most of the producers, directors, actors, actresses etc who have risen up to be on top on their game today. I also presented a communications programme for DBN.
My company is into movies, music, television, radio and stage productions, commercials, jingles, musical videos, soundtracks, scripts, choreography and general entertainment consultancy.
Star Interview: Tonto Dike
Tonto Dike - To Play or Not to Play Nude?
An undergraduate in the Petro-chemical Engineering at the University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, pretty 23 year-old Tonto Dike is determined to climb to the peak of her acting career. Her emergence into the movie industry in less than three years have won her credits, in over 30 movies.
She has featured in movies such as Missing Rib, Last Mission, Secret Mission, Rush Hour, Final Hour, Fatal Mistake, Family Disgrace, Plain Truth, Miss Maradonna, Divine Grace, Tea or Coffee, 7 Graves, Crisis In Paradise, Insecurity, Mortal Desire, among others.
She speaks on her acting career for which she has a great passion, saying she might act nude if there is the need to do so.
What informed your acting career?
I’ve always had the passion for acting and when the opportunity came I grabbed it.
You never thought of studying Theater Arts in school?
It may be embarrassing to say this, but I feel studying Theater Arts in school is like a waste of time. Some people can sing while some learn how to sing. I’m not the kind of person who will learn how to act, although I love to learn how to improve acting but it is just a talent in me.
How did you get into acting and which was your first movie?
I got into the industry after I left the reality TV show “The next movie star” 2005 where I was first runner up, to the winner Kingsley Ogboso. And from there, I started looking for contacts and fortunately for me, a lot of people saw my talent. During the AMAA 2005 awards, I got introduced to Amaco brothers and that was how I bagged my first movie role.
I can’t remember the title of my first movie right now but I know that I starred with Desmond Eliot, Uncle Pete Edochie, Nonso Diobi, Nkiru Sylvanus, and Uncle Larry Coldsweat and today within a period of three years I’m up there in the industry.
How many movies do you have to your credit?
I have a whole lot of them, released and yet to be released. I have lost count. Some of the movies include, Missing Rib, Last Mission, Secret Mission, Rush Hour, Final Hour, Fatal Mistake, Family Disgrace, Plain Truth, Miss Maradonna, Divine Grace, Tea or Coffee, 7 Graves, Crisis In Paradise, Insecurity, Mortal Desire, etc.
How do you cope with the industry?
It’s been wonderful. Acting to me is like a dream come true and I’m happy that I grabbed the opportunity when it came.
How do you combine the acting career with your studies?
I give God the glory. It has not been easy because I have to travel from Port Harcourt to Lagos and to wherever we are shooting. But I thank God that somehow, I have a lot of people that are backing me up and I have been coping.
The road is not usually smooth. There are bound to be challenges. Can you recall any of those challenges you have encountered?
Sincerely, I don’t think I’ve had to go through any challenge. This is because I don’t see them as challenges.
I’m a very prayerful person. I believe so much in God and it seems like everything just falls at my feet. Anything I want just falls at my feet. I can’t say I’ve had to go through challenges since I got into the industry.
How has stardom affected your day to day activities on campus?
It has not affected me, instead, it has added value to my bank account and given me fame.
So how much do you earn for a movie?
I can only tell you that I am comfortable.
Have you had any embarrassing moment for playing a particular role?
Yes I have had lots of it. There was this day I went to a grocerry store and someone walked up to me and said, ‘you know, you are actually very, very pretty but I think you should stop kissing men like that in movies and I just stood there stupefied.
What if you are paid to act nude, will you do it?
Well when I get to the bridge, I shall cross it. It’s my profession. What the hell am I supposed to do?
So you mean you are likely to do it?
I might, yes.
So who is that lucky guy in your life right now?
I have a very special man in my life and I’m sorry I can’t talk about it because I like my privacy.
How soon are you going to the altar?
I don’t know.
Who is your kind of man?
Everybody says I’m a very weird girl because I love short men. I love God- fearing men, men whoare ready to listen, men who are not authoritative, who can back you up in any situation and most especially, a man who understands the movie industry inside out. I need my man to be strong and supportive.
So you mean this special man in your life is qualified in all ramifications?
Yes, he qualifies in every way.
Is he a movie person?
No he’s not. But he understands every bit of it.
How does he feel when he watches your movies?
He watches them but he always tells me that if you are going to do something that I’m not going to like, keep them away from me.
What was growing up like?
My growing up was fun. Although I lost my mom when I was three years old but growing up was the best for me because I had everybody at my back. I had attention. I had love and my father was always there for us because it was always like, ‘their mom is not around we have to be there.’ My aunties were there and so also were my friends.
Are you the first child?
I am the third and the second girl in a family of five.
How supportive was your father when you wanted to go into acting?
In my home where I grew up, we were all raised differently from Nigerian mentality. My dad is a free spirited person.
When he went into politics, I sat him down and I told him that I don’t like it. He said he likes it and I said well, if that is what you love to do go ahead and enjoy yourself. So the first time I got into acting, he called me and said ‘this is not what I love for you to do but if this is what you want, do it right and do it responsibly’ and that’s it and till today he has been there for me.My father is my friend. I call him my boyfriend because we are that close.
Talking about your outlook, the tattoo, the hair colour and all, are these part of your signature?
The hairstyle is me. This is Tonto. I’m trying to bring back that hairstyle because I felt a part of me died at a point when I stopped wearing it. I was being choked because I was trying to please everybody, my fans, the directors but right now, I don’t care. I just want to be me.
And the tattoo?
Yes, this is me.
What do you think about having sex to get roles in Nollywood, is it real?
I’m not going to counter that totally, it happens.
Have you ever been sexually harassed?
I have not. There is something about the way you package yourself that attracts sexual harassment. And just because I’m new in the industry does not mean that every Tom Dick and Harry will have to sleep with me to give me a role.
I place myself on a particular level where I want to be, so even if I become a shining star tomorrow, nobody will say, she slept with me to get roles.
Being a young and pretty girl, you must have numerous advances from men. How do you handle them when they come?
If I don’t know you, I come on as an unfriendly person. I’m very uptight and I don’t bullshit people. I tell you straight off ‘this is how it is for me, this is what I can do and can’t do. But that may not be the real me because, I have a lot of friends right now.
You never can tell where help might come from tomorrow. Someone walks up to me one day in Shoprite just to talk with me and I never knew the guy from Adam but I was nice to him. Unknown to me, the guy works in the American Embassy and he helped me when I went to get my visa.
A lot of people will like you, a lot of people will want to sleep with you but the way you go about it is what matters.
What is the craziest thing a male fan ever said to you?
Kiss me in public.
So what was your reaction?
It’s show business. I just let him go.
Who is your role model?
Al Paccino and Julia Roberts.
What is your jewelery taste?
Port Harcourt people like more of the gold thing. We don’t do costume, it is mainly gold, so I prefer gold.
Are you a designer freak?
I shall not say I’m a freak. It’s something I was born into but I’m adapting. Sometimes what I wear is not labeled but has to look good on me. For instance, the jeans is labeled, the top is not but the shoes are.
What about perfumes?
I wear Curious, I Do, Gucci, and Versace.
What are your hobbies?
I love to travel a lot and I love staying at home and reading novels, thrillers and science fiction.
What is your best food?
My best food is Okro soup and Garri, I grew up on that.
Interview by: Funmi Johnson.
SOURCE: Vanguard
COMING SOON: Daughters Of Men, Not Enough Money!
NOT ENOUGH MONEY!
This movie was shot on locations in the garden city of Port Harcourt, Rivers State two weeks ago. This unusual story (in the action/drama genre), stars: Enebeli Enebuwa, Benita Nzeribe, Ofiafuluagu Mbaka, Omolola Toluwalase, Columbus Irosanga, Walter Anga, London Kio, Shadrach Nworah, etc.
The story is an expose on the phenomenon known as "Agolo Babes" in Port Harcourt. You see, Agolo Babes are Nigerian women married to whites. This is the local lingo for such women. It tells the story of Amanda (Omolola Toluwalase) who was married to Jones Thrush for 10 years. He dies and leaves nothing for her and her two kids; but his fortune for his white wife who lives abroad.
Amanda though in pains still has her flourishing shopping plaza to fall back on. Disaster strikes as her trusted cashier swindles her of 12 million naira. As events unfolds in dizzying speed, Amanda stumbles on $200,000.00. Enter Chief Abam, an underworld kingpin, wanted by Interpol...
Of course...this blockbuster is directed by Fred Mayford A.K.A Mr. Magic!
WATCH OUT!!!
DAUGHTERS OF MEN
This movie was shot on locations in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Its a gripping family story starring: Rita Edochie, Ashley Nwosu, Ifeanyi Azodo, Uche Elendu, Jude Oteka, Nkechi Okey-Ezeh, The famous Nollywood twins; Chidinma & Chidera Aneke amongst others.
They all gave more than their best. Watch out for production pictures on this site. Of course, it was directed by Mr. Magic!
STILL SELLING HOT & FAST!!!
Lonely Pain
This movie was shot in Brass, Bayelsa State.It stars Larry Morgan Briggs(Pestilence, Coming of the Antichrist, Armadillo, Devi's Axe, Unknown Evil etc),
Jude Orhorha(Twins of the Rain Forest, CID, Brave Soldier, Fuji House of Commotion, Unknown Evil, Fr Tansi [footprints of a saint], Dark Soul, Echoes, Sleeping with the Enemy, 31st Night, Beyond Obligation, Oga, Diamond ring, e.t.c),
Efe Mayford-Orhorha(Glamour Girls, Beyond Obligation, Izozo, Miss Angel, Expensive Game, When the going gets Tough, Undesirable etc),
Joy Patrick(Ukwa, Total restoration, Ngozi abeg Marry Us, Enemies of the Law etc),
Bobby Ogoloma(Snake Kingdom, Weekend Groove, Marry Me, Unknown Angel, Love Crime, Keep us Together etc),
Omolola Toluwalase(Goodbye Nengi, Love & Pride, Remarkable Pain, Unknown Evil, Royal Engagement etc),
Chris Omenyi(Bonjour, Lost Glory, Idejimba, Women's Riot etc),
Stella Ezema(Personal Assignment)
It's the story of a little boy who pledged himself to a mermaid. He later grew up to be a dashing handsome man; who became a playboy, a womaniser and an adept heartbreaker.
The mermaid then decided to make his life miserable by making women run away from him through a spell she cast on him.
I shot it with DSR570 and it has a lot of christain content as well as being edifying.
I'm sure viewers will really enjoy and learn from it and they will be astounded with the quality of picture and sound. Look for original music scores and the beautiful scenery of the Niger Delta, not yet captured in any Nigerian flick!
The Last Supper
This movie stars Emma Ehumadu, Nkiru Sylvanus, Queen Nwokoye, Ikem Chude, Ken Anachonam etc. It was shot in Asaba, Delta State.
It is an unusual kind of story exposing how cultism on our campuses in Nigeria affect the well-being of students and lecturers.
SEE THE PRODUCTION PICTURES ON THE PHOTO PAGE !!!
THE CABAL
This political thriller stars Olu Jacobs, Bob Manuel Udokwu, Clems Ohameze, Ofia Mbaka, Queen Nwokoye and Omolola Toluwalase among many other upcoming talents.
shot on locations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, The Cabal is an expose on the going-ons amongst politicians and the political class in Nigeria.
SEE PRODUCTION PICTURES ON THE PHOTO PAGE!!!
- You talking to me? (Taxi Driver)
- Love means never having to say you're sorry. (Love Story)
- E.T. phone home. (E.T.)
- Show me the money. (Jerry McGuire)
- The name is Bond. James Bond. (James Bond)
- Play it, Sam. Play 'As Time. (Casablanca)
- After all, tomorrow is another day! (Gone With The Wind)
- I'll be back. (Terminator)
- Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. (Forrest Gump)
- Greed, for lack of a better word, is good. (Wall Street)
- Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. (The Godfather II)
- Hasta la vista, baby. (Terminator 2)
- Oh, no, it wasn't the airplanes. It was beauty that killed the beast. (King Kong)
- I'm the king of the world! (Titanic)
- First rule of leadership: everything is your fault. (A Bug’s Life)
- Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine. (Casablanca)
- Find a truly original idea. It is the only way I will ever distinguish myself. It is the only way I will ever matter. (A Beautiful Mind)
- Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the War Room. (Dr. Strangelove)
- Go ahead; make my day. (Sudden Impact)
- Houston, we have a problem. (Apollo 13)
- I feel the need - the need for speed. (Top Gun)
- If a thing is worth having, it's worth cheating for. (My Little Chickadee)
- I'll have what she's having. (When Harry Met Sally)
- I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse. (The Godfather)
- It's alive. It's alive. (Frankenstein)
- Made it, Ma. Top of the world. (White Heat)
- May the Force be with you. (Star Wars)
- Old age. It's the only disease, Mr. Thompson, which you don't look forward to being cured of. (Citizen Kane)
- You Complete Me! (Jerry McGuire)
Star Interview 2: Mercy Johnson
Mercy Johnson, Nollywood Actress
Mercy Johnson joined Nollywood not too long ago and like a meteorite, she shot up, even higher than those before her. But within the short period of time, she has recorded more scandals than those who were there before now. Could all the stuff they say about her be true? She gives the answers in this interview.
You seem the rave of the moment; you are virtually in every movie. What’s magic?
I am not in every movie o. But I am trying. I tell you, it is just hard work, and there is nothing more to it. I don’t know anybody; I am just on my own. It is only God that I have. It is awesome. I don’t even believe it myself. I can only say it is a favour from God.
So the long months of countless auditions have paid off now…
Yes o. I tell you, I attended countless auditions. I didn’t understand what was happening anymore. I woke up early in the morning and I was at the national theatre going through many auditions. That is why I tell you my success now is basically hard work. I was dedicated. I knew what I wanted and I had to go for it. I was all out for it.
When did the big break come?
I tell you, it came with the first movie I featured in. The Maid by Kenneth Nnebue, was a hit and I played the lead role.
So you never played any waka pass role…
I did not. You can check my profile.
When did you come into the industry?
I came in 2001. But I started acting professionally in 2002. I am now into it fully.
What made you take up acting?
I would say ‘who’ and not ‘what’. I wanted to be like somebody. I saw Genevieve Nnaji on screen when she acted Sharon Stone and I just wanted to be like her. It wasn’t as if I was so much in love with the acting profession. Genevieve was just like the motivating factor. I saw her and I was tripped.
Do you think you are like her now?
I am nowhere near her. I am still learning.
So you don’t even have any intention of leaving the industry since you are aiming to be like Genevieve…
I may move. I have other things on my mind now. I would want to go into some other things later. For now, I am still concentrating on my career. I have not gotten to the level I would want to be. I am being focused right now. I want to go higher than where I am now.
How high do you want to get?
Very high. It is not as if I want to be a Hollywood star. I don’t even want that. Nollywood is blooming and expanding. I want to be a part of that progression. I want to learn more in directing, acting and every other thing. I want to be here when we get to the zenith in the entertainment industry.
How many movies have you featured in since you joined?
They are not that many. I think I have done well over 25 or 30 movies.
These days, you don’t have to lobby movies…
In fact, they are even looking for me right now.
Everybody wants you to be in his or her movie, you must be feeling...
I am just like the girl next door. I come from a very humble background. I am an Igbira babe. I am very down to earth. Anytime I want to do something, I look back. I remember where I am coming from and I think twice. I wouldn’t have been where I am today if not because of where I came from. I thank God for everything. There is no change in me. I am still the same person I have always been. I lost my privacy but it’s fine.
You lost your privacy, yes. But you should be happy with the razzmatazz in your profession…
Not really. There are things I cannot do any more. But I see it as a sacrifice.
Will you swap Acting with any other profession?
I will not. Even for the whole luxury in China.
How much were you paid in the first movie you acted?
I did it for free. But when the movie came out, the producer called me and gave me N50, 000. According to him, I did so well. So I see it like a gift and not payment for a job.
How much do you pocket these days?
Come on! Why should I tell you? I will tell you later but not now please. But all I can tell you is that I am very comfortable.
How do you cope with the challenges of being an actress?
It is not easy o. People expect so much from you. They seem to forget that you are a human being. They see you as a superstar. But in any case, I just believe in being myself. I try not to embarrass my fans; at the same time, I try to live my life. Come on, this life is meant to be lived.
But what are those things you can no longer do because you are an actress?
I don’t think I should tell you.
Just tell me...
Hmmmm… It is so annoying. Well, I and my friends used to go somewhere in Shitta (Surulere) to eat amala. I can no longer do that. I can no longer eat boli (roasted plantain) on the road like I use to.
Is that all?
It is not all o. These days I have to go to Shoprite to buy things and I even have to be careful the way I walk. I cannot even go to Yaba anymore
So you used to go to Yaba (Okirika) market to shop?
Ha! Why are you doing this to me? I didn’t say I shop in Yaba.
I know. But at least you used to buy some things there.
I have told you. I buy things in the boutique. I don’t buy them at Yaba market.
How old are you?
I am a very young girl.
Can you give me a figure, please?
Do you know what I am scared of?
What?
If I tell you I am 22 right now, by the time I spend another ten years in the industry people will now know I am 32 and I don’t want that.
So you are 22 years old?
I didn’t say that o. Lets’ just say I am in my early twenties.
Since you are this ‘young’, marriage shouldn’t be on your list.
It is o! Ha! Are we friends at all?
But you claim you are ‘very young’…
I don’t know what to say again o. Okay, I am not yet 25 but just take it I am in my early twenties like I said before. It is not as if I am thinking about marriage right now. But it is an opportunity every woman would not want to give up or allow to pass her by. The earlier you begin to get serious with a particular relationship, the better for you.
So let’s just say I am ‘arranging’ myself now for marriage.
So you are in a relationship…
Oh yes. I am in a very serious relationship.
Will this relationship lead to marriage?
Oh! Have you not seen my engagement ring? It is white gold!
What if he tells you to quit acting?
He loves my job. Peradventure he tells me to quit, I will beg him and I will beg him and I will beg him. If he insists, I will quit but I will still be in the entertainment industry.
Is the guy in your industry?
Hell no!
Hell no? Were you not doing something with Nonso Diobi back then?
Ha! Nonso is my very good friend. I just finished speaking with him now. I don’t have any relationship with him. I even know his girlfriend.
What of Benedict Johnson?
He is my friend. People even think we are related since we share the same surname, but we are not. He is an Igbo guy. We are very close. I am not dating him.
So you are saying you have not dated an actor…
Eemmm… Can I tell you later?
Why not tell me now?
No.
This ‘no’, is it for me or for the public?
You really want to put me in trouble. My answer is no.
But what of that guy that bought that Rav 4 for you?
Ha! I bought my car by myself.
What!
I said I bought my car myself. But I am working. What would I use my money for? I bought my Honda by myself.
I am talking about the Rav 4 and not the Honda. We hear that you dumped the guy after he bought the Rav 4 for you.
I heard that story as well. But honestly, I bought the car myself. I am making my money. No matter how small, it is still my money.
You are a student of Lagos State University…
Yes.
But we hear you are no longer there.
Did you?
Yes. We hear your G.P was less that one point so you were asked to withdraw from the school.
Well, I saw something on the net with the caption, ‘An Illiterate Star’ with my picture on it. I really felt bad. People had to comment on that.
Since you think it is just a rumour, where do you think it came from?
I don’t know and I don’t intend to find out.
So you are saying you are a bona fide student of LASU…
Yes. I knew when I was coming into this industry; there might be some scandals. But I tell you, this illiterate own really got to me.
Did it get to you as much as it got to you when they said you sleep around with different men?
It is still better than somebody calling me an illiterate star. I felt bad.
Do you think these scandals will affect you in any way?
I make mistakes. I am human after all. I am not perfect. But what makes me a person is the ability to fall and stand up again. Even if I am an illiterate, I still have time to buckle up. Once there is life, there is hope. I am not going to fight anybody concerning this scandal. People have their right to their opinion. I am still going on with my work and doing all the things I should do. I am not going to allow such rumour to affect me. I am living my life like Mercy. That I felt bad about that didn’t mean I had to stop doing my work.
Since you said you are still a student, how are you combining your studies with your career?
I would be lying if I tell you I go to school all the time. It has been pretty difficult. But I just try to do my best.
Which of the actors do you love working with the most?
I love working with all of them. They all have their weak points and their strengths. But I do enjoy all the actors I work with. I don’t have any problems with them.
How come people say you are wild?
Do you mean ‘wild’ as in the roles I play?
No, they say you are wild even in reality.
I don’t know o. I can’t judge myself. But I know I am not wild.
What do your parents do when they read and hear such bad stuff about you?
They just encourage me. My family has been great to me. They all knew it is part of my job and they try to encourage me all the way.
What is the toughest role you have played?
I see all the role I play as a challenge. I always try my best in all of them. I give each and every one of them the same dedication and all that.
Since there is a heavy rivalry amongst actresses, who is your own rival now?
I don’t have any rival. The industry is too big for me to have a rival.
Okay. Who do you envy?
I don’t envy anybody. I only admire Genevieve. She is my idol. I just can’t compare her with anybody.
Have you had an opportunity of working with her?
Yes. I have worked with her twice. She is wonderful. I didn’t even work; I would just say I was learning. While she was acting, I was just looking at her. When I met her, it was like a dream come true.
What is your vision?
I want to get to the zenith of my career. In the nearest future, I think I would want to give back to this society that has given me so much. I am going to go into charity. I may not need to give anybody millions, but the little I can do, I hope to do it.
