His sudden invasion into the industry no doubt gave the already
existing cinematographers and music directors more reasons to fasten
their seat belts if they really still wanted bread on their table.
He’s a Niger Delta indigene that refused to pick up guns but rather
chose to use the cameras as his own weapon to put food on his table.
His first major debut was when he shot “Labala by Samklef”. The
creative and impressive work captured the attention of the E.M.E boss
himself” Banky W” then they got into talks and the result of the
closed door meetings gave birth to the video: “Holla at ur boy” by
wizkid and ever since, there’s been no looking back as he has
seriously stepped up his game. He’s worked with great talents in the
industry such as: Samklef, Wizkid, Elphlex, Shank, Olamide, Morell,
Iceberg slim, just to mention a few. Out of a very busy schedule,
PATRICK ELIS was kind enough to spare 10 minutes of his time as he
gave me insights into the world of music video directing.
Excerpts:
Music directing, how did it all start?
It actually started way back but officially it started 2 years ago but
before then I have done stuffs for people, commercials and all that
for different companies. I shoot videos for different directors and
all of that. But officially I ventured into my own stuff as PATRICK
ELIS PICTURES 2 year ago.
Why photography and directing?
I love pictures most especially still pictures and in Nigeria,
photography isn’t really given the attention it truly deserves and
photographers in Nigeria really don’t have that pride as a
photographer and it’s all because people prefer directors to
photographers. So my passion for still pictures and motion pictures
actually made me go into the act.
How did you learn the act?
Well basically, since it’s something that I have always had the
passion for, it was quite easy because I learn everywhere I go and I
always create my own things. I learnt from the internet as well and
though I schooled out of the country, I just gathered all the bits and
pieces together and coupled them together.
From the stables of PATRICK ELIS pictures, which was your first major
video you shoot?
The first I shot was Laba laba by Samklef.
Before shooting a video, what goes into your head?
Basically for me, before shooting a video, it goes through a stage
called the pre-production where we draw out a concept and a story
line. Whereas for some videos we don’t create story line, we use
pictures.
Which is your favourite video?
The one I did for Olamide-young erikina. It wasn’t really meant to be
a TV video, it was meant to be a YouTube video. The whole concept of
the video was just about doing something different, no cutting of
cameras and post production. So we shot the video under five minutes.
And am so glad people like the video and though it was suppose to be a
YouTube video, it’s now on TV and I am deeply humbled by the fact that
its loved by everyone.
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