Popular Comedian, actor, and Filmmaker Bright Okpocha known as Basketmouth has offered his thoughts on the film industry and the significance of budgeting for films.
In a recent interview, he underlined the need to have a sufficient budget to produce high-quality films, as well as the risks of mismanaging cash.
Basketmouth shared a personal incident in which he had to secure 300 million Naira for a movie project in 24 hours, which he did successfully.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between older and younger filmmakers, stating that both generations may learn from one another.
Basketmouth also addressed the trend of begging for funds on stage in the comedy profession, calling it dishonest and encouraging his colleagues to focus on delivering excellent performances instead.
Basketmouth had a tremendous impact on the entertainment sector. Basketmouth performed in the 2000 music video for Nigerian Afrobeat legend Lagbaja's song 'Gra Gra'. In the early 2000s, he began his stand-up comedy career, swiftly gaining fame for his smart quips and accessible humor. His success in stand-up comedy prompted him to pursue other opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Basketmouth's path led him to produce comic TV shows including "Flatmates" and "Papa Benji," which were highly appreciated by viewers.
He extended his reach by securing an agreement with Amazon Prime Video, a global streaming service. This partnership evolved in the birth of "LOL: Last One Laughing Naija," a game show in which comedians compete to see how long they can keep a straight face. This show, hosted by Basketmouth, has received international acclaim and cemented his status as a key character in the comedy scene.
Basketmouth has also appeared in Nollywood films, including Jade Osiberu's Brotherhood, where he played the evil Shadow.
Basketmouth has dabbled in music, as well as stand-up comedy and television. He established his own record label, Barons World Entertainment, in 2014. Under this company, he has published three albums, including 'Yabasi', a highlife soundtrack for the film Papa Benji, and 'Horoscope,' which features a number of guest musicians.