Oyinbrakemi Lucky Wenapere, previously known as Luckydidthis, is an emerging director and filmmaker on a quest to the Hall of Fame. He strolls through the sands of time, intending to leave an impact with his work and be known as one of the greatest directors ever to do it. He believes that cementing his footprint in the global world of filmmaking as a Nigerian man is a huge feat. Lucky mainly works on films and music videos, allowing his creativity to produce a boundless portfolio of work.
Lucky’s story begins somewhere in Bayelsa, after moving away from Port Harcourt where he spent his early childhood. At 8 years old, he began to fiddle with computers; drawing and spending hours working on pieces, not knowing what it would lead to. There was just an inclination to do so. At age 12, he became interested in architecture, a similar fascination with creating like his early self, that led him to experiment with building designs. Lucky’s interest in film arose when he was about 14, tinkering with making and editing videos.
His interest in film did not cement itself fully until 2017. While completing his university education, he noticed a demand for professional videography to help people market their products and ideas. Whether it was for business, their music, or events. However, they didn’t know how to produce the quality of videos they wanted. Therefore, he filled the gap, ensuring extra income while nurturing a hobby.
It might seem like the driving force of Lucky’s creativity comes from monetary gain, however, he relishes in the understanding that it’s much deeper than that. Utilizing film as his outlet to tell stories that evoke emotional reactions in people; heartfelt, heart-wrenching, and utterly unpredictable feelings. Lucky aims to resonate positively with countless audiences around the world. It’s not just about the feelings his films erect, it’s about the messages behind them too. Lucky wants his films to teach impactful lessons, remaining relevant for generations to come.
To meet these prerequisites, a lot of work and dedication is required. Lucky does not fall short. At the outset of a new project, he researches, and watches plenty of music videos, movies and shows, learning from their execution. Interacting with and placing the useful elements he gathers into his work. Monitoring every detail, making sure his work is the best it can be.
With such a strict work ethic, I wondered where he derived his inspiration from. Whether it’s others like him or from his environment, it’s a bit of both. Lucky confesses that his ideas often come in the heat of a moment. Either through seeing something that excites him or brainstorming alone or with a team, taking time to further develop the idea before executing. Which could take any time from one day to two weeks, then a day to a month, depending on its complexity, for post-production.
As for the people who inspire him, he lists Clarence Peters, Christopher Nolan, and Meji Alabi. However, he gets more specific about TG Omori and Mo Abudu. Stating that he feels TG Omori is evolving the continent with his music videos. Meanwhile, in regards to Mo Abudu, he says she informed his journey into filmmaking. After watching Fifty, he was amazed and intrigued by the quality of her work. He had never seen anything so good out of Nigeria. It inspired him to see what he could do.
With his dedication, attention to detail and vision, it’s safe to say that Lucky understands what it takes to cement his position in the Hall of Fame. He is more than willing to put in the work. Although he also goes through dark times, struggling to believe in himself and feeling stuck. Either because he isn’t working as much as he wanted to or when he’s just not feeling like himself. Pulling himself out of those times took a lot of self-work, focusing on growing and sharpening his skills. However, he is fully assured and ready to take on whatever challenge.
