In a Nigerian film and production industry often bound by tradition and unstructured workflows, one woman is rewriting the rules. The founder of Studio 1121 – a deliberately female-led production company boasting a 95% women core team – didn’t just break into the boys’ club of Nigerian production; she built her own space where excellence, structure and female leadership thrive.
In this exclusive interview, she opens up about overcoming industry discrimination, why she bets on women to “move mountains” in production, and how Studio 1121 is pioneering a new standard for African visual storytelling – one where professionalism and powerful narratives collide.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to start Studio 1121?
Adeola: I am a visual producer with experience spanning Film/TV, Music Videos, Brand Campaigns and content.
Towards the end of 2021, after leaving my 9-5 as a content producer, I was struggling to navigate the freelance world again. One day I had a thought, as opposed to waiting for opportunities all the time, why not try to create them myself. That thought birthed Studio 1121, an avenue to shape my own path in the industry.
What was your journey like before founding the company, and how did your early experiences shape your vision for Studio 1121?
Adeola: My journey into the industry has been quite an experience—and it still is. I started in film as an Executive Assistant to one of Nigeria’s biggest filmmakers, stepping into the role with one expectation but quickly finding myself thrown deep into hands-on production. I learned on the job, gaining first hand insight into the industry’s inner workings.
From there, I freelanced, worked with a few other production companies, and spent time as a Content Producer at Mavin Records.
Over the years, I noticed a fundamental issue in the industry—a lack of structure. Many things were done simply because ‘that’s how it’s always been,’ rather than because they were effective or right. Roles and responsibilities were often blurred, and work ethic was sometimes lackadaisical.
With Studio 1121, I want to change that. We are a production company, but that doesn’t mean we should operate without structure. From talent to crew, everyone should have clear roles and be empowered to function at their best. Our goal is to deliver high-quality visuals while maintaining professionalism and respectability every step of the way.
Why did you focus on building a female-led production company, and what does that mean to you?
Adeola: I have a deep belief in the power of women, especially when it comes to organization and management. That’s why Studio 1121’s core production team is 95% female.
Starting out, I faced my share of discrimination as a woman in the industry. There were assumptions—either you were ‘too friendly’ with the boss, talent or clients for the wrong reasons, or you weren’t taken seriously because of outdated stereotypes about women in entertainment and its allied industries.
Both consciously and unconsciously, I wanted to create a space where women could thrive in production, where their skills, professionalism, and dedication speak louder than any bias. For me, building a female-led production company isn’t just about representation; it’s about fostering an environment where women are respected, valued, and given the opportunity to lead.
What was the initial idea behind Studio 1121, and how did you bring it to life?
Adeola: Studio 1121 initially started as a company focused solely on receiving production briefs and executing them. However, as time passed, I realized the vision could be much bigger. We can not only execute but create oni different levels, whether it is films, music videos, commercials, or documentaries. This is also why we introduced production support services (casting,location and welfare management,etc) because while we definitely can’t produce everything, we can provide the resources and expertise that elevate the quality of productions across the industry.
Bringing this vision to life has been an ongoing process; one of continuous growth, improvement, and adaptability. It’s about consistently delivering high-quality work, showcasing our capabilities, and positioning ourselves.
What are some of the key milestones or achievements the company has reached since its inception?
Adeola: Last year, we expanded our offerings by officially introducing a dedicated production support services division. This addition has enhanced our ability to provide comprehensive solutions to our clients, streamlining processes and elevating the quality of productions.
This year, we strategically increased the size of our production team, strengthening our capacity to handle a broader range of projects, ensuring that we meet and exceed client expectations.
How do you define the mission and values of Studio 1121, and how do they guide your work?
Adeola: The mission of Studio 1121 is to create high-quality, impactful visuals while setting a new standard for structure and professionalism in the industry. We are committed to storytelling that resonates, productions that run efficiently, and an environment where talent thrives.
Our core values are excellence, integrity, collaboration, and inclusivity. Our mission and values guide all that we do, from the way we run productions, build the team. Excellence ensures that every project meets high creative and technical standards. Integrity means we operate with professionalism and transparency. Collaboration and inclusivity ensures that every contribution matters and diverse voices and talents have a place to thrive.
As a woman in the production industry, what unique challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Adeola: As a petite woman, I have had my capabilities underestimated, with assumptions based solely on my physical appearance. I have encountered gender-based stereotypes, those that force you into being too careful, too cautious, almost keeping you in a shell. Additionally, I’ve been subjected to very inappropriate propositions. To overcome these obstacles, I chose to silence the noise and remain steadfast in my beliefs and values.
How do you balance being a creative leader with the business demands of running a production company?
Adeola: It is always important to align client expectations with practical execution. I recognize that production projects vary in scale and scope. My guiding principle is to avoid overpromising and under delivering. I assess each client’s vision and work diligently to execute it within their budgetary constraints, provided those budgets are reasonable and feasible. By tailoring the company’s services to fit the specific needs and resources of each project, we uphold our commitment to excellence without compromising our standards or the client’s objectives.
What strategies have you used to build a strong network and establish Studio 1121 as a reputable name in the industry?
Adeola: I would not say that there has been a tailored strategy. It has mostly been good work and referrals. We also have a dedicated client executive who proactively engages with potential clients, expanding our reach. Additionally, our past and ongoing projects and personal relationships have fostered valuable industry affiliations, enhancing our network.
Can you share some of the most impactful projects Studio 1121 has worked on and what made them special?
Adeola: The 20th-anniversary campaign video for Chicken Republic. Receiving the casting brief for the campaign video was really exciting, it felt like we were a part of history.
We also produced the snippets for the songs off Rema’s “He is” album, this was a project that was put together and executed in 2 days due to the availability of the artist. It was a testament to how fast and efficient the team can be in situations that require such speed.
How do you approach storytelling and content creation to ensure your work resonates with both local and international audiences?
Adeola: Beyond a story, there is great power in how it is told. I believe that great storytelling transcends borders when it captures universal human experiences through genuine narratives. Telling stories rich in Nigerian/African perspective resonates locally but by integrating universal themes and high production standards that same story is very likely to resonate with international audiences as well.
What role do you see Studio 1121 playing in shaping the narrative of African stories in the global creative space?
Adeola: Sooner than later, we plan to produce original content, including short and feature films, dramas, and documentaries. This original content will offer fresh perspectives on complex themes and promote the African culture, all while maintaining high entertainment value.
How does Studio 1121 support and empower other women in the production and creative industries?
Adeola: At Studio 1121, we are committed to creating a safe and empowering environment where women in production can lead, succeed, and grow. By fostering such a space, we aim to drive change and increase the number of women in leadership roles within the creative industries.
What advice would you give young women wanting to break into the production industry but feeling intimidated or unsure where to start?
Adeola: Find a person or a team to learn from, no matter how much you think you know, there is more to learn on the job.
Some great women have gone ahead of us, paving the way and showing us that mountains can move. If they could do it, so can I and so can you. Every story has a beginning, begin now, filter the voices, keep going and let nothing stop you.
How do you create a work environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity?
Adeola: I believe that every role is just as important as the next so I prioritize respect, structure and open communication. Clarity in roles, teamwork, accountability and efficiency helps us foster collaboration. Everyone has a voice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully, challenge ideas and grow.
What are your goals for Studio 1121 in the next 5–10 years, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Adeola: In 5-10 years, my goal for Studio 1121 is to establish it as the leading production company in Nigeria and to expand our presence even beyond the continent of Africa. To achieve this I plan to enhance our portfolio by consistently delivering high quality productions good enough to attract both local and international clients, forge strategic partnerships that can open us up to new markets facilitating our expansion and to invest in talent development to ensure excellence as we grow.
How do you see the role of female-led companies evolving in the African creative industry?
Adeola: As more female-led companies emerge, I believe we’ll see a shift. New industry standards will be set, proving that leadership and creative excellence are not defined by gender. I also believe that it will bring more opportunities for women both in front and behind the camera, silencing the stereotypes.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your work with Studio 1121?
Adeola: Through Studio 1121, I hope to leave a legacy of excellence, structure, and opportunity. I want to build a production company that not only creates high-quality visuals but also sets a standard for professionalism and organization in the industry. More importantly, I want to create a space where women and underrepresented talents can thrive, knowing their skills and contributions are valued.
How do you define success, and do you feel you’ve achieved it with Studio 1121?
Adeola: I think success is growth, impact and fulfillment. It is not solely about milestones but about creating meaningful work, evolving and making a difference, which is what we are working to achieve at 1121. Like I previously said, we are a work in progress and will continue to grow..
If you could collaborate with any filmmaker or creative, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
Adeola: Shonda Rhimes and Viola Davies
Their work and impact deeply inspire me. They have not only excelled in their craft but also continue to break barriers.
What’s your favorite project that Studio 1121 has worked on, and why does it stand out to you?
Adeola: A short film titled “Without You” directed by Afolabi Olalekan and featuring Oxlade. It was a really small and experimental project at the time but it is special because it was Studio 1121’s solo production project.
