I know it won’t make sense to you, who shoots one film for 7YEARS??? A documentary? Well, meet Simpa Samson!!!😂
We have been on it since 2019 and I’m happy it’s finally coming together, I can’t wait to share with you all when this one drops!
What’s the longest you have ever been on a project?
#saintonios #simpasamson #documentary #filmmaker #emmynominated
Which of these myths have you had to unlearn in your own career?
We’ve been sold a version of success that is shiny, polished, and “perfect.” But after years of filming in conflict zones and documenting the most raw human stories, while winning global awards, I’ve learned that excellence is actually quite gritty.
#beyondthelens #simpasamson #storyteller #filmmaker king
Trailer Alert!!! Beyond The Pain.
Today, May 10, marks exactly one year since we met Sharon during the World Lupus Day celebration. We promised her that we would help raise awareness about lupus. After waiting patiently, we have finally created a short, educational video about the disease.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system erroneously attacks healthy tissues and organs, leading to inflammation in joints, skin, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs
#documentaryphotography #camera #documentary
CREW
Talent: @sharon_orevba
Director: @jayogbe & @saintonios
DP1: @chibem
DP2: @opeskii
Field Producer: @ekpali_saint
Producer: Visual Farm
Editor: @saintonios
Executive Producer: @saintonios@miss_omohu
From learning how to handle a “no” to realizing that rest is just as important as the shoot, the journey of a filmmaker is a massive mental shift.
Swipe through for 5 things I wish I knew before I started. Which one do you need to hear today? And share one or two things you have learnt in your journey let’s have that conversation in the comment section!
#simpasamson #emmynominated #filmmaker
I have lost count of how many trips I have made to Lagos for projects this year, and this is one of the projects.
The tiniest waist in Africa!! The beautiful @oluwatomisin147
Producer/Director: Simpa Samson
Producer/Photographer: @ug_imagery
Director of photography @opeskii
Full documentary on YouTube @trulyshow
I felt all kinds of emotions shooting this!
You want to see this, my caption won’t do justice.
Just head to YouTube
Producer/Director: Freddie Grower
Reporter: Jamal Osman
DP/Drone: Simpa Samson
Field Producer: Sanni Adams
#documentary
#nigeriadocumentarycinematographer #documemtaryfilmmaker #simpasamson
When I started out, I thought the work was about showing up with a clear vision and executing it. The story in my head, the shots I planned, the message I wanted to send. I was in a hurry to make something that mattered.
It took years to understand that the films I was most proud of were never the ones I planned. They were the ones where I stayed long enough to be wrong about what I came to find.
Sitting in the room. Asking the second question, then the third. Not rushing for the shot. Letting the people I’m filming reveal what the story actually is, not what I assumed it would or might be.
That’s the part of this craft nobody romanticises. Patience. Stillness. Listening with your whole body before you ever raise the camera.
The world doesn’t change because of brilliant ideas executed quickly. It changes because someone was willing to sit in something uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or unfinished long enough to understand it properly. And then tell the truth about it.
If you’re new in this space — slow down. The film will still be there. The story will still find you. But only if you stop rushing past it.
The real work begins the moment you put your plan down and let what’s actually happening become the film.
It can be uncomfortable, but that’s the fun of it! My manager says “the longer the process the better the story” not sure where she got that but I think she ate!😂
#documentary
#nigeriadocumentarycinematographer #nigeria #simpasamson
I get this question all the time. Some think instinct is just something you’re born with, but for me, it’s a discipline.
It’s consuming numerous documentaries weekly to study the craft. It’s knowing that in a conflict zone, you have to shoot fast, prioritizing the story over the “aesthetic” shot.
But most importantly, it’s knowing when to put the camera down. You have heard the saying “less is more” in design right? It applies to shooting too, not everything deserves to be captured!
Swipe through to see the rules I live by when the world gets loud and let me know if it rings a bell
#simpasamson #documentaryfilmaker #filmmaker #documentary
A few countries in a slide
While thinking of the crazy schedule I have in the coming weeks, I took a quick scroll through my phone and just had to share a few throwback images!
I think the only time it is okay to look back in life is during gratitude! Seeing all that you have done and accomplished no matter how little or big helps you appreciate what’s to come.
That said, I hope this encourages you to be grateful today for what has and what is to come, no matter how little! Treat every little opportunity like your destiny depends on it because it does. You can’t tell which has the capacity to open bigger doors!
Wait, I just turn motivational speaker now😂
#simpasamson
Weeks in the life I guess 🤷🏿♂️
Or how do you guys do this thing😀
Slide 1: in Lagos shooting the tiniest waist in the world🙃
Slide 2: Waiting for my muse of the day to get changed before we proceed
Slide 3: Quick interview
Slide 4: on my way to a historic location in Abuja
Slide 5: my curiosity took me there
Slide 6: The historic location - stay tuned on that!
Slide 7: Watching my documentary on Arise TV. Remember the Goldman Award video? Yeah that!
The END…
#simpasamson
