American Cinematographer talks about Omotola & Genevieve Nnaji’s rivalry...

Keith L. Smith, is the American cinematographer who worked on the set of the award-winning movie, Ije, He has opened up on the perceived rivalry between two Nollywood stars, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Genevieve Nnaji on the set of the movie. He however noted that the two actresses were able to manage their rivalry on set in such a way that it didn’t interfere with their performance. Here are excerpts from the new chat he had with E24-7 magazine’s editor in chief Biodun Kupoluyi, ….

Keith Smith

What’s your opinion about Omotola’s acting skills?

I worked with her on “Ije” and she was amazing and talented. She’s one of the most professional actors I’ve worked with. I’ve been shooting in Hollywood for about 17 years now, and to me she is one of the best. She was really focused. When I met the director of the movie, I was told that Omotola was the Angelina Jolie of Nigeria.

There is this perceived rivalry between Genevieve and Omotola, did they display this on set?

Omotola & Genevieve on the set of ‘Ije’

Let me tell you something: it was amazing. I did not see it, but I felt it. However, they were very professional with the way they got along. I knew there was something between them, and I had heard of it. But when they got in front of the camera, they put all that behind them, but whenever they finished their scenes, they went their separate ways.

What was the chemistry like between them off-set?

There wasn’t much. They both had their groups, and they were just distant. There wasn’t friction, but I noticed that they were apart from one another. They never hung out together. However, they’re both big stars.

Will you like to work with her (Omotola) again?

Yes, I’ll love to work with her again. I was very impressed with her.