Ghanaian filmmaker and director Lil Win has revealed the behind-the-scenes challenges encountered during the production of his latest movie, ‘A Country Called Ghana’.
Initially, the project was intended to feature an all-Ghanaian cast. Still, Lilwin said they later decided to cast some Nigerians for broader international appeal, particularly for distribution on platforms like Netflix.
As a result, he proposed the inclusion of two Nigerian actors, Charles Anwurum and Victor Osuagwu, popularly known as ‘Awilo Sharp Sharp’.
In an interview with Hitz FM, Lil Win clarified that Ramsey Nouah was a last-minute addition after the original lead cast withdrew from the project just 10 days before shooting commenced.
He revealed that he had cast a “light-skinned Ghanaian actor who is a superstar” for the role and even negotiated the fee.
“We had sent him the script and had a series of dialogues with him and he had even named his price. This actor even submitted his measurements and we had sewn all his costumes for the filming."
"But when he saw that some Nigerians had come on board, he reached out to cancel the deal because he said he considered our budget, but since we were able to fly Nigerians into the country for the same project, he felt we could have done better with his payment."
Nonetheless, Lil Win said they made another bargain and reached an agreement, yet the light-skinned lead continued to make unfavourable adjustments to their initially agreed plan.
“The movie was to be shot in 21 days, but the lead actor’s scene was just for 10 days. Even after the negotiation, the Ghanaian actor said he cannot work on weekends so he will be on set for 8 days. Initially, I thought he wanted to make more monetary demands so I was ready, but he started becoming difficult to work with due to his many restrictions.”
It is for these reasons, that Lil Win said he decided to terminate their deal, seek alternative options and ultimately cast Ramsey Nouah.
He described the process of getting Ramsey Nouah on board as smooth; negotiations were made and Ramsey agreed to the terms laid out by the production team.
With half of the payment secured, the Nigerian actor travelled to Ghana to collaborate on the project.
Asked to name the “light-skinned Ghanaian actor” who gave him a tough time, Lil Win revealed he would only do so following the premiere of the movie.
Latest Stories
-
Ecobank-JoyNews Habitat Fair enters Day 2 with strong turnout
60 minutes -
Gold Board initiative yields $3 billion economic boost in 4 months – Kwakye Ofosu reveals
3 hours -
Kwakye Ofosu reveals money saved from paid TV ban at Jubilee House
4 hours -
14 Years of production: Ghanaians see oil as neither blessing nor curse — Research
4 hours -
Judge orders Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil released on bail
5 hours -
Dr. Peter Terkper declares GNAFF Presidency bid with bold vision
6 hours -
Teenage pregnancy declines in Akatsi North as leaders call for sustained action
6 hours -
NIB, NACOC destroy $350m worth of cocaine following court order
7 hours -
Keta-Akatsi Catholic Diocese honours health workers at 33rd World Day of the Sick
7 hours -
Suspect arrested for burglary and theft at Kasoa Nyayano
7 hours -
US resumes visas for foreign students but demands access to social media accounts
7 hours -
Indian High Commission collaborates with VRCC and UHAS to champion physical, mental wellness in Volta Region
8 hours -
This Saturday on Newsfile: Galamsey fury, NPP early primaries and effects of Israel-Iran war
9 hours -
African Heads of States, Caribbean and Global Business Leaders to gather in Abuja Nigeria for 32nd Afreximbank annual meetings
9 hours -
GES, Brilliant Educational Consult train teachers in Kumasi to boost their competencies
9 hours