Filmmaker sets up creative space for artists

Ayorinde Oladimeji studied Business Administration but made a big switch to filmmaking. Now, he is making waves in Nigeria’s creative industry.

Oladimeji is a cinematographer, editor, drone pilot, project manager and creative business owner. He started his filmmaking journey at PEFTI Film Institute, where he got professional training.

His hard work in editing paid off when he received the Best Graduating Student in Editing award at the institute.

But he did not forget his business studies. Oladimeji says he uses the knowledge from university in his creative work. He believes that combining business and creative skills has helped his career.

He explained that creative projects need budgeting, planning, team coordination, meeting deadlines, managing clients and delivering quality work.

In 2019, he launched Shot By Thai, a media and production company. Through this company, he offers services like cinematography, photography, editing, drone operations and live production.

His work includes projects for well-known brands like Nigerian Breweries, Empawa Africa, Dangbana Republik, Retro Lagos, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Soakers, Nomase Nigeria Limited, Twins Faja Nigeria, Obimzy Property and Tomi Raje Construct.

Now, he has bigger goals beyond just working behind the camera. He is planning to create a creative hub for photographers, filmmakers, content creators, artists, brands and other creative professionals.

This hub will offer a space for visual content production and development. It aims to encourage collaboration among people in the industry.

Oladimeji said this project comes from the need for better and more accessible creative spaces in Nigeria. This is especially important as the country’s creative industry keeps growing.

His journey from a Business Administration graduate to a filmmaker shows a different career path. After finishing school in 2015, he joined film school in 2017, became the Best Graduating Student in Editing, started Shot By Thai in 2019 and added skills in cinematography, drone operations and project management.

The creative hub is the next step in his journey. He wants to move from just building his own career to helping other Nigerian creatives by providing opportunities and infrastructure.