We Built 38 Sets From Scratch for ‘The Black Book’ – Editi Effiong
After a meticulous four-year journey of creation and production, Editi Effiong’s magnum opus, “The Black Book,” has soared to international acclaim, becoming one of the most-watched movies worldwide and a groundbreaking achievement for Nigerian cinema. Released on September 22, 2023, the film has firmly established itself as the largest-ever Nigerian cinematic offering on the global streaming giant, Netflix.
Effiong, the visionary director behind the project, embarked on this cinematic odyssey with unwavering determination and dedication. Collaborating with co-writer Bukunmi Ajakaiye, the duo spent years developing the intricate storyline and meticulously planning pre-production details, totalling two years. As the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, filming finally commenced in Lagos.
Crucial to the film’s success was the late Pat Nebo, the creative genius responsible for production design across various locations in Lagos and Kaduna. Effiong acknowledges Nebo’s invaluable contribution, emphasizing, “We can’t talk about The Black Book without talking about Pat Nebo. Everything that you see in the film that is not human is production design. We built 38 sets throughout the film, and every single one of them looks amazing. He built everything from scratch.”
Shooting what Effiong describes as “easily the most logistically advanced adventure ever undertaken in the Nigerian film industry” required four months of intensive effort, followed by an additional year and a half in post-production.
“The Black Book” unfolds a riveting narrative, following the protagonist, Paul Edima, as he seeks justice for the tragic loss of his only son at the hands of corrupt police officers. To unearth the truth, Paul delves into his shadowy past, intricately entwined with Nigeria’s dark history of drug trafficking, setting the stage for an electrifying tale of vengeance.
The stellar cast features acclaimed actors such as Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ade Laoye, Sam Dede, Alex Usifo Omiagbo, Shaffy Bello, Ikechukwu Onunaku, Denola Grey, and Boki Ofodile, who bring their exceptional talents to breathe life into this gripping narrative.
As “The Black Book” continues to captivate audiences, it stands as a testament to the remarkable achievements of Nigerian cinema and the global appeal of its storytelling. The film is now available for streaming on Netflix, solidifying its status as a cinematic sensation in the world of entertainment.
Watch the trailer.
