NOLLYWIRE STORY
Opeyemi Obasuyi: Building a Career Behind the Camera in Nollywood
Opeyemi Obasuyi is building his career in Nollywood’s camera department, with credits including the award-winning 'Breath of Life' and other Nigerian film productions.
Behind a film’s finished images is a team of camera professionals whose work helps translate a director’s vision to the screen. For Opeyemi Obasuyi, building a career in Nollywood has involved gaining practical experience in camera departments and contributing to productions including 'Breath of Life' (2023), the award-winning drama directed by BB Sasore. Obasuyi began developing his experience with Cardoso Imagery, where he gained practical exposure to camera work and the demands of film production. This experience formed part of his development in a technical field that requires precision, organisation and collaboration across different departments. One of the notable productions associated with his career is 'Breath of Life', written and directed by BB Sasore. The film follows Timi Johnson, whose life changes dramatically after personal tragedy, leading him through grief, faith, redemption and a renewed sense of purpose. Its storytelling and visual atmosphere helped establish it as a prominent Nigerian film during the 2024 awards season. Ola Cardoso served as cinematographer on the production, leading its visual approach. The camera department brought together professionals working across several technical roles, including assistant camera, digital imaging, grip and lighting. Obasuyi is listed as a Second Assistant Camera in the film’s public crew credits, placing him among the technical personnel involved in bringing its visual sequences to the screen. Assistant camera work requires technical preparation, organisation and close coordination with the cinematographer and the wider camera team. Depending on the production, responsibilities may include supporting camera setups, preparing equipment and helping maintain an efficient filming workflow. These functions contribute to the smooth execution of a production’s visual plans. Obasuyi’s other listed screen credits include 'God Calling' (2018) and 'KM17' (2024), providing further examples of his involvement in Nigerian screen production. Considered alongside his association with Cardoso Imagery, these projects offer a starting point for documenting his professional experience across different productions. The significance of 'Breath of Life' extends beyond its production credits. At the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), the film won five awards, including Best Movie, Best Director for BB Sasore, Best Lead Actor for Wale Ojo, Best Supporting Actor for Demola Adedoyin and Best Supporting Actress for Genoveva Umeh. Its cinematographer, Ola Cardoso, was nominated for Best Cinematography, although the award went to KC Obiajulu for 'Over the Bridge'. The film’s success highlighted the contributions of the many professionals involved in bringing a production to completion. While awards frequently focus on directors, actors and other prominent creative leads, the finished film also depends on the coordination and technical work of crew members across multiple departments. Camera assistants form part of this wider production team, supporting the processes through which a film’s visual approach is realised. Obasuyi’s listed credits, together with his experience at Cardoso Imagery, provide a foundation for understanding his development in the camera department. As his body of work grows, accurately documented credits and more detailed information about his responsibilities on individual productions will offer a clearer picture of his contribution to Nigeria’s film industry.