In-demand director Wande Thomas is attached to helm a new TV series production that’s based on an original story called ‘Spiraling’ by the Nigerian multi-hyphenate. Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the story is described as a tense, character-driven thriller set in Lagos and Abuja.
According to a source close to the project, ‘Spiraling’ is based on Thomas’ original idea, in which a tech entrepreneur becomes embroiled in a mess of her own making.
Thomas is set to direct and is also writing the script. Isoken Ogiemwonyi will produce through her Toronto-based banner, Studio Ogiso. Thomas will also produce via his UrbanGidi Showtime shingle.
“As a filmmaker, I find thrillers to be a compelling genre that allows us to dissect the human psyche and examine how people react when pushed to their limit. I’m excited to execute this project, and I can’t wait to share this story with the audience,” Thomas said.
Ogiemwonyi and Thomas last worked together on the yet-to-be-released second season of AMVCA-nominated audience darling ‘The Smart Money Woman,’ based on the best-selling pan-African book of the same name. Thomas’s oeuvre includes penning and directing 2020’s dramedy ‘Lara of Lagos,’ and 2021’s thriller short ‘Napped.’
Describing the project, Ogiemwonyi said, “Wande’s authentic storytelling style and disciplined approach to directing are what make him a great creative collaborator. Whether for the big or small screen, his work is consistently marked by riveting and deeply emotional experiences. From the very beginning, his compelling vision for the series had me hooked. We’ve been developing this for the better part of a year, and polishing the script was a genuine treat. I’d work with him again in a heartbeat.”
No broadcaster for the series is yet attached. A consortium of private backers is financing the series, and Ogiemwonyi will begin shopping ‘Spiraling’ to buyers at the European Film Market in Berlin in February, where she will be meeting with potential partners.
‘Spiraling’ will see a January 2024 production start date.
