I CHARGE 40,000 ZAMBIAN KWACHA PER MUSIC VIDEO IF I AM BEING MODEST SAYS DIRECTOR LO
Top Zambian videographer Longwe Nyirenda alias Director Lo spoke to News Diggers and shared an insight into his work
Known for his high quality shots, Director Lo who is also a producer spoke to News Diggers about his work among them how much his works costs, why he only seems to work with Yo Maps, his other works apart from music videos and his overall journey in videography.
The videography whose career in the field started in 2013 and he has worked on several other Zambian artist’s music videos which include ‘People Like Me’ by Jae Cash, ‘Kamba Ka Love’ by Daev, ‘Because of You’ by T Low among others.
When Director Lo was asked why he always seems to only be working with Yo Maps, the videography said in part as he spoke to News Diggers, “When someone wants to do a project with us, I start from K40,000 when I am being modest, which is why it feels like I almost shoot for one person.” He further started that he does offer payment plans to artists who find it difficult to pay the lumpsum.
Director Lo also works on adverts but he said that because his works on advert is for the contractor, he does not add his logo hence no one knows that he did the work. He further started that despite this when clients come, he’s able to show them his works on adverts he has worked on such those for Yango. In a twist, despite him being popularly known for music videos, he said talking to News Diggers, “I actually don’t like shooting music videos, it’s just that I am a music producer and I like music, but I am not into filming music videos. I am into filmmaking, cinematography is what I like.”
Director Lo further stated that why most creatives don’t get paid what they are worth is because they don’t take the necessary steps to formalize their businesses such as registering them. He encouraged fellow creatives to put in effort in learning cooperate etiquette in order for them to get paid what they are worth.
“I didn’t like the clothes(suits) but it was necessary for the growth,” said the videographer in advising his fellow creatives from running away from formalities. Director Lo felt that there’s is enough space for everyone, “the fact that I don’t work with certain people is a good thing because it gives room for others.” “Artists only come to me when they are doing their biggest projects,” he added.
Longwe Nyirenda popularly know as Director Lo is the chief executive officer of Reel Studios which was founded in 2017 and currently has about eight employees working for his company. Director Lo stresses on his professionalism being the cornerstone of his success, as he has refunded artist if thing weren’t just working out, something he said he was well known for.
Director Lo is setting standards for the industry as his quality and professional work is revolutionary to the Zambian music videos, setting the bar high for his peers. Next time an artist plans on booking the videographer, they know how much their budget will be.
