Nollywood’s dynamic creative landscape is set to welcome a formidable talent as Evia Simon, a prolific actor, producer, and entrepreneur, formally shifts her focus to the Lagos film scene. Known for her dedication and business acumen, Simon, born Eveshoyan Simon, is the ambitious force behind Eviaconcepts Entertainment, and the founder of multiple ventures, including Evialuxuryworld boutique, Eviasimon TV, FilmVillage TV, and the humanitarian Eviasimonfoundation. A graduate of the University of Abuja with a B.Sc. in Public Administration, Simon’s drive stems from a deeply inspiring personal journey, having risen as an orphan and caretaker for her three siblings. Now, with a successful production history in Abuja and Asaba, she is poised to leverage the industry’s heart in Lagos, aiming to connect with top creatives and secure the career breakthrough she has long pursued.
You’ve been producing films in Abuja for a while. What inspired your transition into the Lagos film scene, and what new opportunities are you looking to tap into?
Yes I have been producing for a while now in abuja and asaba. but now I am moving down to lagos to film. we all know movie making is in lagos. when it comes to quality , actors even as a career lagos is the best place for that and so on and I hope that it take a new turn in my career as an actor and as a producer and to connect with other top.
As a producer, what would you say has been your biggest breakthrough project so far, and what did it teach you about the industry?
Well I wouldn’t say i have gotten my breakthrough yet or point to a project that has given me any breakthrough I am still working hard and praying to get that breakthrough that I deserved or that project that will give me the breakthrough.
Moving from Abuja to Lagos for film work is a major shift. What differences have you observed between both creative ecosystems?
How do you balance the dual identity of being a film producer and a business owner who sells clothes?
Its really not easy balancing business and movie making all together because its the business that suffers more. am not always around to pay attention to the balance thou I have people managing it still can never be like when you as the owner is around .. so, I am finding it difficult to manage both.
What unique challenges come with running a fashion business while simultaneously navigating demanding film productions?
Both industries have tight deadlines, requiring effective time line allocation, Fashion and film require innovative thinking, which can be exhausting some times.
Managing teams, budgets, and logistics for both ventures can be overwhelming. Fashion focuses on aesthetics and trends, while film emphasizes storytelling and production quality. Meeting client expectations, managing teams, and ensuring quality output can be stressful, and to succeed one will be needing strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a clear vision on fashion brand and film projects but it not easy because I haven’t got that yet.
What are some misconceptions people have about producers, especially women producers, in Nollywood today?
Well if there are misconception about women producers I dont have an idea but one thing for sure is women producer passionately passionate when its come to making good movies and there are more women into movie production now and they are successful.
You’re gradually positioning yourself more in Lagos. What kind of films are you most passionate about creating as you expand your reach?
I`m positioning myself in lagos now because i like to make good movies that come with creativity especially with creative minds
Your clothing business seems to reflect your personal style. How does fashion inspire or shape your work behind the camera?
Fashion and film, actually inform each other. Fashion inspires creativity that we all know.. paying attention to detail, and visual storytelling, which can enhance film work. The two fields helps me to complement each other beautifully so I will say it actually shaped me behind camera.
Looking ahead, what are your plans both as a producer and as an entrepreneur for the next two to three years?
In two to three years I want to be bigger than this . Make more great, creative and beautiful movies . Be one of the biggest producer and expand my business beyond.
About the upcoming project
Can you tell us more about your upcoming project its title, theme, and what inspired it?
my upcoming project hmmm Santa’s love gift to me’ A thrilling story. its a story never been done ,not seen yet but I belt you all will like this one because we are about to create magic to entertain you. its actually a story that happens during Christmas festive period. About love, betrayal , competition, greed .. people from different region coming together in one room just to find love . You will love this one .
About the cast
Who are the confirmed cast members so far, and what influenced your casting choices?
Are there any fresh faces or notable actors audiences should look forward to?
The cast for this movie was careful selected making sure each actor is perfect for the role to bring the story to live. here are my cast list [Ray emodi, Bryan kwpara , kachi innochiri , Chinyere Wilfred, my self Evia Simon and Jennifer Nnoruga with a host of other great actors . They are all fantastic actors who knows their onions and known with their fantastic way of interpreting a script.
About the director
Who is directing this project, and why were they chosen for this role?
How would you describe the working relationship and creative synergy with the director?
talking about saheed apanpa, a house hold name director who has done multiple movies and is known for his creativity . I jump on him to do this project because I trust him to bring out the best in this script . I remember the day I called him I told him we got a Christmas script to shoot and he was evia Simon oya bring it lets create magic for this people lets have a new touch to your movie production
