Flashmag Digizine Edition Issue 105 May 2020 | Page 31

Flashmag May 2020 www.flashmag.net

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I decided to create my media because I had a completely different approach of medias, I wanted to have an uninhibited media, outside of the usual ethics, opened to the world, a free media, which resembles me. I also found that the technical aspect of the media was often reserved for men, and it became a challenge for me to create this media as a woman, but also to bring my technical skills and my feminine touch.

 In general, it is believed that women in the media are treated better than in other areas is this true?

Nash: No, it's not quite true! It all depends on which side of the media you are on. If you're a technician, at best men will treat you as equals. In any case, there are very few female audiovisual technicians, and this is also what motivated me to study in the field. In reality, men are pretty macho, and often feel technically speaking above women, even worse in the media world. I admit that it is not always easy for the very feminine woman that I am. Laughs ...! Nevertheless, I am relentless, I was able to impose myself and be respected by believing in my strength, hard work and perseverance.

As for the presentation of the programs and interviews, it is very clear that it is very interesting to be a pretty woman, with a zest of character. Laughs ...

Have you ever felt in your career that being a woman would have hurt you?

Nash: Yes of course! Understand that as a director, I have to lead film crews. The task is already not easy, but when at the same time you have to present the program, it can be complicated. You add to that my uninhibited bimbo physique on my high heels, and skirts close to the thighs; go ahead and tell the technicians what to do! Even if they know you are competent, they will not make your job easy, simply because their male ego is tested, by being directed technically by a woman. They feel that this is something that is the preserve of men.

Fortunately, I have a grip, I know my job, and know how to get to the end of things. But I admit, it is not always easy. Fortunately, I have a team made up of competent men who immediately went beyond my female posture and my physique, to focus solely on my skills.

 I actually think that there is a desire among some technicians to make my task difficult, to show me that I may not be in my place technically speaking, and that I should rather take care of my lipstick. Laughs ...! It is all very fun, between the way I am perceived, and the person I ‘am really. Laughs ...

In the Nash People show you received the cream of Afro Caribbean music. Maitre Gim’s, Lynnsha, Fally Ipupa, Matt Houston and so on, what is your secret why the stars never fail to honor your stage?

Nash: I think that when you do your job well, with all the professionalism that should be, and the quality in terms of visuals, it’s reckoned, it can be seen, and it’s resounding. We are in a trade where word of mouth also works very well.

The other aspect is relationships, the address book. Being almost born in the people’s sphere, I always rubbed shoulders with many celebrities, who are friends, even before being invited on my set. And others who become good relations or friends like: Benny-B, Kaysha, Jedah, Stanley Enow, Teeyah, Singuila, Kamini, Serge Beynaud etc.

You have collaborated with local channels to whom you offered your programs, notably the Canal2 channel from your country of origin Cameroon. Why did you stop this collaboration?

Nash: Canal2 international is a beautiful TV channel with a lot of potential. We had a very nice collaboration for a few years; and like all collaborations, it had its flaws. I was quickly out of breath with certain processes that did not suit me, and I did not do the following season with them.

Having the defect of being quite a perfectionist, and constantly wishing to renew myself, I am concerned to have my partners and collaborators follow in these stages of construction.

What I deplore with Cameroonian channels in general, is their habit of free programs. You cannot invest millions on a program, and broadcast it for free on a channel, while these same channels broadcast targeted ads during your shows, and pay millions for foreign programs. It's not fair, and it's hard to imagine for a professional who does a good job. I think that the local channels should really get into the habit of encouraging the work of African directors and producers, because there are very good ones. When you know how much a production costs, it is more than imperative that the financial agreements be respected.

Canal2 international is a beautiful channel that has a lot of potential, but it must think about renewing itself, innovating, and take out the suffocative clout of some who use it as their property, by working in the dark to undermine others.

It is not impossible to rework with them as soon as the new season is launched. However, other African and Pan-African channels have reached me. I will see what my choice will be, hoping that the right financial agreements will also follow, to allow us to work well.