In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, I welcome Abidemi Sanusi, an accomplished author and SEO expert. We dive into her journey from working in human rights to becoming a multi-faceted professional in writing and technology. I also share insights from the recent World Travel Market show in Excel, London, focusing on how AI is influencing the tourism industry. Abidemi offers her expertise on SEO, content strategy, and the evolving role of AI in writing. At the same time, we explore the differences between traditional and self-publishing and discuss why adapting to technology is crucial for today’s authors.

00:00 Welcome to Talking Tech with Creative Podcasts 00:28 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Journey 01:35 World Travel Markets Experience 03:09 Introducing Abidemi Sanusi 05:36 Abidemi's Background and Early Life 09:10 Journey into Writing and Education 17:12 Transition to Digital and SEO 21:31 Understanding SEO for Authors 26:37 Impact of AI on SEO and Writing 29:50 Using AI Tools for Writing and Marketing 37:44 Amplifying Author Voices in the Digital Age 40:20 Owning Your Writing Journey 40:34 The Business of Writing 41:19 Balancing Inspiration and Discipline 43:02 Overcoming Resistance 44:32 Finding Time to Write 46:43 Essential Writing Tools and Techniques 51:06 The Future of Writing with AI 01:01:03 Traditional vs. Self-Publishing 01:08:39 Final Thoughts and Resources

We interview Tony Abulu, an Nigerian filmmaker and CEO of Black Ivory Communications, whose extensive career spans over 30 years in film, publishing, and international marketing.

Abulu discusses his journey, from his storytelling roots inspired by his grandmother in Edo state to the business lessons learned from his uncle. Despite early societal expectations to pursue sciences, Tony followed his passion for the arts, leading him to launch a film career in the U.S. with African-themed productions like Back to Africa (1997), Doctor Bello (2012), and American Japa (2024).

Tony delves into the challenges and growth of the Nigerian film industry, recounting his path to self-distribution in the middle of piracy and limited cinema culture.

He shares his unique perspective on Afrocentric storytelling, urging more diversity in themes to fully reflect Nigeria’s cultural depth beyond popular Yoruba narratives.

Tony discusses the essential role of the Nigerian government in fostering the creative economy, citing the need for government-backed financial support to address barriers young filmmakers face, like high collateral requirements.

He critiques the millions allocated to Nigeria’s creative sector, expressing concern about its accessibility for grassroots creatives.

Tony’s vision is for a thriving industry powered by robust distribution and monetisation, with platforms like his upcoming Blaze Channel to reach the Nigerian diaspora and enhance economic opportunities for creatives.

This episode offers an inspiring journey through Abulu’s life, insights into the potential of Nigeria’s creative industry, and an earnest call for government and diaspora support to sustain its future.

In this episode, Izu Okafor, a filmmaker passionate about bringing authentic Nigerian stories to the screen, joins us. Izu shares his creative journey, explaining how he started producing and is now making strides toward directing, with an exciting upcoming Israeli-Nollywood project in the works. He talks about the balance between formal education and practical experience, sharing how self-education and guidance from mentors have shaped his career.

Izu dives into the challenges of the film industry, especially with streaming platforms acting as gatekeepers, and highlights the importance of grassroots storytelling that connects with Nigerian culture. He encourages young filmmakers to focus on telling authentic, community-driven stories rather than following mainstream trends, emphasising how these unique narratives resonate locally and globally.

Please tune in to hear more about Izu’s take on work-life balance, his future aspirations, and his insights on the evolving landscape of Nigerian cinema.