Having worked in the film and media industry for more than ten years, Stellamaris Duru progressed from a receptionist at Wale Adenuga Produc...
Having worked in the film and media industry for more than ten years, Stellamaris Duru progressed from a receptionist at Wale Adenuga Productions to an acclaimed producer and the CEO of her own company. In this interview withTEMITOPE ADETUNJI,she recounts her motivating path, obstacles, and aspirations for bringing back ethical standards in Nigerian entertainment
You take on multiple roles — as a producer, business owner, fashion lover, and parent. How do you see yourself in all these different capacities?
I am a wife, a mother, and a filmmaker; the Chief Executive Officer of Chuchin Ultimate Production and the producer of the well-known TV drama series Sands of Time.
Two months back, I started my YouTube channel, StellamarisDuru TV, and it has been progressing well thanks to God's blessings.
In addition to film, I have a passion for fashion and manage an online fashion store called NysomAfrique, which offers exquisite African fabrics and pre-made clothing. However, at my heart, I am a media professional.
Share your experiences and background from your early years.
I was born in Lagos but originate from Imo State. I came from a modest background. My father was a dedicated individual, and my mother was very encouraging. As kids, we didn't have all the things we desired, but in that rented apartment, our home was full of love.
When I was young, I frequently worked to help support my parents. This situation influenced my development of independence and a strong sense of duty.
My mother ran a small business, selling groceries such as vegetables, oranges, cassava, and palm oil. I used to join my brothers and sisters in hawking. I was the main seller; if any of them couldn't sell their share, I would take it over. If there were any items left in the store, I had to go back to the street the following day. It wasn't easy at first, but eventually, I came to value how these experiences taught me perseverance and diligence.
I am the sixth child in my family and have always been ready to take on responsibilities and assist. All of these experiences have shaped me into the woman I am today: resilient, ambitious, and self-reliant.
What sparked your passion for movie creation?
I pursued a degree in Business Administration at the University of Lagos. However, prior to being admitted to UNILAG, I was already employed by Wale Adenuga Productions across various departments, excluding production.
I spent the most time in the marketing department. To promote a production, it's essential to understand and genuinely believe in what you're selling, so I began watching many of their programs. I became captivated by how powerful stories could impact lives and how much work was involved in bringing them to life. This experience sparked my passion for storytelling and film production.
Prior to entering the field of marketing, I began my career as a receptionist and later transitioned into quality control. This position allowed me to get a glimpse of upcoming productions before they were broadcast. Seeing these stories on a daily basis inspired me; I realized I wanted to establish a professional path in this area.
I dedicated more than ten years to WAP, contributing to initiatives such as Super Story, This Life, Binta and Friends, and Nnenna and Friends (which is now known as The Babington Family). I was also involved with the marketing team following the launch of WAP TV. These experiences provided me with significant understanding of production, marketing, and the business aspects of media.
What caused you to depart from Wale Adenuga Productions?
Although I don't remember the exact year I started working at Wale Adenuga Productions Ltd., my overall tenure there lasted more than ten years, possibly around fifteen. At one point, I took a short break to work with Maxima Media for a few months and Micromedia Marketing for nearly a year before going back to WAP, and later leaving to start my own business.
My choice to depart from WAP stemmed from a strong desire for ongoing learning and career development. I arrived at a stage where my everyday tasks had turned somewhat routine. I saw the importance of seeking out new opportunities and more demanding positions, as I felt that remaining in the same role would eventually limit the progressive career path I aimed for.
Nevertheless, Wale Adenuga Productions Ltd. provided me with the ideal opportunity to develop my career.
When did you launch your own production company?
I created my initial project in 2023 and made my television debut in July 2024. This July, we celebrated our first year on screen and marked the anniversary with the launch of our Season 2 narrative.
My first significant project under my company is Sands of Time, which currently includes two seasons: – As Afiong Go Lagos and We Happy People. I am also involved in two Nollywood film projects: one religiously inspired for my church and the other for my.YouTube channel.
Which of your works has left the deepest impression and what makes it stand out?
Both have significant meaning for me. The first season, Afiong Go Lagos, was very touching because I lost my mother and brother around that time. My friend, Dr Gina from Foodies and Spice, assisted me in managing the production. Watching that project become a reality after years of dreaming made me emotional. It reminded me that dreams can indeed come true through perseverance. I am thankful to God for a friend like Gina Ehikodi-Ojo.
The second season, We Happy People, is even more personal since I handled the entire production independently, from selecting the cast to the final editing. This project earned me the Best Producer Award at the NEMCEA Awards 2025. It was a memorable experience for me. God bless my incredible cast and crew; they turned that project into a masterpiece.
In what ways has marriage impacted your life and professional journey?
Being a professional woman can be challenging, but having a supportive partner who acknowledges the truth behind your aspirations makes all the difference.
What obstacles have you encountered while working as a director in Nigeria?
The major obstacles are financial and organizational. Producing films requires significant investment. Several television stations continue to ask producers to cover the cost of broadcasting even once they have provided high-quality material.
Starting out is never simple, particularly when you aim to approach things correctly. Gaining the trust of people and brands in your work requires time.
You need to demonstrate your worth through consistency and delivering high-quality content. I'm still facing various financial and emotional challenges, but God has remained loyal. There were moments when I almost quit, times when I wept, and times when I doubted myself. Fortunately, some media companies and brands have offered support, and others are starting to take notice. The vision is becoming more defined.
In what way do you hope your works will influence viewers in Nigeria and other regions?
I aim to leverage my platform to demonstrate that the media can still serve as a positive influence. There is an increasing belief that all aspects of entertainment are ethically harmful, but this is not accurate.
Through my work, I aim to encourage positive storytelling and material that families can enjoy together. When I was a child, spending time as a family often involved watching TV shows together, but it's now difficult to find content that is appropriate for every age group.
I desire for StellamarisDuru TV on YouTube to be recognized for high-quality, encouraging, and family-appropriate entertainment; narratives that educate, mend, and motivate. I want Sands of Time to continue being a television drama that the whole family can appreciate.
What keeps you motivated?
My love for narrative, my belief in the divine, and the wish to demonstrate that aspirations can be realized, regardless of one's origins.
My deepest aspiration is to make a beneficial impact on society via my creations. I aim for my works to be recognized for advocating wholesome and principled storytelling, tales that amuse as well as educate, motivate, and maintain our cultural and ethical roots.
Nowadays, it's difficult to overlook the extent to which television content has become excessively sexualized. Numerous shows are increasingly inappropriate for family audiences, and kids find it nearly impossible to watch TV without encountering scenes or messages that damage their purity. This is one of the issues I am committed to addressing.
Through my movies and television shows, I aim to produce material that brings harmony, narratives that inspire, inform, and bring families together, instead of undermining principles.
Entertainment ought to bring joy, encourage contemplation, and foster development, rather than erode our sense of morality or individuality.
I have a strong enthusiasm for creating movies that showcase our identity as Africans, our customs, our resilience, and our shared humanity.
We can continue to share engaging narratives without relying on crude or unethical content. I hope that my generation and those who come after us will re-embrace the charm of pure storytelling and understand that politeness will always find its place in contemporary entertainment.
You frequently talk about your beliefs. Could you describe a time when you nearly quit, and what motivated you to continue?
That was the time I took out a loan to produce my first project, and no television station was ready to collaborate with me at first. I had just buried my brother, and then my mother in the same year, leaving me with nothing. Television stations were now asking for broadcast time.
I felt entirely shattered. Thank God for God. I discovered courage through His teachings and kept contacting the TV stations until they welcomed me. They have become my friends. I am now part of more than 14 stations and the number keeps growing.
You spoke about losing your mother and brother while working on the project. How did you manage to gather the emotional strength to keep going during that time?
I possess God. I also have my husband, Oscar Chuddy, and my mentor Sap. Barr. Oge Nweke and Gina Ehikodi Ojo to appreciate for this.
Do you believe that women in Nollywood have equal opportunities and recognition compared to men, particularly when it comes to roles behind the camera?
Show respect by treating others as you would like to be treated. For opportunities, even our hands are not on the same level.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
