Renowned Nigerian filmmaker Clarence Peters, celebrated for his music videos, has made a significant leap into the world of streaming with his new Netflix series, Clarence Peters’ Inside Life.
Coming from a creative family, Peters’ journey into filmmaking was almost predestined. His father, Sir Shina Peters, is a legendary musician, and his mother, Clarion Chukwura, is a revered actress.
“I was born into it, unlike other people who have degrees in other things. If they say the government bans this thing, now it’s cleaner oh. I can’t do anything, you know. So literally everything that I am is both within the artistic side of the business and the business itself.”
This artistic environment provided Peters with unwavering support and inspiration in his chosen path.
He shared a funny story from his childhood that helped make him a solid decision; A friend of mine fired a shot in my groin. I was on the floor and I told God if He helped me recover from this, and I can count 52 players on this pitch that can play better than me, I’m not playing again. I got up, counted 10, and decided I was done with football. I told my mom I wanted to focus on film, and she was like, “Thank God he’s come to his senses,” he recounted.
Peters’ career began in television and stage productions, where he worked on shows like Everyday People from a young age. His extensive experience in television laid a solid foundation before he ventured into music videos, where he built a reputation for brand-building and visual interpretation.
When asked why he is known for not embracing his celebrity status, Peters attributed it to the fact that he is ‘behind the camera for a reason’.
“I think it’s probably because of the phobia of my parents and a lot of things they had to go through by being in the limelight. It wasn’t all fun. A lot of it wasn’t fun—the things they had to go through personally and in their lives, and I didn’t want that for myself. It still freaks me out when people recognise me. But nothing is 100% good or 100% bad. Sometimes you need it, sometimes you don’t. I’m grateful that I’m somewhat recognisable sometimes, but most times I would rather not be in that space if that makes any sense.”
The move to streaming with Inside Life has not been without its challenges. Peters describes the process of getting his work onto a streaming platform as complex and demanding, especially for content that deviates from mainstream expectations. “It’s not as straightforward as people might think,” he explains. “It can be complicated, especially if you don’t have the kind of relationships that you should have.”
Inside Life explores the harsh realities of life within the Lagos prison system, blending drama with supernatural elements. The series follows the intertwined stories of three individuals grappling with desperate situations, showcasing Peters’ ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
One of the central supernatural themes involves a familial curse that haunts one of the main characters, Ade. His grandmother pleads with him to break the curse that has plagued their family for generations. This curse manifests in various ways, adding a sense of dread and urgency to Ade’s journey.
Another supernatural aspect is the presence of shadowy figures and mysterious events that occur within the prison. These elements create an atmosphere of suspense and fear, as characters encounter inexplicable phenomena that challenge their understanding of reality.
Despite the hurdles, Peters remains optimistic about his foray into streaming. “I haven’t taken it in yet,” he admits, still in the midst of promotional activities. However, his dedication to storytelling and his ability to adapt to new mediums suggest that Inside Life is just the beginning of a new era for Clarence Peters.
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