My very own movie!

So for some time now I have been thinking of other ways to tell my stories. Some of these options were a radio drama, a book, animation and short film. Of these three a short film sounded the most exciting to me so I decided to work on that. I went through my short stories and found one that would be perfect for my very first video appearance. I wanted something unique, short and of minimal cost because I was ideally funding everything myself. After 10 was perfect!

 If you haven't read it yet here's the link http://azedi.blogspot.com/2011/05/after-10.html . In less than a week I will upload this comical 3 minute film online. It's not the most amazing short film but I believe it's definitely one worth watching. I have special thanks I have to give for the people that helped in shooting the video. Hilda, James brown, Duke, Ruth, Cyig, Roselynn and the biggest one to Tim :-)

His Muse 10.2 (finale)

The next morning Edem skipped his class and went over to Sandra's hostel. He got there as early as he could. He knocked on the door and her roommate let him in. He noticed Sandra's bed was empty. "Adjoa, where is Sandra?" He asked concerned. Adjoa just shook her head. "I don't know. I slept early last night." She replied rubbing her eyes. Edem took out his phone. He was going to call Dean but he realized that was a bad idea. For a minute he felt out of place. Then the door opened and Sandra entered the room. She looked sleep deprived. Her hair was a bit messy. "Edem!" She said startled. Her roommate saw the situation and left them alone. "I have been calling you since last night." He said looking at her closely. Her hair was messy. Her clothes looked crumpled.

 "Where were you?" He asked. She fumbled. Edem shook his head. What he was thinking was probably right. "So you were sleeping with someone eh?!" He thundered. Before she could say another word he added, "I'm ashamed of you Sandra." She threw her bag down and rolled her eyes. "Look Edem, I really don't know what you want from me. You have the coolest clothes, dine at the best restaurants and I am even planning on getting you into a cool hostel like mine and you are here yelling at me. Who cares about that guy I was with? Aren't you the one everyone calls my boyfriend?" She finally said. Edem froze. "What?! All those things are done with my own money..." he started. "Oh boy please. You wouldn't have gotten that money if it wasn't for me!" She yelled. Edem stared at her. He realized what was happening. He always saw it, he was just blinded by the long hair, smiles and curves but now he could see clearly. He headed for the door but Sandra rushed for his hand. "Ed, look I'm sorry. I didn't even sleep with anyone. I just met with a producer of a TV show about you and we went to a party..." she explained. He didn't say a thing. He just broke free from her grip and walked out.  

Unfortunately, Sandra did not allow him to perform at the show. She gave the spot to someone else. Edem had run out of money. He didn't have enough money to get him through the next year. He went to see a few people who were organizing shows if they needed a comedian for as little as 50 cedis a show. He was desperate. One night on his way back he saw Sandra. He was about to approach her and put his anger on her when someone called him from behind. He turned around and saw Dean and Sally. "Yo, what's up?" Dean asked. Edem felt terrible and happy at the same time. He rushed to them. "I'm so sorry, Dean. I don't know what..." he started to appologize but Dean stopped him. "Don't worry its alright. I knew you would come back to your senses." he said. Sally smiled. "So we are cool?" Edem asked, looking at both of them. "Yup." they both said. Edem smiled. "Look here we have money to make. And you are not going to be begging for gigs again ok?" Dean said. Edem nodded eagerly as they walked away. "Dean you were right. My talent comes from within me and not from anyone else. Especially not gold digging girlfriends." Edem said and Dean smiled. "Amen!" Sally yelled and they all laughed, just like always.

True friends understand you, even when you have nothing to offer them.

The End  

His muse 10.1

"I have been calling him since Friday. He won't get back to me." Dean said. Sally struggled to keep up with his pace. They were walking to their hostel from lectures. "Oh Dean relax. Edem is probably busy with studies. You know exams are coming up." She said. Dean turned to look at her. "So you are also on the other side eh?" He asked, slowing down. Sally stopped. "What? What are you talking about?" She asked innocently. Dean sighed. "Sandra his new sweetheart was acting all diva on me at the show." He said throwing his hand in the air. Sally couldn't help it. She burst out into laughter. "I'm glad one of us at least finds it funny." He said looking at her. "I'm sorry. It's just that, you looked gay when you did the whole diva thing." She managed to say. Dean giggled and tickled her. She laughed even louder. "Are you jealous of your friend because he has a new girlfriend?" She teased. "No, not at all. It’s just that since they started dating its like she controls him. Can you imagine he blew almost 150 cedis on a date with her? He hasn't made enough money for that." Dean explained. Sally put her arm around his shoulder. "Deanie, he is in love. He has more shows ahead. You said it yourself. His future is bright. Just let him have a little fun ok?" She said. They were on Sally's floor now. She rushed off to her room and Dean went to his. Just before he got to his room he got a text from Edem. "Well its about time!" He yelled. Dean read it and his jaw dropped.

"How could you?" Sally said. Edem recognised her voice and turned around. "Sally. What's up?" He said, rather shy. "Oh don't what's up me. Dean was the one who got you into showbiz in the first place and now you tell him to back off?!" She said walking closer to him. Edem stummered for a while. "Look you don't understand. I'm not telling him to back off." He tried to explain. He felt bad. "So you feel you can handle this on your own don't you?" Sally shot at him and folded her arms. Just then Edem's phone rang. "Sally I'm sorry but I have to go." He said and walked away.

Moses pulled a chair next to Edem's bed. "Yo I heard you have a gig at the national theatre next month. Is it true?" He asked. Edem nodded. "Ah, how did you know? My name isn't on the posters." Edem asked. Modes smiled. "Your manager/girl friend said it on air today." He replied. Edem smiled. "My girl has links." He said and gave Moses a high five.

Edem walked away from the ATM machine. He had withdrawn money from his education savings. He felt bad and remembered what Dean said when they first set it up. "Make sure you don't touch this money or else you can kiss school goodbye." He hadn't heard from Dean in some months. He felt bad. Sandra got him shows that paid more but unfortunately she seemed to spend all the money on fancy restaurants, clothes and fuel for her car. He looked at his phone. It was almost midnight. He called Sandra again after a few failed attempts. This time the call went through but she didn't answer. He walked briskly to his hall. When he got to his room he couldn't sleep. He checked the time again. He picked up some handout notes he was reading and opened it. He closed it after five minutes and sent Sandra a text. He was worried.

To be continued... :) 

His muse 7

‎"Chale if I were you I would go to her hostel and act as if I met her by chance." Moses said. Edem and Moses had become good friends. He felt more comfortable talking to Moses about Sandra than Dean. Dean had a girlfriend, he didn't understand. "Chale she get boy oh." Edem said, throwing his backpack on the bed. "Well if she loves him she won't be so nice to you." Moses added. He was playing with a football. Edem thought for a while. The more Moses spoke, the more confident he got. He was almost sure he could win her over. He thought about ways he could approach her. She was so cute. He was going to make his move the next day.

"You should have been there. The designer took my measurements and asked me to try on some clothes." Edem said walking next to Dean. "Oh that's nice. Abi you are a star now." Dean replied. Edem smiled. "Don't get too excited oh. We still need to make enough money for your school fees and...goodness! Hostel fees too." Dean added, scratching his head. Edem nodded. They got to the shop and Dean looked around. "At least now that you have a new muse we are good to go." Dean said. Edem froze. "What new muse?" He asked confused. "Dela. I'm talking about Dela. I watched how you lit up the last time she came to watch you. It looks like she likes you too oh. You should look sharp." Dean explained and made his payment. Edem felt a bit offended. "I beg Dela is not my muse." He finally said. Dean looked at him funny. 

"Oh but before she came you were a mess. Then all of a sudden your jokes were super funny." He said trying to understand Edem's anger. "That day I had lunch with Sandra." He spilled out. Dean giggled. "The girl you are afraid of or which Sandra?" He teased. "Look Dean, I know you don't like the idea of me thinking about her but chale I dey like am waa. I may not get her because I don't have much to offer and she has a boyfriend who buys her stuff and all but it doesn't change..." Edem started but Dean cut him short. "Yo, can you hear yourself? She has a boyfriend. Let her go! If you date a girl like that she will just make you feel bad about yourself and boss you around." Dean was getting angry now. "You have a show tomorrow. Focus on that and leave that girl alone! You need to put yourself together and realize that you make all these jokes yourself and this muse business is just a distraction. I have to go prepare for my class so later." Dean added sternly and walked off. Edem just stood there soaking it all in.

On his way back to his hall Edem decided to walk. He felt like thinking. He was so deep in thought that he didn't notice the dark clouds forming. He kept walking on the wide walk, thinking about what Dean said. It was when it started drizzling that he realized he should have taken a taxi. He stood by the road and signaled for a taxi to stop. They were all full. Edem was getting soaked now. He shook his head and decided to walk to the bus stop ahead. He turned around and started walking, insulting himself as he went. He was interrupted by some screeching noice. He turned around and saw a blue van heading right at him. Edem tried to dive into the bush but the van was just too fast. It hit him and he fell down unconscious.






To be continued...

His muse 5

The presenter introduced Edem to the stage and he smiled as he got to the stage. “Hi, everybody. Hope you are enjoying the fashion show.” He said. A lot of people shouted “No.” Edem went on. “I hope you know that, that reply won’t be heard in the video recording. The organizers are definitely going to edit that into a yes, absolutely, woohoo.” The crowd laughed. “I told my sister last week that I was coming here. She looked at me like I was mad then she asked. Why? You are always behind time in terms of fashion. Well don’t they have a term for that? I’m vintage! Why is it ok for Beyonce to wear 1960 dress and I get ignored for wearing bell bottom trousers?” The crowd went on laughing. Then she walked in. Sandra got a quick seat and enjoyed the show. Edem went on and on and the crowd’s laughter went higher and higher. This was his night!

“Edem so did you make all the jokes up?” Sally’s friend asked. “Dela, this guy is just good at what he does.” Dean said. Edem shrugged. “But my favourite were the Ewe jokes.” Dela added, looking directly at Edem. “From one number 9 to another, I know you liked them because you can relate.” Edem teased and they all laughed. “Oh Edem do the accent again.” Sally asked as they made it for the exit. “Cho, you have to urr pay me for this oh.” Edem said in a thick Ewe accent. Dela and Sally were in total laughter. “You guys take the lead eh, I will meet you outside.” Edem said when he saw Sandra talking to one of the organizers. “Sandra!” He called. She turned and smiled. “Wow, your act today was just awesome. I missed the first part though.” She said. Edem nodded.

"I did my best. This is my first gig since the competition. I just made sure I talked about fashion and stuff the crowd could relate to." Edem said. Sandra was smiling as usual. "You came alone? I thought you were coming with.." Edem started but someone cut in. A guy walked over to Sandra and hugged her. "Hi, I didn't know you would come here." He said. Edem noticed him. He was one of the designers for the fashion show. "Yea, I came to watch a friend." Sandra said pointing to Edem and he nodded. "Oh really. You did the comedy eh? It was really funny. We have so much talent in Ghana." The designer said and Edem gave a weak smile. "Sandra darling, I have this dress I need you to see." He said dragging her away. "Edem I'll be right back." She said as he led her away. Edem nodded and sat down on a chair. He was sitting there when his phone rung. It was Dean. "Chale where you dey? We are getting a cab oh." He asked. Edem looked around for Sandra. "Take the lead eh. I will come later." He said. Dean was silent for a while. "Ah, what are you doing there?" He finally asked. "Oh I'm just chatting with one of the organizers." He lied. "Oh cool. Do you want me to come? Is it about another gig?" Dean asked concerned. "Naa, just talking about the show. I'm good. See you later." Edem said still looking out for Sandra.

He sat there for 30 more minutes and she still didn't show up. He got up and walked towards the changing room, where she was dragged to.  He peeped through but she wasn't there."Ermm excuse me, do you know where Sandra and the tall designer went?" Edem asked a model who was packing up to leave. "I don't know. They just left in her car." She said in a Nigerian accent. "Heyaa it's going to rain." She said and rushed off. Edem was upset. He turned around and walked out slowly. It had already started raining. He insulted himself as he run through the rain to get to the bus stop. "Dean was right, I'm probably not good enough for her." He thought to himself as he tried to stop a taxi. When he finally got into one he was soaked. He called Dean and told him he was going to his hall instead because he was wet. But the real reason was because he was down. "Yo, you remember Sally's friend? Be like she dey feel you oh. She was asking so many questions about you when we were coming. You better look sharp." Dean said excitedly. Edem smiled. She was a nice girl. "Eh, then we go talk moro. She is at your hostel right? I will come over after my Saturday morning class." Edem said. He was happy he had attracted a girl but why couldn't she be Sandra? 

The next day was so much fun. A lot of people recognized Edem from the show and said hi to him all day. It felt nice. When he went to Dean's place they went to see his new crush and she even made them lunch. "Dela you are a good cook oh." Dean complimented. She smiled and looked at Edem. "He doesn't know you added some cat meat to the food." Edem teased. "And you would know." Dela said giggling. "Oh but me and you know how it tastes oh." He said and she laughed some more. He liked the way she responded to his jokes. She was really nice. Edem stayed at Dela's place chatting till it was very late. When he got back to his place he was smiling a lot. He had had a good day. "It would have been a lot better if I had seen Sandra" he thought, as he went to sleep.

To be continued...

His muse 4

"Hey. Akua let me call you back alright?" She said looking directly at Edem. He and his friend both froze. "How are you?"  She said again. Edem's friend kicked him and he said, "I'm fine. You look great." He said. She giggled and looked at the plain tank top and jeans she was wearing. "Thank you. I didn't know you were a student here too." She said smiling. Edem just smiled back. "Hi I'm sandra." She introduced herself to his friend. "Hi, I'm Moses." He replied. Edem turned to look at him. "Seriously? Your parents named you Moses?" He asked. Sandra started laughing. "Oh shut up." Moses replied. "Anyways, I have to go. My roommate has been calling me. See you around." Sandra said, taking her car keys from her pocket. "Ok. Ermm...Sandra." Edem managed to say. "I have a performance next week Friday. Would you like to come and watch?" She paused and smiled. "I could buy the ticket for you. Its at the Fairline hotel at 7pm." He added. She smiled. "Ok, that sounds cool. How much is the ticket. I would prefer to buy it myself because I doubt I will come alone." She said. "10 cedis." Edem replied. She smiled. "Ok. That's cool but I have to run so will see you there, ok?" She said and hopped into her car. At that moment Moses was singing praises to him.

Dean was so impressed when he heard Edem’s story. “It’s just annoying that she will come with her boyfriend.” Edem said. Dean turned to look at him. “Chale, are you sure you want a girl like Sandra?” He asked putting more clothes in his bucket. Edem paused for a while and smiled. “Why, you don’t think I’m good enough for her?” He asked, almost offended. “No, that’s not it at all. She is a beauty queen. I know Sandra is cool and all that but she has so many boys after her. The competition is tight.” Dean explained. 

“Deanie!” His girlfriend called. “Sally I’m in the bathroom.” He called out to her. She turned around and walked to them. “Edem I was asking Dean if I could get an extra ticket for a friend for the fashion show.” She said when she got there. Edem nodded. “Yea sure. The organizers gave me 4 tickets. The person I wanted to invite said she would buy her own ticket so you can have it.” He replied. Sally smiled and took out her phone to send a text. “Thank you! Oh were you going to invite Sandra Osei?” She blurt out. Dean turned and gave her a furious look. “Oh, I’m sorry.” She whispered. Edem shook his head. “It’s ok. You guys talk about everything. I kind of knew Dean will tell you.” Edem said, looking down. Dean felt bad. He stopped washing. He told Sally to excuse them. “Look, you know what? After this show you will see more beautiful girls. You will have so many muses it would be hard which one to choose.” He said. Edem looked at him and nodded. “That’s what’s up!” He yelled and they both laughed.

The night for the show came and the organizers gave Dean the program lineup when they got there. They were seated with Sally and her friend. “Look, all we have to do is make these people laugh for just 15 minutes. In actual fact you have no need to be nervous, you know why?” Dean asked. Edem shook his head. “It’s simple. You have nothing to lose. If you go up there and no one laughs, big deal, we are still getting paid. If you go there and it’s a big hit, you also win with a bag of chips.” He explained. Edem smiled at that. He was a little less nervous now. 

All through the show he was looking out for Sandra. The event was not so big so he could see she wasn’t around. Dean put his hand on his shoulder. “Yo, you need to go backstage. Don’t worry about Sandra.” Dean said. Edem stood up. “Why, with her do I also have nothing to lose?” He asked sarcastically. “Actually yes. Hear this. If she shows up, you can watch her laugh and if she doesn’t you have something to talk to her about when you meet her again. Technically she will owe you one.” Dean said. Edem’s face shot up into a massive smile. One of the organizers was signaling at him to come backstage. “Dean, you be guy. You just made my day.” Edem said turning to leave. Dean smiled, made his voice feminine and said, “So am I your new muse?” He teased. Edem hit him and rushed off. 

To be continued...

His muse 3

“Yo, why are you standing there like that?” Dean asked walking up to him. He saw Edem staring at Sandra as she walked off. He turned back to Edem and opened his mouth. “The girl you were talking about? That’s her? Sandra Osei?” He managed to say. Edem turned to him immediately. “You know her?” Edem asked eagerly. “Yea, I mean who doesn’t. She won Miss University. Dude are you thinking of…? Oh please forget about it.” He replied and walked off. "Wow, I'm sure she beat everyone easy kwraa." Edem said as he walked off with Dean. "Oh yea, she is really nice too. Most of these girls who win something small act all stuck up but this girl is super modest." Dean continued. Edem felt even worse. "Why are the good girls all taken kwraa eh?" He asked. "They are just too irresistible to stay single for long." Dean answered with a giggle. "Anyways forget about girls for now. When you get your cash and go from show to show the girls will be chasing you." He added, trying to cheer Edem up. "You are right! I can't wait to tell my parents I won! Next semester I'm gonna be schooling with you." Edem finally said smiling.  

Edem automatically made Dean his manager. They went for the prize money together. Edem almost couldn't believe it. The first thing he did with the money was buy university forms. He was so eager to get a proper education. He knew he needed it. He tried to forget about Sandra but when he got admission he knew he would see her again and that was just enough. 

In less than 6 months Edem got a call to perform at a fashion show. One of the companies that sponsored his contest was organising it. Dean spoke to them and he landed a cool amount for his first gig. "Ma guy the show is in two weeks oh so please start preparing now. This is your chance to make it big. Plus the prize money only caters for two years. You need to work for more money." He advised. Edem nodded calmly but his heart was racing. He bought a notebook the next day and took it with him everywhere he went so he could write funny things down. Dean was impressed. He believed in him but he was also happy he was taking things seriously.

One night Edem went to Dean's hostel. "Dean...do you think if I invite Sandra to the show she will come?" He asked shyly. Dean wasn't very pleased. "Yo, are you still thinking about her? I thought we spoke about this? Look you won because you have talent and not because she was there." Dean said. Edem looked down. "Ok you know what? One of the girls in my hostel is her friend. I will ask her to ask her." Dean finally said to cheer his friend up and just like magic it worked. "Thanks chale!" Edem said excitedly. "Ei, relax she hasn't said yes yet" he added and they both laughed.

On his way from lectures the next day Edem was chatting with a new friend when he saw Sandra. She drove past them in a brand new blue Kia Picanto. It was the Pageant car. He wanted to stop her but what if she didn't recognize him and drove off. That would definitely be shyous so when she turned in his direction he kept his head down. He walked on to his Hall far behind her car. When he got to his hall he noticed her car parked there. He looked around to see if he would see her but he didn't. "What are you looking for?" His friend asked. "That." Edem said finally finding Sandra walk down the stairs. "Wow, fine girl. Do you know her?" His friend asked. "Yea but I don't think she remembers me." He confessed. Sandra walked to the car. Her neat ponytail was shining in the sun and she held her phone, chatting and laughing in a conversation. "Chale that's miss university. Nice." Edem's friend said as they passed her by. She turned and looked at them and Edem's heart missed a beat. 

to be continued...