The Waiter: Ayo Makun big screen hamper for cinemagoers

Since popular stand-up comedian, Ayo Makun or AY, for short diversified his creative portfolio by venturing into film production, his foray into film production has yielded remarkable success. With a career spanning nearly two-and-a half decades, the Ifon, Ondo State-born theatre arts graduate of the Delta State University, Abraka, has made significant contributions to the Nigerian motion picture industry. With a strig of blockbuster movies that have captivated audiences nationwide, AY who is honcho of Corporate World Entertainment, the company that is behind the successful ‘AY Live’ Comedy show, has successfully established himself as a versatile entertainer, entrepreneur and filmmaker.

AY’s foray into movie production began with the release of his debut film, 30 Days In Atlanta, in 2014, which emerged as the highest grossing movie of that year. It grossed over 160 million in box office earning. That achievement marked a significant milestone in AY’s career, solidifying his position as one of the major players. He has starred in highly successful movies such as Being Mrs. Elliot, The Wedding Party and in the across country production, titled, American Driver. The movies that AY has signed as lead actor and producer are A Trip To Jamaica, 30 Days in Atlanta, 10 Days in SunCity and most recently Merry Men, American Driver, and The Accidental Spy. These films have not only showcased AY’s creative genius, but have also provided a platform for emerging talents, contributing significantly to, to the growth of the Nigerian film industry.

AY returns to the screen this season with a new movie, titled, The Waiter. Created by Corporate World Entertainment, The Waiter is a fast-paced action-comedy that combines thrilling entertainment with a sharp commentary on the state of Nigeria. It delves into the challenges faced by the country’s aggrieved youth and points to the hope for a better future through unswerving love for the country. 

Set in the vibrant city of Abuja, with much of the production set at the iconic Transcorp Hilton, the movie is produced by the talented Darlington Abuda and directed by the award-winning movie director Toka McBaror. Described as genre-blending film, which falls under action, comedy, drama, and crime, the movie, which is scheduled for release on December 20 features an all-star cast including Shaffy Bello, Deyemi Okanlawon, Regina Daniels, Williams Uchemba, Rahama Sadau, Bucci Franklin, Shine Rosman, Kunle Remi, Chris Atoh, Thin Tall Tony, Toke Makinwa, Daniel Lloyd, Greg Ojefua, Boma Akpore, Uzee Usman, Richard Mofe Damijo and expectedly AY. The movie features exciting cameo appearances by Senator Dino Melaye, NasBoi, May Edochie, and Brain Jotter.

In what has been hailed as ground breaking and historic collaboration, AY announced that the movie will be co-distributed by two of the country’s leading film distribution companies—Genesis Pictures and Silverbird Distribution. Observers say that the co-distribution agreement for The Waiter, marks the first-ever collaborative distribution effort between two major industry giants in Nigeria, setting a new standard for the future of film distribution. AY is excited about the co-distribution agreement. He said: “The Waiter is a project that is very close to my heart, and I’m pleased to see the Nigerian film industry embracing a global practice. We have seen partnerships like Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios co-distributing the Spider-Man franchise; Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures collaborating on Godzilla, and Disney and 20th Century Studios co-distributing Avatar.

We have seen how they all set new standards for success.  Now, with Silverbird Distribution and Genesis Pictures joining forces for this film, we’re taking a bold step in that same direction. I’m grateful to have such powerhouse partners on this journey, and I truly believe this collaboration will open up new possibilities and drive unprecedented success for Nollywood and everyone involved.” The distribution companies are also excited about the agreement entered. “This is an idea whose time has come,” said Dr. Nnaeto Orazulike, the Chairman and Founder of Genesis Group. “The co-distribution model is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence.” The Waiter is more than a movie; it’s a cultural moment. Together with Silverbird, we are ensuring that this film reaches every corner of Nigeria, maximising its impact and box office potential during the holiday season.”

General Manager, Silverbird Film Distribution, Isabella Okechukwu, echoed this sentiment, stating, “this partnership between Silverbird and Genesis Pictures is historic, spectacular and groundbreaking. We are combining our strengths to create a new benchmark for film distribution in Nigeria. By uniting our resources, we are poised to unlock new revenue streams and elevate the success of The Waiter to unprecedented heights’’.
Will ‘The Waiter’ grip cinemagoers and surpass the cinema numbers as the previous hits by AY? Only time will tell.