Meet Chiamaka Ebochue | Lead Producer & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chiamaka Ebochue and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chiamaka, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In my role within Cineast Productions, I recognized that some clients and other production companies value confidentiality and are not open to sharing the credit for the work we do for them. To address this, we established Abovetheline, a specialized team dedicated to producing briefs. This allows us to provide our producing services seamlessly while respecting the preferences of those clients who prefer to keep the credit for our work confidential. It’s a strategic approach that helps us cater to a diverse range of clients and maintain positive working relationships within the industry.” How it became a strictly female was by sheer accident. It wasnt planned in any way.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Cineast Productions, we are not only committed to producing exceptional content but also to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the production industry. In line with this vision, we birthed ‘Above The Line’ (ATL), a sub – brand with a specific focus on providing a robust and sustainable platform for women in the production workforce.

ATL is a movement aimed at altering the trajectory of the workforce and redefining women’s roles within it. By creating opportunities for talented female producers, ATL seeks to bring about powerful and lasting change. We believe in the immense potential of women in the production industry and are dedicated to empowering them to play pivotal roles in shaping the future of our field.

ATL also serves as a solution for clients who have their own production companies or wish to maintain credit for their work while outsourcing the execution to our organization. This unique approach allows for a collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship, ensuring that clients can preserve their vision while tapping into the expertise of our skilled team.

Above The Line is not just a brand; it’s a testament to our commitment to breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and reshaping the narrative of women in the production industry. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for driving innovation and excellence, and ATL is our dedicated effort to make this vision a reality.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Lagos, Nigeria is an amazing place! Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip in Lagos, focusing on some of the most fun and interesting spots in Lagos:

**Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation**
– Check-in at a cozy hotel or Airbnb in a vibrant area like Victoria Island or Ikoyi.
– Evening kayaking at one of Lagos’ beautiful waterfront locations.

**Day 2: Culinary Delights**
– Breakfast at a local spot for traditional Nigerian cuisine.
– Explore the Lekki Conservation Centre for a nature walk.
– Lunch at a popular local eatery.
– Evening dinner at HSE Gourmet in Lekki for a taste of gourmet delights.

**Day 3: Cinematic Experience**
– Morning visit to Nike Art Gallery for a dose of Nigerian art.
– Lunch at a trendy spot in the art district.
– Afternoon movie at IMAX Cinema for a top-notch cinematic experience.

**Day 4: Pampering Day**
– Relaxing morning at a spa for a full massage and wellness session.
– Afternoon exploring the vibrant markets for some local shopping.
– Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a stunning view of the city.

**Day 5: Beach Day**
– Day trip to Tarkwa Bay Beach for sun, sea, and relaxation.
– Enjoy beach activities and water sports.
– Dinner at a beachside seafood restaurant.

**Day 6: Cultural Exploration**
– Visit the National Museum for a journey through Nigerian history.
– Lunch at a local spot serving authentic Nigerian dishes.
– Explore the vibrant nightlife at a popular bar or club.

**Day 7: Weekend Party Vibes**
– Brunch at a trendy café.
– Afternoon exploring the city’s landmarks like the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.
– Evening attend one of Lagos’ famous parties or events, experiencing the city’s energetic and lively nightlife.

This itinerary offers a mix of cultural exploration, relaxation, and exciting activities, showcasing the dynamic and diverse experiences Lagos has to offer. Despite challenges, Lagosians find joy in their vibrant culture, making it a memorable destination.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It’s wonderful that you want to express gratitude and recognition in your shoutout. Here’s how you might articulate it:

“I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude and dedicate this shoutout to the source of my perseverance and the guiding force in my life – God. His grace has been the cornerstone of my journey, keeping me motivated and resilient.

Additionally, I want to give a special shoutout to the incredible individuals who make up the Above the Line team. Sukki, Betty, Adeola, Debby, Precious, Jacinta, Fikayo, Fego, and especially Pelumi – each of you plays an indispensable role in our collective success. Your dedication, hard work, and collaborative spirit have not only elevated our projects but have also created a supportive and thriving work environment. This shoutout is a testament to the teamwork and camaraderie that propels us forward. Thank you all for being an integral part of our story.”

Website: https://www.cineastproductions.com/above-the-line

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abovetheline.inc?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cineast-original-production-studios/about/?viewAsMember=true

Image Credits
Above The Line Productions