How Siv Ngesi stepped into the world of Jason Statham’s ‘Shelter’ through an immersive experience

Siv Ngesi is a familiar face in the film and TV industry, known for his work as an actor and comedian. However, many are unaware that when he isn't busy with rehearsals or filming, he also conducts behind-the-scenes interviews for major big screen releases.

I recently chatted with the outspoken personality, whose social media presence is unfailingly entertaining, about his recent immersive creator experience, developed specifically around the Jason Statham action thriller, "Shelter".

It took place in the UK, where the movie was shot.

“Shelter” centres on Mason, a former assassin, who is forced to kill his former organisation to protect a young girl. It does give “Transporter” vibes. But any movie with Statham is a drawcard at cinemas.

“So, I work continuously with these incredible humans; they send me all over the world, Sun Africa Group. So I travel, do junkets, I meet different people around the world, and help with the pre-publicity stuff for the film coming soon,” he shared. 

“I've been doing it for a while. I've interviewed Gerard Butler, Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman, Jada Pinkett Smith and 50 Cent. So I'm very involved in the film space from behind-the-scenes.”

In the first week of January, Ngesi's two-day visit involved several activities. He went to the British Training Academy, where the creators explored stunt training, covering fight techniques, reactions, falls from heights, and general stunt work.

Additionally, his experience included a RIB boat ride on the River Thames and gaining insight into the secret world of spies, among other things.

Other creators from across the globe joined him for the experience.

When asked about the experience, he shared, “It was an absolutely incredible experience. We literally saw London in the most VIP way possible. We went on buses, like VIP tour buses with a see-through deck, enjoyed a 3-course meal, and then we went through the London hotspots that you actually see throughout the film.

“And the night before, we did like a high-intensity spy game because obviously the whole film was about different spies, and learning different skills that make you a better spy, which was absolutely incredible.

“We got to take a speedboat throughout London, which is absolutely incredible, in the rain, which is so London.”

He continued: “And then we went to this private place with all the stunt people from the film. And they were taking us through stunts of the entire film, showing how people, when they get hit, they get pulled back, how to break the glass of someone's head, then doing fight routines that have been in the film - it took you one step closer to being an action hero.”

Of course, “The Man Cave” star is no stranger to an adrenaline rush. If anything, Ngesi flourishes in it. "The Man Cave" star is certainly not afraid of an adrenaline rush; in fact, Ngesi thrives on it.

So the experience was right up his alley. 

He added, “I've been in international film for many, many years, so there aren't many things that can surprise me about film, because I've been doing a lot of stuff my entire life. One thing that was crazy was how much money they have. They have a budget like you wouldn’t believe - that’s what got me.”

That said, Ngesi has a busy schedule this year. 

“I have ‘Spinners’ season 2 coming out; ‘The Invisible’, a series based on Deon Meyer’s book; ‘Alphas’, an American film about sharks; I have one more film that I've just forgotten; and I'm shooting a film called ‘Boys Trip’ in March. And I'm going back to comedy,” he shared. 

By the way, he is also in Gina Prince-Bythewood’s highly-anticipated fantasy, “Children of Blood and Bone”.

Although he has yet to confirm tour dates for his one-man show, which is a cathartic piece built around a mommy's boy, he shared, “It's all about me, my mother, talking about the lessons I've learned, masculinity, grief and all of that.”

When asked about his bucket list role, he revealed, “I'm actually producing something as we speak, but I'm not going to talk more or more about it. It's my dream role. I'm one of the producers, one of the creators, and there's a nice international actress who will be joining us. I look forward to blowing people's minds with this one.”

On the kind of roles he’s leaning more into these days, he said: “I just want to challenge myself continuously. Have I been challenged? No, not really. But that's the beauty of it. I'm young. As an actor, the older you get, you know, the more work you get, and I can see that I'm getting better parts, challenging myself.

“I just want to do the best kind of work that I can do with what I've been given.”

∎ “Shelter” is showing at cinemas nationwide.