The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, has indeed evolved over the years. Being the second highest producing film industry in the world, after Bollywood, the make-belief workplace has garnered a lot of attention and is generating revenue, which its practitioners, the Actors and Actresses, are hugely benefitting from. Thus, everybody wants to have a piece of the fame and money. Well, the sky is big enough to accommodate everyone. Here’s all you need to know on how to become a Nollywood Actor or Actress in Nigeria.
• Be sure you can act
Today, everyone wants to act because they “think” they can. Unfortunately, most of them can’t even act to save their lives. You don’t have to join the crowd just because you want people to see you on TV. The industry is very competitive, thus, if you really want to succeed, amidst this competition, you have to be very good at it. Have an honest assessment of yourself and tell yourself the truth. You don’t have to be perfect, but ensure that you have the talent in you, and you can build it up.
• Relocate to Lagos or Asaba
This may not sound well to you if you aren’t based in either of these places already, but it’s the bitter truth. While Asaba churns out hurriedly made low budget movies, almost have baked, those in Lagos, try to do a better job. With the cinema culture back in Nigeria, they make high budget movies that are taken to the cinemas. The glitz, glamour and paparazzi are found on the Lagos scene. If you really want to make it big and live like a star, Lagos is the way to go.
• Be in good shape
Nigerian filmmakers have taking it a notch higher by ensuring that its Actors and Actresses look attractive, like their counterparts in Hollywood. You need to work on your body. For a guy, you need some muscles and a six-pack belly. If you are a lady, being slim is the trend. When you have a sexy physique, you’ll be easily noticed at auditions.
• Attend auditions
Even if you are the most talented and sexiest, you won’t become a Nollywood Actor or Actress by sitting at home. You need to go out and look for these acting jobs, and you can get them through auditions. Movie Producers and Directors hold auditions in Nigeria, to find new faces, in addition to the old ones, for their movies. Don’t know where to find audition notices? Google is your friend.
• Be eloquent in speech
Most Nollywood movies are shot in the English language. And with the “New Nollywood,” being eloquent, with good diction is the real deal. If you have a native language accent, you have a lot of work to do. You need to work very hard to lose that accent if you really want to become a Nollywood star. It’s not impossible, with hard work, you can speak very well. Practice makes perfect, work on yourself.
• Participate in Reality TV Shows
Reality TV shows in Nigeria are big these days. You can become a star by participating in one. Taking part in Nigerian Acting reality TV Shows will give you opportunities to act in big-budget movies, and avail you the exposure you need. In the absence of acting shows, you can participate in any other one, be it music or dance, you’ll still get the exposure, and then use your acquired fame to go into acting.
When the lights are on, set ready, camera panning and the Director says “action,” people who are born to act, get the job done with little or no stress, making them the toast of filmmakers. Do you have it in you? If yes, make good use of these tips on how to become a Nollywood Actor or Actress in Nigeria, and you might be the next big star. Good-luck, and see you at the top.