Becoming a Nollywood actor - Tips to Make Money in Nigeria

Posted by Felix Okoli on Tuesday July 9, 2013 at 12:22:20:

Another great way to make money in Nigeria is by simply going into the acting business. Yes, it doesn't really take much to be an actor or actress in Nigeria and there are hardly any restrictions other than your ability to actually entertain people while on a tv set.

Nollywood actors are among the highest paid actors in Africa and they do earn big money per movie they've been involved with. However, the more popular you are as an actor, the more producers would be seeking for your face in their movies. However to get there, you need to have a good resume and act well in as many movies as possible. Yeah, with the Nigerian movie industry, you can only grow as popular as how many movies you are actually featured in.

You also need to have acting skills and not be shy when you are performing before a video camera.

I remember those good old days in primary school when we did drama class. Well, it's basically the same thing as what acting in a movie requires are reading your script and knowing what role your are to play in your movie.

Most Nigerian movies are scripted and you'll need to be able to at least read in English or other language(Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa) which the movie is based. If you can read your script, cram your lines and be able to exhibit good acting skills, then you are ready to get into the acting business.

As a new actor/actress, you may still be considered a JJC in the business since one of the

Being physically attractive is also a plus for a Nollywood actor but it is not limited to being pretty alone, one also has to be averagely intelligent and at least look Nigerian in order to be famous among Nigerian viewers.

If you intend going into Nollywood as an actor, try to ensure you remain focused, build a good resume by acting well in movies. Good acting skills have to do with your speech, speak with clarity, matching your bodily expression to your character, avoid stuttering while speaking and try to be unique and real.

The business of acting has to do with make believe. You need to act n such a way that people would believe you are really feeling what you are saying and saying what you are feeling You should be able to express anger and joy not just with words but with your actions and expressions too.

Apart from having or growing all these attributes as an actor, you also need to partner up with Nollywood producers and practically beg them to give you a role in their movies. Don't go for top shot producers as a startup actor since you are more likely to get denied. Unless you kow people that can link you uo direclty wuth top Nollywood producers, it can be hard getting a top acting role as a fresh actor. You should rather build up your resume by acting in small budget movies as the producers would rpactically be looking for actors they can actually pay.

Don't be bothered about how much you are paid for your first movie because what you are looking for is just to get featured in the movie. For some people, they just get a waka-pass role in the movie and be paid a meagre wage. You can easily start with love budget movie producers and then when you've acted a couple of movies (say 5), you can then use them as a resume to get into top movies.

Relocating to somewhere like Surulere Lagos can also help you get more movie roles in Nollywood as it's home to a lot of movie actors and producers. Surulere is still a meeting point for many in the movie industry and you can even get to meet some of your favourite stars where you can get tips and links to help your career in the industry. Places like Winnis guest house and Ojez are among some of the top places you can see top shots in the movie industry. However, with the growth of the industry, producers and actors are not limited to Surulere or Lagos alone as some are already shifting their base to Abuja, Enugu and Owerri. Lagos still remains one of the best places to meetup with top shot in the industry.

Once you've grown in experience by acting in lots of Nollywood movies and have a huge fan base, your pay per movie rates would also be increased as there will be more demand by movie producers to have you in their movies.

So, as a newbie actor, you should:

- Be available at auditions when they come up
- First get experience by acting with little known producers
- Act in a lot of films
- Enter the social circle and network with other colleagues
- Carve a niche for your self.
- Grow to become a brand name in the industry
- Get a management team or manager when you are a professional and making good money
- Stay fit and active if you want to remain business for the long term. The public doesn't like actors who lose shape.

Before you know it, even GSM companies would start paying you to be their ambassadors. It really does pay to be a Nollywood actor.

Comments:

Re: Becoming a Nollywood actor

I fell u brother ur points are very ensential and helpful thanks alot.But how to get started is the major thing

Re: Becoming a Nollywood actor

Just look for producers who are doing an audition and request to join them

Re: Becoming a Nollywood actor

I am interested in becoming an actor

Re: Becoming a Nollywood actor

Then keep an eye on auditions and compose a good CV. Make yourself available when these auditions take place

Comments:

Re: Becoming a Nollywood actor Reply by Udukpo G fred on Monday December 15, 2014 at 16:1:20:

I want 2 become an nollywood actor

Re: Becoming a Nollywood actor Reply by mr tony on Friday January 9, 2015 at 20:50:0:

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Re: Becoming a Nollywood actor Reply by johnpaul ukwuaba on Monday January 19, 2015 at 16:19:57:

please help me I want to become nigeria actor

Re: Becoming a Nollywood actor Reply by johnpaul ukwuaba on Friday February 6, 2015 at 15:55:49:

please am still watin for your reply please help me i want to become an actor

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