Nollywood actors are underpaid – Deyemi Okanlawon

Popular Nigerian actor, Deyemi Okanlawon has said the major challenge facing actors in the film industry is that they are not paid enough.

He stated this during a recent episode of MTV Base Africa Lights, Camera Stardom, programme alongside his colleague Daniel Etim-Effiong.

Okanlawon said Nollywood underpays actors but the are not financially literal enough to use the tools at their disposal to protect their career future.

He said; “I think [Nollywood] actors are not being paid enough. And the other hand, we are not financially literal enough to use what we do have and maximise it to protect ourselves in the future.”

On his part, Etim-Effiong said: “I also think that the way the [Nigerian movie] industry works, it doesn’t provide enough for the actors to work with both financially and otherwise.

“For example, I don’t think actors are given enough time to prepare [for their roles]. I don’t think actors are given enough time even to work on themselves.”

Meanwhile in related news…

Nigerian veteran actor, Bob-Manuel Udokwu has decried the influx of poorly trained practitioners into the movie industry.

He expressed sadness that half-baked actors and filmmakers have invaded Nollywood and are now the leading characters.

Udokwu said the industry should be better than the level it has reached and the only reason the growth seems stagnant is because a lot of unprofessional activities are taking place.

He spoke during an Instagram Live session with journalist, Azuh Arinze within the week of his 60th birthday

The movie star said; “Nollywood ought to be greater than what it is at the moment. Unfortunately, the true potential of the industry is not being realised. A lot of unprofessional activities are going on.

“Many half-baked practitioners have invaded the industry. The real professionals should step forward and take back Nollywood.”

Speaking on the high point of his career, Udokwu mentioned having the privilege of anchoring Gulder Ultimate Search among other accomplishments.

He said; “Being in ‘Checkmate’ (a TV series in the nineties) was a game changer for me. Also, being in ‘Living in Bondage’ (one of the first Nigerian home videos) paved the way for some other roles.

“Anchoring Gulder Ultimate Search (a TV reality show) in 2007 was another game changer for me. It was also challenging, because I was not the first person that anchored it.

“I started anchoring the show in season four in 2007. But, I eventually became the longest-running anchor person for the show. I hosted it for five consecutive years. Basically, not one particular role changed my career; each role added to the things I was doing.”

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