How to Become A Succesfull Nollywood Actor

Jim Iyke

How to Become a  Successful Nollywood Film and Television Actor

Have you ever dreamed of one day becoming a famous Nollywood actor? If so, the first thing you need to realize is that this dream can become a reality if you're willing to put in the time, training, dedication, passion and patience required to make it in Nollywood.

If you've always wondered how to become a film or television actor, then here are nine steps that may not get you the role of a lifetime, but they will help you to treat your acting career as a career and not simply as something you choose to do for fun.

Keep in mind that if you're hoping to become a theater actor, some of these may not apply to you. However, all nine steps are good to keep in mind no matter what type of acting you decide to pursue.

Step 1: Learn How to Act

Seems like a frustrating start right? But that is the fact. Acting is first and foremost a craft. The best of the Nollywood actors understand this and no matter how far they have come in their careers, they are constantly looking to improve upon their craft. They take classes, work with acting and dialogue coaches, they study life experiences, etc. They know full well that even after a lifetime of work and study, they may never reach absolute perfection.

So, for you, it's imperative that you take a wide variety of acting classes. Work in a wide variety of styles with as many different groups of people that you can find. Try it all the more you know, the more well rounded you'll be and ultimately, the better prepared you'll be for whatever roles come your way.

Step 2: Location, Location, Location

I hate telling people this, but if you hope to work in film or television as an actor, you need to go where the work is. Now, that doesn't necessarily doom you to living in Surulere. After all, there are plenty of acting jobs in other part of the country,

But,  Surulere and Alaba are where most of the casting directors work and live. even though you don't necessarily need to move there, keep in mind that it is where most of the action is.

Step 3: Be Willing to do What it Takes

No, that doesn't mean what you think it means. Don't worry about the "casting couch." But you must be willing to do what it takes for the sake of your craft. You might ultimately have to sacrifice certain aspects of your life to ensure that you will have success as a working Nollywood actor.

You must take the time to master your craft. If that means sacrificing a relationship or a few friendships along the way, so be it. I know that sounds rather harsh, but acting is not a 9-5 job.

If you're lucky enough to land a role in a major film or television production, realize that this is not the glamorous Nollywood job you might've thought it would be.

It's a lot of work, often 14-20 hours per day, in all kinds of conditions and at least initially, for not much money.

Even actors who make millions of Naira per Script still must "work" to earn their keep. They are on location for months at a time and every day they commit themselves both emotionally and physically to their roles. It can be extremely exhausting. You must prepare yourself both mentally and physically for this type of challenge.

Step 4: Commit Yourself

I once had a friend of mine tell me that there are no bad actors, just actors who aren't willing to "fully commit" themselves to their craft.

Just as I mentioned above that you have to make certain sacrifices to make it as an actor in Nollywood, one of those is your ego. If you're about looking cool, or trying to maintain a certain image, then acting might not be for you.

The best actors are those who are willing to let themselves be 100% consumed by the role they are playing. They physically become the person they portray.

If you're in the middle of delivering your lines and suddenly you let yourself drift back into your own life, you are not fully committed to the role and your performance will show it. You have to literally "forget yourself" to help ensure the quality of your performance.

Step 5: Be Nice

Nollywood is all about helping those you know because they might one day be in a position to help you as well. So, you need to remember this steadfast rule -- be nice to everyone. From agents' assistants to fellow cast members to whomever you meet in Nollywood. Remember, that assistant you treated poorly two years ago might one day become a casting director, film producer, talent agent or whatever. And trust me; they'll remember those who stomped on their toes on their way up the ladder.

Conversely, they'll remember those who were nice the whole way up and they'll be that much more inclined to help them achieve their own goals.

Step 6: Focus On The Craft -- Not the Agent

There are many actors I know who spent years worrying more about getting an agent than becoming a well trained actor.

having a powerful agent does not guarantee their success your success as an actor.

The happiest actors are the working actors. And just because you might not be getting paid for your acting, doesn't mean that you can't be a working actor. Every experience is experience. So, spend less time seeking out an agent and more time seeking out acting opportunities yourself. From small plays to student films -- you'll be happily surprised how many seemingly insignificant opportunities are the ones that make your entire career.

Besides, when the time is right, an agent will come and seek you out.

QUICK NOTE ON AGENTS: If any agent makes you pay for their services up front than don't walk, RUN away from these guys. Legitimate talent agents only get paid when they get jobs for their clients. After all, what incentive do they have to find you a job if you've already given them their share in advance? No matter what they try to tell you, or however they try to validate charging you up front (e.g., personalized service, guaranteed jobs, headshots, etc.), do not under any circumstances pay these individuals a cent.

STEP 7: Know Your Range, Then Break Through It

We've all seen so many Nollywood  actors who seem to be constantly working in a particular range of roles. For years, But then, as many of the better actors will often do, they decided to challenge themselves and break through the mold that audiences, producers and their agents had put them in.

Initially, it's somewhat important to find a range that works for you. It helps people (meaning, casting directors) know who you are and often when you're starting out, it's those memories that get you paid work.

But that doesn't mean you stop developing as an actor. Use the character traits you've discovered to get yourself working. But continue to learn new facets of your person. From voice characterization to exploring a wide variety of acting techniques. You will find that everything you learn in the acting realm will be put to use someday.

STEP 8: Be Persistent

There is one general rule in Nollywood – talent alone won't get you there, but persistence just might. If you are a dog with a bone, then Nollywood is the town for you. Those who are gritty and willing to give it their all day in and day out will have a much greater chance of success than the Juliard trained actor who waits around in his apartment for opportunity to come knocking.

The trick is, you have to get out there. Meet people and let them know what you are doing. It's absolutely essential to your success.

STEP 9: Have Patience

Rare is the true "overnight success." Sure, there are those actors that seem completely unknown one day, only to dominate the limelight the next. But the reality is that there were years of hard work and preparation that led them to that "sudden discovery."

Nollywood is a strange town. There are actors who have literally been working for decades when all the sudden, they're in a role that gets a bit of attention and suddenly, they're famous.

Patience is not only a virtue in Nollywood, it's an absolute must to keep from going insane. So develop your patience and you will enjoy the process of rising to stardom that much more even if you never end up getting there.