It’s best when people marry those in the same profession —Actress, Ijeoma Richards

Though she has a first degree in Business Administration and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Lagos, Ijeoma Richards, being literary inclined chose writing instead of business and from writing, she ventured into acting.  The president of Nollywood Creative Minds (NCM FORUM), in this interview with TAYO GESINDE, speaks on how she moved from writing to acting. Excerpts:

What is the Nollywood Creative Minds all about?

NCM is a group of over 250 industry practitioners and our motto, Optimising Potential is exactly what we strive to do for our members. NCM recognises and participates in all Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) activities as the umbrella body of all Nollywood practitioners.

How was the transmutation from writing to acting?

I have my first and second degrees in business. But I have always been more literary inclined. I read my first full length novel in primary two. I think my love for reading naturally flowed into writing. However, I haven’t actually left writing, just as I have recently started presenting Ututu Oma that deals with politics, human rights and social justice on Isimbido on Startimes Channel 172. And just recently, I wrapped up production on my first movie as a producer in conjunction with some friends. I produced and ended up directing as well. Although, for me to direct was not our original plan. But like we say in the industry, ‘the show must go on’. And having received training and being intent on self-development made it possible to direct, although as a director, I still have a long way to go. One thing doesn’t cancel out the other. It’s a difficult juggle, but if one makes an extra effort and has understanding people to work with, it all falls into place.

Which of the two gives you utmost satisfaction, writing or acting?

I am a mentally restless person. The more I do, the more I feel I need to do. And I am easily bored. So, having a job that involves many facets keeps that boredom at bay. I have written books and didn’t see myself as a script writer, but after I contracted out a script for a film I wanted to produce and it came back unsatisfactory twice, I told myself, ‘better sit your butt down and get this done’ and I did.

When it comes to writing, one can pause it and return at a later date, and come back better inspired but with movies, I found out that it was best to start and finish or one might end up never finishing that particular project at all, not that one doesn’t have the challenge of not finishing a writing project. But, if you have no deadline; you find that the written word has a life. You open up to where you stopped and new ideas and experiences just give it new life. Unlike in movie making where a lot depends on assembling same cast, locations and maintaining continuity. The amount of half finished films lying in the hands of industry people must constitute loads in terms of dormant creativity and wealth.

Can you mention some of the movies you have featured in?

I’m actually laughing. Everyone laughs at me on this one. I often can’t remember off the cuff, I finish one and just move to the other. I do remember my first movie entitled: Walking in Oblivion. I’ve just finished Unseen. I was in Obim directed by Dramin, The Calabash, a series on MNET and so on. I have been in one Yoruba production and hope to do more and recently I have been in quite a number of Igbo movies. I’m actually heading to Awka tomorrow for an Igbo film entitled: Everything I have by James Chidozie (Bond). And I am billed for a job in the Congo after that. I am also in Jenifas Dairy and Wedding Party 2 although because of production mix up I didn’t finish my part in it. I’ve been in quite a number of movies and TV series. I should learn to remember more.

 

How have you been coping with competition in the industry?

Competition in the industry for me is something that I hear but I can’t say I understand. I am busy enough not to be competing with anybody. Sometimes, I am exhausted from overwork. Sometimes, especially lately, people meet me on a production and want me to immediately start with them on their next project. So, for people who know what they’re doing, it’s a big sky and it’s big enough for all species of birds. Especially birds who improve daily on their flying skills.

What is your most embarrassing moment so far?

Well, I’m still mortified each time I remember it but I’ve decided maybe it’s best I speak about it, may be  that will help my mortification. I was at this audition and the director was someone I liked. But it’s that sort of relationship that cannot happen for obvious reasons, so we say hi every time we see. So seeing him as a judge knocked me for six but it wasn’t just that. I suck at monologues. Give me a scenario or script to read and I’m awesome, but monologues. Not good for an actor to suck at, but that’s me. When it was my turn, they asked for a monologue and I thought ‘oh no!’ I flunked it horribly with this man watching. For months, every time I remember it, I would want to run into a hole. I used to get enough jobs without auditions, so I only go for certain ones especially when my friends insist. I mostly get invited to turn up for readings. But, that one, I think it cured me of setting out unnecessarily for anything. And yes, I am something about my phobia for monologues.

Can you marry an actor?

A journalist friend said it’s best when people marry those in the same profession. If it’s possible. I agree. When you get on a movie set, maybe you’re billed to work  for two days and you should leave afterwards but it turns out there’s a technical problem and you spend one day, not filming and have to return a day or even two later. Only an industry person or a very reasonable person comfortable in his skin understands this and is able to discuss it as a challenge and not stress you by picking unnecessary fight and disrupting the concentration you need to work. For instance, during the production of my just-concluded first outing as a film maker, on the first day, all was set and suddenly there were sound issues. This happened in the morning. It wasn’t resolved until late afternoon. Imagine if any cast or crew member had one of those monitoring spirit spouses? Most of the scenes were shot the next day. For a production person, they know you’re stressed and upset. They won’t make it worse or shouldn’t.

How have you been able to stay scandal-free in an  industry that thrives on scandal?

Why would I have a scandal? I generally mind my business. Besides, what’s a scandal? People making mountains of valleys. A story is only a scandal if one credits it with relevance.

What is your most challenging role so far?

All roles should be viewed as a challenge by an actor who wants to be good. Most people I’ve worked with will tell you I run my lines over and over until we both begin to feel like we are the characters. My challenge will be working with some actors who think it’s just about  having their lines, anyone can recite a line. It takes a person who knows what you played yesterday is not same as what you’re playing today and that you need synergy to have good  chemistry with the person you’re working with, else  it can›t reflect well on the overall quality of the production. It takes more than knowing your lines to be convincing.

What is your assessment of the Nigerian movie industry?

I am proud of what the industry has become and what it has been achieving and still continues to achieve. As an employer of labour, as a provider of entertainment and succour and as a major contributor to our economy and an exporter of our culture. Nollywood should be relentlessly applauded. I was at The World Theatre Day on March 27th at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. I was in awe of the intellect and expertise Nollywood has at its disposal. I know for a fact, with such progressive intellectuals in the industry, greater things will be spoken of Nollywood.

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