Entertainment
By
Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Paul Nwankwo
My name is Chukwuebuka
Onuma is an uprising Nollywood director, actor and producer who has mapped his
feet in the entertainment industry. He spoke with NATIONAL LIGHT’ Ifeanyi
Ndukwe and Paul Nwankwo on the issues surrounding the industry. Excerpts;
Tell
us, how you begun the journey into the world of entertainment?
I started acting at a
young age. I had always have passion to act. Thus, this informed my decision to
join an acting crew back in the schools days. Since then, it is been great all
the way. Back in those days, directors were very choosy especially on physical
features e.g. body size, complexion etc . These inform their decision to give
acting role and made it extremely difficult for upcoming stars to feature.
Regardless of this, I always found favour to be given a role.
How
long have you been in the industry?
(Chuckles) 19 years
now. Officially, I came into the industry fully in 1999 and have remained
steadfast to the course.
Can
you mention some of the movie projects you had featured in?
Recently, I do more of
directing than acting. I had featured in G4, Father Dibia, A thousand words and
a host of others. Right now, I m working on a project and its going to break
box office.
What
kind of movies do you prefer to do?
A movie director must endeavor
to be dynamic; the ability to interpret any script per se. For example, Teco
Benson is mostly known with action movies but he surprised everyone by
directing a romance story, Mr and Mrs 2 which hit box office standards. Same
applies to me, I endeavour. Every director should be able to do great by
interpreting a story and give his best. You must not be known with a particular
type of story. Challenge yourself to direct something beyond the ordinary. Thus,
flexibility is the key to success as a director
Personally, I admire
family stories and would always love to do those.
What
movie brought you to limelight?
I can’t remember anyone
in particular. Every project I do, I put in my very best in ensuring it beats
the last project.
What
were your challenges on your way to stardom?
Every man has a story.
Sometime in the year 2014, I took a bold step to be a movie director after
spending much time on the acting field. I went back to school to train and
equip myself to the fullest potential. The stereotype amongst producers’
criteria for being a director requires the person to be huge, thick, plumpy and
the rest. Nobody believed in me because I was young, slim and had nothing to
show as an evidence of any maiden directorial except my certificate from the
film academy.
However, I kept my
faith strong and persevered. Today the case is different as I have jobs on my
beacon.
Did
your family support your decision to joining the film industry?
Not at all. As a
graduate of Public Administration, my family members especially my father keeps
pressing me with the words,” go and use your certificate and get a white collar
job.’’(laughs) I did enjoy studying but acting and directing is where I feel fulfill.
This is God’s calling to me.
Why
did you choose to direct instead of acting?
Personal reasons. Firstly,
I understand that my fans are missing me on screen. But as an actor, you lose
your privacy any time you pass through a busy environ but directing provides
you a platform to stay within the circle and yet avoid being noticed.
Secondly, I learnt a
lot from the crew team; those that work behind the cameras. I got interested
and decided to focus on that angle and I have not regretted my decision for a
moment. It has been from one level of glory to another.
How
do you handle your fans?
It’s not easy. When you
don’t handle them well, they feel bad and this might scare them away so I try
as much as possible to balance it. My focus is on my career. The female fans
particularly want attention but I try as much as possible to handle everyone on
equal basis, professionally.
Your
final words to aspiring actors?
Nothing good comes
easy. Stay focus. Keep your faith high and grace will find you.
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