Tony Umez, a veteran actor in the Nigerian movie industry, also known as Nollywood, recently shared his thoughts on his long career during an interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds.
He reflected on why he entered the industry, the challenges he faced in the early days, and the changes he’s witnessed in Nollywood. Here are some key highlights from the conversation.
Tony discussed what motivated him to become an actor and the role money played in his decision. He mentioned being inspired by the Hollywood model, where actors could earn substantial amounts, and he saw great potential in the industry.
However, he revealed that his initial experiences were quite different from his expectations. In his first movie, he played the lead role but was promised a payment of N23,000, which he never received.
This initial disappointment made him question his choice. He left the industry for two years and supported himself by offering private tutoring. It wasn’t until he returned to Nollywood and acted in “The Princess” alongside Zack Orji that he finally received payment and started to gain recognition.
Tony Umez expressed his overall impression of how Nollywood has evolved over the years. He acknowledged that while there’s room for improvement, Nollywood has made significant progress. He highlighted the positive impact of technology on the industry, making filmmaking more accessible and efficient.
He noted that in the past, it was a grueling and challenging process but stressed that Nollywood has come a long way.
When discussing the quality of acting talent in Nollywood, Tony Umez recognized that there has been a perceived decline. He clarified that he wasn’t discrediting the talent of current actors but pointed out a shift in the industry’s dynamics.
He mentioned that in the past, actors had to be highly skilled and passionate about their craft, driven by a deep commitment to improving their skills. However, the industry’s focus has shifted more towards the business side of showbiz, and technology has played a more significant role.
As a result, the intense dedication and toil he observed in the earlier days seem to have diminished, giving way to a more business-oriented approach.
In summary, Tony Umez’s insights provide a glimpse into the evolution of Nollywood and the changing dynamics within the industry. While he acknowledges the progress made, he also highlights the shift from a passionate, talent-driven environment to one influenced by technology and business considerations.