Nollywood actor, producer and movie director, Emmani Prince Manuwa, in this interview by ADERONKE ADESANYA, gives insight into his upcoming movie entitled, ’Iriju’ and the development of the Nigerian movie industry over the years. Excerpts:
Can you describe your character in the movie?
I played the role of a pastor, Woli Atunbi, who had his hands in other pies aside the ministry.
What was the inspiration behind the movie?
The motive was to expose the secrets behind the fake altars people erect in the name of God.
What was the most challenging scene for you to film?
The film was challenging because I wasn’t just being an actor, I was also the producer. So, everything was a huge challenge.
Were there any unexpected challenges during filming?
A lot. There was the menace of Area Boys disturbing us during the shoot. That almost took a whole day from us during shooting. It was insane and not cost effective.
How was it working with the film’s crew and creative team?
I must say I›ve been blessed with the gift of men. My crew tried. It was easy working with everyone. Big ups to my inner circle, My PM, Abiodun Akinremi, my coordinator, Motilola Akinlami, and my DP, Bukola Hassan. They worked tirelessly on Iriju.
How would you describe the tone of the film?
I would say it’s a satire. It, however, speaks for itself
Were there any inspirations or homages in the film that audience might miss?
I won’t let the cat out of the bag yet, it’s showing on YouTube. Everyone should pay attention it’s worth the wait
What really prompted you to start a career in acting?
Passion. The freedom to be so many people, to see the world through different lenses while still being myself the fact that I can convincingly tell a story and make you believe it, was my major attraction to acting.
What’s it like to work on set? Is it as glamorous as it seems from the outside?
Well, yes. It’s a lot of work though it’s fun to us that have passion for it. But sincerely, it is stressful than what everyone is seeing.
What’s your process for memorising lines, and how do you make them feel fresh in every performance?
It’s easy for me, I read and deliver my lines well.
How do you handle criticism, both constructive and negative?
If nobody talks about you, then you are nobody. But I don’t take criticsism personal. Sure, it hurts sometimes, but this type of feedback can be turned into a positive one and it is an opportunity to show how professional you are and that you do in fact have the skills to excel in your role.
Aside acting, what else do you do behind the camera?
I am a movie coordinator.
What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome in your career?
Visibility and competition; there are a lot to compete with in the industry if you want to move forward. Most people want to see the face they have seen before. They believe you can’t do it better than or as much as than them. So, you need to put in additional work for people to see you are exceptional.
What was the most challenging role you’ve ever played?
I will say the most challenging role I have ever played was acting as a poor bike man in the movie, Murewa.
You have featured in countless movies, which of them is most outstanding?
I have done a lot that are not out yet but to talk about the ones that are out there, I will say Murewa is still the most outstanding movie so far.
Who is the favourite actor you wish to work with and who do you really want to work with that you haven’t?
Kunle Afolayan.
What aspect do you think the Nollywood industry needs to improve upon?
Well, I can to tell you that Nollywood industry has improved because you can’t compare movies of last year to this year. If you want to compare by movies, I will say our producers are only cutting their coats according to their cloth, you can’t compare a project of low budget to the one of high budget in which enough money is being spent, and everyone is improving. They are only doing a movie production according to the capital they have. So, yes I can tell you the Nigerian movie industry is improving.
The Yoruba movie industry has grown in leaps and bounds. What do you think is responsible for this growth?
It’s very simple, everyone wants to grow; no one wants to do the same thing they did yesterday, people are going places and seeing things that are happening, going from country to country and we see what they are doing, even those that are not travelling have seen even on the screen what other countries are doing. Everyone is learning. We learn from one another and we make the knowledge useful.
What do you look out for in a script before you take on a role?
Before I take any role, I will read the script and make sure the story line is lovely and well-scripted.
How would you approach a scene when you don’t get along with your scene partner?
Acting is not personal, it’s a job that brings a lot of people together no matter your relationship with others. The number one rule in acting is “show must continue” no matter the circumstances. For the purpose of the job, we will get along and after it, its “to your tents oh Israel”
What steps do you take to fully understand the importance of your character to a story?
Firstly, I’ll read through. As an actor, I need to fully understand everything I can about the character I am portraying. I take a great deal of time to read the script to understand the character’s background, motivation, how they relate to the other characters in the story and other items I can use to help me better understand who they are and how I should portray them. I also have long conversations with the director, writers and other actors about this. Once I fully understand the character, I take time to express them, even while not on the set or in production.
Do moral, ethical, spiritual, or environmental considerations play a role in the roles or projects you take on?
Yes, they do play a big role in the projects I do.
Talent or training; which do you think is important to an actor?
I believe both are important, but I think it can be beneficial to spend more time focusing on training than raw talent because it’s a great way to improve and keep learning new techniques, which can open you to more projects. Talent is important but as it’s often said, “hard-work beats talent, if talent doesn’t work, work hard” so the winning formula will be natural talent 30 per cent and training 70 per cent, hard work 100 per cent.
How do you combine family life with your job as an actor?
Well, probably because it’s entirely different to me. My family is my first priority, other things come after, and so combining the two has never been difficult.
Many of your fans describe you as ladies’ man. By ladies’ man, they seem to be talking about your looks. Or haven’t you been told by some female fans that you are handsome? How do you react to this?
Everybody admires me, so I am everybody’s man and I appreciate compliments.
Can you tell us about your achievements so far in the industry this year?
Sincerely, I do not see myself like I have achieved anything right now because I still have a long way to go. It’s just the beginning.
Moving forward, what are your plans in the industry?
Growth, self development and talent appreciation. I’m still a work in progress.
What advice would you give to new or aspiring actors/actresses?
Stay focused, be yourself and don’t listen to side talks trying to discourage you.
Do you have any upcoming project we can look forward to?
Yes, I do. I have a project I am working on and it is going to be very big and loud.
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