Chidimma and Chidiebere Aneke

Ever had a question about Nollywood or acting, but didn’t know who to ask? Let the celebs be your guide. Ask the celebs is a column in Nollywood Angels Magazine (NAM) dedicated to providing answers to your most pressing questions.

In this edition, The Aneke Twins answer your questions.

Question 1

Why is it so difficult to get roles after so many auditions?

Many people see acting as just a hobby. That’s a big mistake. Acting is a profession and a career. If you can put in 5 to 9 years in the University just to become a medical professional or a lawyer, be prepared to put in some time too in developing your skills and confidence in acting.

Many Nollywood stars such as Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Ekeinde, Chioma Akpotha, and the rest spent months — if not years — in the industry before they were recognized.

The fact that you were rejected at an audition doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a bad actor. After all, Chika Ike wasn’t accepted at her first audition.

However, there are a few things to note to ensure you aren’t the reason for not being accepted.

Don’t forget that by the time it’s your turn to audition, the director has probably seen hundreds of other people ahead of you, which means that he and everyone else in the room is likely to be tired, bored, and irritable. Make the director’s job easy and you’ll increase your chances of having a successful audition.

Here are a few tips.

• Be ready and well prepared before your turn.
• Avoid talking too much or arguing with a tired director. This is deadly.
• Never smoke or chew gum during your audition.
• Never touch the director or any of his or her possessions, such as the notepad, laptop computer, food, and such. Doing so is rude and definitely works against you.
• Never hand the director your phone and ask him or her to film you while you audition, no matter how close you may be to them.

Question 2

As an up comer, how does one cope with challenges and difficulties?  

It wasn’t easy for anyone. If we tell you our own story you’ll weep. But today we thank God. Just put your faith and trust in God and keep working hard.

Question 3

How do I overcome my fears after being cast with a celebrity?

A lot of people often get scared when cast along a big star, but at the end they often come back to say how nice and helpful the star was to them. Being cast with a big star can be intimidating, but instead of losing your confidence, brace the challenge. Show the star that you respect him or her and you want to learn from them. Be humble without appearing too cheap and fake. If you’re honestly humble and ready to learn, the star will be very glad to guide you through.

Question 4

How do I know if I can act?

Most people can act if they actually put in some time to learn and practice. Use your mirror a lot. Act in front of close and trusted friends and family members to start with. Great actors don’t fake what they act, they feel it. When you want to act a sad scene, try to make it as real as possible by thinking of something that makes you sad. The realness of your emotions will show. Apply this to every other situation, and practice a lot.

When you get a script, study the character. This is an important key to success for any actor or actress because if you have no idea of how the character behaves, looks, thinks, feels, etc. then you can’t portray the character convincingly.

Do you have any questions concerning Nollywood or acting? Send them to info@nollywoodangels.com

Don’t forget to add “Ask the celebs” as the subject of your email.

See you next month.