One of the most popular and controversial practices
today in nollywood is the idea of paying to get movie roles. This mostly is the
practice of upcoming or would-be producers who are eager to produce a movie
with their name credits on it. But the big question many people have been
asking is that; is it right for upcoming nollywood actors to pay for movie
roles?
In order to discuss this topic successfully, it is
important that we find out its roots. The practice of asking actors to pay for
role started when upcoming producers find it hard to get sponsors for their
productions. The producers sometimes claim that the money paid is put together
to fund the production of the film project. It’s like a trade by barter idea
where actors pay for movie funding and then get a role to promote their careers
in return? Sounds cool right. But is it a good idea?
While there are some independent producers who use
this avenue as a source of crowd funding for their films, there are many who
have defrauded actors of their cash and disappeared without a trace. It seems
that the number of dubious producers are even more than the honest ones hence,
the dishonesty killing the money-for-role nollywood phenomenon. But many have
argued that even when the producers are honest, it is still a shameful thing
for an actor to pay before he/she can be selected for a movie role. Their
argument is that the film will be deprived of its opportunity to select the
right candidates for the roles since only those who paid have the chance to
audition. So, what are the pros and cons for actors paying for movie roles?
Pros
Less competition for getting a role
Opportunity to take part in experimental film
productions and gain some acting experience.
Cons
The roles may not be challenging since it’s been paid
for.
Can turn into an expensive venture if frequently
engaged in.
Most payments are non-refundable
You stand the risk of getting duped; by losing your
money and not getting a role at the same time.
Sometimes, the movie end product is such a disaster
that you are not even confident enough to add it in your show reel.
Conclusion
At the end, what will most matter is what you have
decided in your heart to do. If you know people who did it and succeed and you
think you want to try it too, it’s your choice. But the truth is this, most of
the top actors you have today, be it Hollywood or Nollywood, got to that stage
because they had pure talent. No matter how many movie roles you pay for or
someone ‘give’ you, if you don’t have the talent it’s all a waste of time.
If
you have real talents and you work hard in developing and nourishing it, you
don’t need a hundred movies to put you in limelight. Just one or two roles you
have won purely by merit is enough to make the world scream your name.
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