Younger artistes need
patience to succeed – Valentine Agwulonu
By DAMIETE BRAIDE
Friday, March 14, 2008
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Agwulonu
Pix: Sun News Publishing |
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Valentine Chima Agwulonu is a script writer, producer and
an actor. He said that the role of Nollywood is to proffer
solutions to societal problems. Agwulonu hails from Mbutu
Mbaise area of Imo State and studied Business Administration
at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Agwulonu has always
played prominent roles in movies because of the grey hairs
which gives him an advantage over others.
He advised young artistes to be patient if they are to make
it in life. In a recent chat with Daily Sun,
Agwulonu spoke about his acting career, his female fans, assessment
and improving Nollywood, among others.
Nollywood debut
I first featured in Journey to Hell alongside other popular
artistes in 1993. I played the role of an uncle to one of
the female artistes in that movie. Today, I have well over
150 movies. Some of the movies include 666, The Church on
Fire, End Time, War in the Church, Stolen Crown, Million Dollar
Sister, Emotional Blackmail, Capture, Fishers of Men, Bus
Driver, Jadon, Wind of Faith, Attonement, The last Queen of
Aso Rock, Political Control, Serious Issue, End of Discussion,
Women in Action, Money in the bank, Statement of Account among
others.
Getting roles
I attend auditions and based on my performance, the producer
or director usually gives me a role. The role could be of
a chief, reverend father, a pastor or lawyer depending on
what is prescribed by the scripts.
My worth
In the private or public sector, every renumeration has a
grade. I came into the industry as a green horn because I
didn’t study Theatre Arts in the university. With my
talent and interest, I learnt very fast. I would say that
what I earn now is different from what I used to earn when
I started. Some people get over excited because of the payment
but all I can say now is that I am earning an equivalent of
what my colleagues earn in other professions.
Challenges
I always do things that God wants me to be because I take
one step after the other. I am working so hard and if I end
up owning a private jet, glory be to God. Whatever level that
I find myself, I accept it in good fate. I also want people’s
expectation not to be too high compared to what my income
can afford.
Embarrassing moments
I always want to work against embarrassments. I should be
embarrassed when I don’t do my job very well. Since
we work on a tight schedule, everybody wants results at every
point in time. A director may not be patient with you to get
your lines or accommodate any mistakes. In order to avoid
embarrassment, I ensure that I work very hard by studying
my scripts very well, I internalize my roles and make analysis
of who the character is. I also try as much as possible not
to forget my lines.
Locations
Experiences on different locations come in various forms.
An artiste could have the risk of not being accommodated if
the hotel space is so limited such that he/she would have
to share a room with other artistes with different lifestyles.
Sometimes, there could be shortage of food and one would have
to fend for one’s self. But generally, locations are
enjoyable when necessary logistics are on ground and everything
is well planned.
Female fans
In the industry, an artist is expected to be liberal. I am
strictly on business, I still acknowledge the greetings of
my female fans. I am always cautious that I don’t go
beyond their greetings. When they smile at me, I would smile
back at them. I don’t allow the excitement or euphoria
to take over me. Sometimes, when I walk along the streets,
some female fans say hello to me that they like my roles in
movies.
Nollywood
Nollywood is doing a great job and it is growing as our artistes
and movies are being accepted globally. In Nollywood, we treat
issues such as moral decadence, widowhood, child abuse, religion
in the society and Nigerians have accepted all these whole
heartedly. Artistes are not jesters but are intelligent and
educated people who derive joy in teaching morals and entertaining
the society.
But government has neglected the movie industry which generates
income through the Censors Board. Government should help the
industry by providing allocations to the industry and sponsor
good movies. People should not look at artistes as never-do-wells
or unserious people in the society because Nollywood has brought
joy and happiness to a lot of homes in the country. I would
like people in authority to formulate policies that would
assist Nollywood which in turn would increase the revenue
base of the country.
Advice to young artistes
The problem with upcoming artistes and youths is that they
are too impatient. They want to out smart popular artistes
but at the end of the day, they go into all sorts of negative
things. The younger artistes should be patient, and take things
easy by learning on the job. They should also learn other
crucial areas such as costumes, make up, set designing, props
management etc.
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