Encomium
Fast rising Nollywood actor, Austin Steve, has started living to the potentials he showed when he joined Nigeria’s growing movie industry in 2011. With up to 20 movies under his belt already, he has evolved into a fan’s favourite within such a short period.
Encomium weekly had an interview with the Delta State born actor recently, where he vented his disappointment with the National Film and Video Censors Board over its refusal to approve the cinema showing of the much acclaimed Half Of A Yellow Sun. He also spoke about his experience in the industry, his success story, love life and more.
How long have you been acting?
I’ve been acting professionally for three years now
How has it been those three years?
It has been challenging, it has been fun but the experience has been worth it.
How did you get into Nollywood?
A friend invited me to a movie location. I went there to visit him and on the set, I met top actors that I really appreciated. People like the late Enebeli Elebuwa, Oge Okoye, Kevin Ikeduba and more so I was fascinated seeing all these people in person so I followed him to another location and that was where I got my first role in a movie called Over the moon in 2011.
So between 2011 and now, how many movies have you acted in?
About 20 movies.
Are there roles you turn down when offered to you?
I feel as an actor, you should be able to do practically everything but in terms of production, if it is not of standard or good production, I would not be part of it. When people criticize Nollywood and say it is not up to standard, it is because of some of the terrible jobs some people do that are out there. Mediocres who just carry camera and start shooting.
Are you part of any association?
Yes, I am a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria. I respect my president, I think I have a good relationship with the president, Ibinabo Fiberesinma.
What’s your view of the impasse between the censors board and the producers of Half of a Yellow Sun?
I would say it’s a terrible thing to work so hard, invest so much money to make a good movie then censors board comes and says some scenes can ignite Biafra memories. I totally disagree with the Censors board because Nigeria should have factual documentaries that tell the truth about our past.
If a good movie can tell such story, I see no reason why they should not approve it. I have read the book by Chimamanda. The story is a good one, although I don’t like some of her ways because all she talks about and is only interested in is Biafra. I wish she was more of a Nigerian writer than just focusing on the Ibos. But the book itself is good and the movie too considering the cast and crew.
What advice do you have for the producers?
That they do not relent, they should keep fighting and one day they would get the result they need. Nigerians want to watch this movie and we would watch it.
If you weren’t an actor, what would you be doing?
I studied Computer Science at the University of Benin, so if I wasn’t an actor, I would be in IT or something similar.
Who are you seeing now?
I am not in any relationship now. The truth is that as an actor, you have so many people that would show interest, they want to be with you or date you but sometimes you realize you know why they are dating you, you know it’s not real. I would prefer to be with the girl who doesn’t know me as an actor.
Not now that it’s almost like every girl who see you is naturally attracted or drawn to you. It will remove the beauty of love. It’s not as if I am not in love but I don’t see it as a serious relationship at the moment.
What are your projections for yourself as an actor?
I see myself doing great things in the next two years. I see myself being established in the industry. I have done some top jobs, some international ones too so I see myself progressing.
Which producers do you enjoy working with most or do you wish to work with?
I’d like to work with Desmond Elliot, I’m already working towards that. I’d like to work with Emem Isong too, because these are actually the best around. Apart from my production with Tinsel and Afriwood, I think it’s these particular set of people that are rewriting the story of Nollywood from average production to excellent ones that can stand with other standards in the world.
What professional training do you have on acting?
I believe training is training whether professional or not. I underwent three months training under veteran actors like Justus Esiri and Segun Arinze. That was when a small body was created for young actors, they organized seminars and we were trained. Apart from that training, I also learned online from California School of Arts after which I wrote the exam, passed and I have the certificate in acting and script writing.
Advice to young people struggling to join Nollywood?
You need to first take a good look at yourself, be convinced that you are good at this thing or there is a chance that you will be picked. You can’t just say because you like actors, you want to also do it.
You don’t know how to speak good English and you want to become a Nollywood actor, there are so many basic things an actor should possess before you can have a chance to excel in the field. So when you have looked inwards and see that you possess those things expected of an actor, you go for it and give it your all.
What are your strongest features as an actor?
I would say my looks and my voice. When I came on board in 2011, Directors wanted to give me jobs because they said they like my voice. Overtime, I worked on myself, I knew I had to go to the gym and get fit. I learnt how to dress better, I know the kind of haircut that fits me better and lots of little details that matters in being the best at my job.
That is why everything is working for me and that is why I can tell you today that I am a successful actor. My jobs speak for me. There were jobs that I did when I started where I didn’t get paid much but these jobs spoke for me and got me others that paid good money. My looks, talent and my voice are my strongest features.
– DANIEL FAYEMI
Omg!!!!
I really love ur movies…..