Encomium
Nollywood actor, Adeniyi Murphy, is not a novice in the make believe world. He is a movie producer of repute, an actor and also an editor. He has featured in most of the blockbuster movies from notable producers.
In this interview, he speaks about his sojourn in the movie industry and why he crossed over from editing to acting.
How did your journey into the movie industry start?
I started as an editor but after a couple of years, I decided to try my hands in acting. Though I am a very shy man, when it comes to acting, I put off the shyness and do what I am expected to do. Whenever an actor comes to me for editing, they always convince me that I can act. That I should try it out. Femi Adebayo is also convinced. I was editing his movie, Jelili then and he told me that I should just give acting a try. So I made up my mind and went for it. It was after I started that I realized I had a passion for it. I have not looked back since then. I did my first movie, then the second. People used to laugh at me because I was always in the studio, some didn’t think I would be able to do it but here we are now.
How has the journey been since you switched to acting?
The journey has been fantastic. I have done quite a handful of work and people are turning up positively. Some of my movies are still streaming on YouTube. It has been great.
Which one is more profitable for you between acting and editing?
I didn’t make so much money from editing. I became close to a lot of people who took that for granted. Many will just tell me that I should help them edit their work. Even the acting part is not yet so productive for me. I am making money but not as much as I want. I believe it will get better by the day. Maybe because I am not yet so popular, if I gain more popularity, I will make better money from acting too. I want to be one of the biggest actors in the industry.
What are some of the challenges you have faced as an actor and editor?
Most people know me as an editor so they are always surprised when they see me on the screen. Some don’t even believe that I have crossed over to acting. Some will caution their friends not to give me movie roles that I would delay their work because I will be too busy with editing. They still think I am fully into editing. I believe with time, things will be better.
Did you go to any acting school after crossing over?
When I used to edit very well, I discovered major mistakes that actors make. So I am aware of the little things to correct here and there. When I started acting, I incorporated the things I learned into my acting skills. I try to avoid the mistakes that others make which I have seen as an editor. But I am planning to travel out of the country for training anytime soon by God’s grace.
Do you make back the money you invest in movies?
If anyone wants to shoot a movie now, I will tell them that they shouldn’t expect anything from the movie in terms of money. Some will even tell me that they expecting to make millions from their movies. I used to tell them to concentrate on the acting aspect. I tell them to do it for the passion first. Yes, I need money, if it comes, it is an added advantage for me. If it doesn’t come, I take it in my stride. It is not as if I don’t make money from movies. I do get my investment back but the money aspect is not the motivation for me but the passion I have for the work.
Who are your friends in the industry?
I have a lot of friends, Femi Adebayo and his brothers are my friends, Gabriel Afolayan, and Lateef Adedimeji. I have done quite a few movies with Femi Adebayo. I try as much as possible not to make enemies with anyone.
Which movie have you worked on?
I released a movie last year, ‘Whose Fault’ subtitled ‘Ebi Tani’? It was produced after I came back from Dubai. I have the likes of Adeniyi Johnson, Biola Adebayo, Lateef Oladimeji, and other prominent actors. The movie is still on YouTube. I have also worked with Joshua Ojo. I was on his Netflix movie which will be showing soon.
Mention some of the movies you have featured in.
I took a lead role with Mercy Aigbe in the movie titled ‘Ewu’. It was produced in 2019. That film brought me into the limelight. It was followed by another film, Oku Aye. I have featured in a lot of others including, Fifehanmi, Agbegilere, Married Affairs, My Happiness, Unknown, Lahlah, Ojiji Okan, Akiyesi, Love and Trust, Marriage Affairs, O koja Ofin, and a host of others.
Have you stopped editing now that you are an actor?
No, I am still editing just that I am more into acting right now. I have worked on a handful of movies.
What are you working on right now?
I am working on another project titled Alaga Ibile. It is a cinema story. I am trying to talk to Reminisce to feature as my lead actor. I have the likes of Olaiya Igwe, Odunlade Adekola, and a lot of interesting actors. It is in the pipeline. Don’t let me talk too much about it.
I am also working on my YouTube channel as well.
Who are the people you look up to in the industry?
The likes of Femi Adebayo, Ibrahim Chatta, Odunlade Adekola.
Tell us more about people who are indebted to?
I indebted to Bamidele Aduke. She sponsored my first movie, Oko Aye.
My wife, Bolanle Iyabo Fadeniyi, has been very supportive. We used to cast my movies together.
Let me also say that Femi Adebayo is my senior colleague, he has been very helpful to me.
My friends in the industry
Lege Miami, Tobi Olasco, Amuda Eko, Niyi Johnson, Gabriel Afolayan, Lateef Adedimeji, Joshua Ojo.
His wife’s surname is , Adeniyi not Fadeniyi
Where he spoke about movies, please add, my first movie Omo Orukan.
