Amanda Oruh is a voice-over artiste, presenter and actress who has participated in so many films, TV series and stage production. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde the Microbiology graduate takes you into her world, talking about producing her first feature film titled ‘Strangers Web’ in 2017, directing the short film Three Faces, shot in France, passion, playing the role of Mystery Lady in Kemi Adetiba’s King of Boys and the other things that occupy her time.
FOR someone who studied Microbiology, what was the interest in film that pushed you into becoming so versatile in most areas of the make believe industry?
I have always been passionate about becoming other people through acting since I can remember. It’s exciting, a lot of hard work, and so much fun at the same time.
Studying Microbiology at Abia State University didn’t stop me as I immediately joined one of the best theatre group called Ivory Tower in my first year through to my finals. Yes, I didn’t know at the time that I would make this a full-time career until 2015 when the urge was so deep. I then resigned from the bank and fully started this career. So, the opportunity to wear another’s shoe and tell their story uniquely gives me so much joy.
Your profile shows you have had a lot of acting trainings. What drives you?
Training is crucial to becoming great at whatever you do, and as an actor honing my skills is paramount to me. My desire is to be great at this, to be seen on screen and hear people say “oh she is there I will definitely watch.” That makes me bankable. I can’t be all that and more with just the little I know. So, I constantly invest a lot in training locally and internationally.
You have featured in quite a number of movies, which one is the most impactful?
I wouldn’t say one project was more impactful than the other. I love every job I have featured in. I’d rather speak on my most recent jobs: Riona, the Africa Magic telenovela produced by Feemoverse, where I played ‘Princess Abiyere’ and King of Boys (The Return of the King), a Netflix Original Series produced and directed by Kemi Adetiba, where I played ‘Mystery Lady’. They pushed my career forward.
You directed and produced a short film titled Three Faces in France. What was the experience like?
I didn’t produce the short film, Cine Fabrique Nomad and Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) actually produced it. The opportunity to travel to France and direct this short film was courtesy Ms Chioma Ude, the amazon behind AFRIFF. The experience was terrific and unforgettable, working with people from different countries, not just France. The actors, awesome crew (it was definitely a team work, I was picked to direct because my story was one of the selected ones), the editing process, the ease of making the film (no tout disturbing you and the quiet environment), I could go on and on. Working in France is one of my major win as an actor and filmmaker.
Tell us about your dream roles as an actor?
With joy in my heart and a loud voice I say my dream roles are character driven roles.
What has acting taught you?
To use my voice more and boldly, to be my authentic self, not to judge anyone (having the privilege to be other people just makes it easy), to be more vulnerable and simply enjoy each moment life gives me.
For young persons who want to venture into acting, what would you tell them?
This is a profession. If you are in it for a quick fix for fame, kindly reconsider. Or else you’d be very frustrated. Training is important, even the best in the world still trains as much as when they started their journey. Don’t wait for people to give you roles before you can call yourself a working actor, a working actor works on play them by using script from a play or movie. Get your actor colleagues, create a scene together, read scripts, read plays, watch movies across board (not just Nollywood and Hollywood), do monologues, keep exercising your acting muscles, and again because it can’t be overemphasized. Hone your craft regularly.
Finally, this career is a marathon, not a sprint. Know this and know peace.
How do you handle criticisms of your movies?
I sincerely appreciate constructive criticisms, it makes me reconsider some past decisions and most likely make better ones. Being a creative is never easy and when people tend to be so hurtful with their words, if no one will say it, I will, it is really painful. But then, I have come to accept that there would be the good, the bad, and the awful kind of criticisms, and it’s left to me to manage how I respond to them. Everyone wants an awesome experience after investing money and time to watch a movie. If they feel insulted after watching, I can only but look for loopholes and make my next project better.
Which actors in Nollywood or Hollywood would you like to collaborate with either in acting or directing?
The actors list is so long, so I would mention a few; Nse Ikpe-Etim, Zainab Balogun, Kelechi Udegbe, Joke Silva, Viola Davis, Angelina Jolie, Halley Berry, RMD, OC Ukeje, Blossom Chukwujekwu.
In the future when I fully start directing, on my list are Kemi Adetiba, Steve Gukas, James Omokwe, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Kenneth Gyang , Niyi Akinmolayan, Biodun Stephens, Kayode Kasum, AmaPsalmist, Diji Aderogba, Belinda Yanga-Agedah, Akay Manson, to mention a few.
What is your assessment of Nollywood’s progress?
Firstly, I am proud to be a part of this awesome industry. We are magicians, truly African Magic, and I say this because despite how unfriendly this country is towards a lot of things, little or zero financial support or enabling environment/zero infrastructure to thrive as an industry most of the indie filmmakers go all out to create amazing contents. The progress so far is great to see, I believe strongly in this industry and I know we will get there, that point of excellence, great stories and delivery.
What kind of support do you think Nollywood needs to match Hollywood in terms of quality of movies?
Money, lot of money, Non-government stimulus deals, stronger and united guilds, funds for film schools, well equipped film schools, and Infrastructure (film villages, studios)! It’s not just about great stories, great stories and ideas need funds to make it to standards, there are terrific writers in Nollywood but these stories require a lot of funds, we need more investors, if possible government support funds. Filmmakers really go all out to get the amazing films we watch out there; it is not easy at all getting all these funds as indie filmmakers. This industry is generating a huge value to the economy and if the government, both state and federal, angel investors can really invest in this industry, that will solve a lot of problem. Filmmakers will film at ease to a reasonable level.
Individuals are building studios and film villages on their own while the government just sits and create policies that aren’t making it easy for industry to thrive. They can’t keep claiming the victories Nollywood brings when they aren’t ready to go all out for us.
Besides acting, what are your hobbies?
Physical fitness, watching films, music, spending time alone, art, photography, dancing, shopping, Karaoke, food (edible worms and sea food), and of course, sleeping.
If you had a second chance in life, would you still choose acting?
I will choose it over and over again with my full chest.
What movie character will you find difficult to act?
That’ll be one that challenges me. I won’t even mind learning an accent or a language. Playing someone who’s still alive will pose such a challenge. There’s a possibility of the person getting offended by how you portrayed them. That’ll be daunting; I like the thought of it. When I get to Hollywood, then I would know.
How many movies have you acted?
Over 20, inclusive of film, television, web series and stage.