Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Jide Awobona is no stranger to hard work, transformation, and staying true to the craft. With a career that has spanned various roles on screen and behind the scenes, his latest project, ‘Inspector Jero’, showcases his dedication to storytelling with purpose and depth. In this interview with ADENIYI ADEWOYIN, Awobona opens up about what sets ‘Inspector Jero’ apart from the typical YouTube offerings, the realities of producing in Nollywood, and his thoughts on staying grounded in an ever-evolving industry.
Your movie, Inspector Jero, was recently released on YouTube; what would you say separates this production from the typical YouTube movies we see today?
Personally, I’m not one that condemns or looks down on any creative work of art. I respect them because a lot has gone into them, whether big or small; and what you think is nonsense is actually making sense to some people because any creative work is all about perspective. You may not like it but someone else may like it. You may think it’s not enough while someone else might think it’s more than enough. So, I celebrate every creative work and I celebrate every brain behind it. However, what I feel makes Inspector Jero different from the regular films you’ve been seeing is the fact that in a lot of the YouTube films we see today, the production does not have the resources to make the actor bend to certain characterisation.
Looking at Inspector Jero, I had to lose weight so that I can look hungry and desperate; I had to fast for that production. Even while I was filming, I was still fasting. I was on fruits alone, I was on diet, and I had to cut my beard too. Being a producer, I went all out to make sure my crew members were comfortable. I might not have paid them wholesomely but I did well.
Talking about the post production, I took my time to ensure that the post production went well. If not for the fact that sometimes YouTube has its own way of dropping the quality, if you see the raw quality of Inspector Jero, you would be wowed.
When people come asking why I am not taking my movies to the cinemas, I tell them this is my big screen. Anywhere I tell you to watch my film, just go there and see it. I am very deep and passionate about filmmaking.
Wearing both actor and producer hats, what fresh realities about Nollywood’s business side did you experience while producing this movie?
I don’t really like producing and acting at the same time because I’m so detailed. Sometimes I’ll be on set and they will call action but I’m already thinking of when are they bringing the food for the crew or other things because I want to ensure everything is in place. Unlike when I’m just an actor on set where I will only have to focus on acting. When I’m acting and producing, sometimes I feel like I’m not giving my hundred percent, especially if it’s my production. There are times when I shoot some scenes and I’ll be like when did I shoot this scene? I shoot some scenes unconsciously because my brain is everywhere and it’s not like I don’t do it well.
Nollywood is growing but faces criticism for prioritising global appeal over our authentic Nigerian storytelling. As a content creator, how do you navigate this tension?
Well, I really do not think Nollywood is facing criticism for prioritising global appeal. And when you say global appeal, I feel like whatever movie we are making for an audience, if we’re getting attention globally or locally, then there’s nothing wrong. There’s no tension and if you think there is, then it’s about giving the audience what they desire.
What is one structural change Nollywood urgently needs to compete better internationally?
I keep saying we need more government intervention. I don’t think we have enough government intervention. Even if they are intervening, it’s probably for a few selected people that are benefiting from it. I don’t think it’s reflected in the industry. So, I feel when the government is fully involved—empowering a lot of filmmakers—then we’ll see real progress. It’s there, but it doesn’t circulate. We have a lot of movie producers and creative around here and this is the only thing they do for a living. We need to get to that level where your remuneration can sustain your livelihood.
There’s a growing trend of casting social media influencers in serious film roles. As a trained actor, what is your honest opinion on how this affects the industry standards?
No producer wants to make a movie and not sell; everybody wants to make back their money. So when producing a movie, you’re also looking for the marketability of the movie and the audiences are the ones complaining and also requesting to see some faces; so we need faces that would be able to help sell the product when it’s out. It’s a normal thing; there’s no big deal in using influencers but when you do, make sure you get the one that can actually interpret the role and get a good director that can bring out the best in them.
What do you believe is the next evolution for indigenous Nollywood?
One thing that I’ve understood about Nigerians is that we like to follow trends; we now understand better that the only way you can sell your story globally is when you do indigenous and original stories. Why are we so crazy about the Indians or the Mexicans and others? It’s because of their culture. And we don’t even understand, but because of the subtitles, we could enjoy them. I believe the beauty in filmmaking is when you’re selling your own culture that other countries do not know.
I personally think you’ve done well in avoiding controversies, is that a deliberate personal branding or just a natural lifestyle?
I don’t think there’s anybody who deliberately avoids controversy; when it wants to come, it would come naturally. So whatever you’re seeing in me is who I am. I’m just being me, this is me.
Reflecting on your early struggles and sacrifices in the industry, was there any moment that almost made you consider quitting?
Several moments! Is it the day that you got very bad remuneration? Or days that you have high expectations but didn’t get it? Those are normal things that just cross your mind, but deep down you know that you don’t want to quit because this is a lifestyle, it is passion and you can only take a break, I don’t think I can quit.
Behind the spotlight, what role has your family played in shaping the man you are today?
I had a very tough upbringing, I grew up in a hard way but I came from a very very loving and supportive family. Like I tell people, my parents are my number one fans. There was a time my father even came to see me on location when I was filming Super Story; I was pretty young then and I was ashamed because they kept teasing me that my dad came to see me on set. There were times I’d go to locations and get back late but my dad would wait for me at the gate. I remember when I’d go to locations and come back with nothing and they were the ones that would even give me transport fare, today they are proud of me.
If you could teach your children one major life lesson from your Nollywood journey, what would it be?
I’ll tell them not to sell themselves cheap, to always stand their ground, to respect everyone, the crew members, the actors and don’t look down on anybody and most importantly, respect themselves.
