In Conversation with Deyemi Okanlawon – #WWTS

Q: How and when did you make the decision that acting was something you really wanted to do and what were some of the first things you did to pursue this dream?

I know that you are still coming up but you’ve been involved in quite a number of movies thus far like “in iredu” and the likes, and these are movies that are now categorized as ‘the new nollywood’. So how were you able to avoid that mainstream, made-in-Asaba, path that most actors find themselves in and usually get stuck in?

I’ve loved movies and acting since I was about 5yrs old and was in every school play I could wiggle myself into. Years later I got involved with three theatre church groups. I guess this is where I give you a bit more about my background…

I studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Lagos (not theatre arts) but spent most of my time selling one item or the other to the University community. I learned early to reduce my dependency on anyone and as such I developed skills in sales to generate income.

All through this I was with the drama groups earlier mentioned trying to figure out how an actor can earn a decent living when I realized three things:

1. I needed some intense training for screen acting to catch up with the likes of O.C. Ukeje, my guy from Uni, Lala and other outliers who have had years of experience[pullquote_right]Quite frankly I think what I had was a series of small breaks that are still adding up[/pullquote_right]
2. I was only interested in being in a certain type of production (what you have described as the new nollywood)
3. I needed to have an alternate source of income to be that selective.

This was when I got lucky. Quite frankly I think what I had was a series of small breaks that are still adding up.

While I was working hard as an entrepreneur and sales-marketing executive, I was privileged to attend the delyork NYFA (New York Film Academy) training in 2011 put together by Idahosa and Stephanie Linus.

I also kept looking to collaborate (i.e work for free) with innovative filmmakers (Tolu Ajayi, Abiola Sobo, Daniel Effiong, Ashionye Tope Oshin Ogun, Brian Wilson, Tonye Faloughi, Stanlee Ohikhuare, Udoka Oyeka, Femi Ogunsanwo, etc) who didn’t mind my inexperience. I also co-produced and acted in a few short films to hone my skills and add to my showreel.

Most importantly, I got a lot help from peers (Ijeoma Anyiebo, Ijeoma Agu, Lala, OC Ukeje, Kiki Omeili, Vanessa, etc). As I said earlier, I was very lucky.

So here’s the little advice I can give from things that I am currently doing:

1. Carefully select roles – do what you can be exceptional playing
2. Find ways to hone your skills – be willing to work for free or little and learn as much as you possibly can from each production
3. Network with peers and industry leaders – be kind always seek to add value in any way you can
4. Pray, pray, pray

Deyemi Okanlawon has been nominated for ‘Best New Actor’ in this year’s #NRAwards2013. Click HERE to vote in this category and many others

Our feature segment, “Week with the stars“, continues tomorrow with an actress who has been able to remain relevant in the industry since she first started acting in 1998. She is an actress turned producer with many awards to her name.

Tomorrow we are in conversation with the 2012 AMAA award winner for Best Actress in a Leading Role, Ms. Rita Dominic on #WWTS