Mike Ezuruonye has remained popular and in demand for a very long time. In fact, the actor appears to be waxing even stronger in the movie industry, featuring and producing blockbuster movies back to back. In a chat with Arole on his chatroom, the graduate of Accounting from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka discloses his secret to remaining relevant.
Read excerpts below.
What has made you remain relevant in the movie industry?
“It is a good question, I have taken what I called Helicopter view of the industry and I know when to fly, when to observe and when to relax. The only constant thing in life is change, the style of return on investment in the industry has changed. Of course, God has made me relevant in the industry, I also know when to pitch, what to pitch, when to strike.
“Don’t just be an underground person because the truth of the matter is that I don’t really want to blow my trumpet but I believe I understand the industry to some extent. I am moving with the time and I give glory to God Almighty, so to answer your question correctly, it has been vision passion, and hunger.
“I never act as I know it all, I do more of observing, you can teach me things without knowing and I will add it up with the wealth of experience I have already. So, that passions vision and hunger have kept me going, I always strive to achieve more. When I attain a goal, I don’t relax, I set another higher one. I set for the vision and still remain hungry to attain that particular goal I set for myself.”
What does it take to be a good actor in the industry from your own experience?
“Like I said I earlier, I never assumed I know it all, I act like I am as empty as a new actor with talent. Are you doing stuff on your own? One of the major things an actor must-have is a mirror, I am not talking about your small mirror at home, I am talking about a medium where you view yourself showcasing different characters at home, practising, are you doing that?
“As an actor, are you looking for where other stars are shooting or auditioning, or doing anything online? Are you tapping into that space? Apart from tapping into that space, are you in the comfort of your home doing your monologue and perfecting your skills and are you letting people see what you are doing? You have your phone, so you have your world in your hand, are you using that phone to get into my DM as a director?
“Are you going to other producers as well? Are you using that to get on your space as well?. My brother, my sister, if you have talent, and you are showcasing it to the world, people will watch and some will even repost it because they like it. I have invited people to my set that I have never seen or met before but their works spoke for them. I invited a guy from Uganda because of the talents I saw, I have never seen or met with him before, so you need to get serious and be true to your crafts, someday someone will notice you and above all be very prayerful. We need to put God first in all we do.
“There is this particular woman I respect a lot, even within the Eastern Axis, I have been singing her praise, saying she is one embodiment of talents. You people are noticing her, I have used her in two of my films, and during this Covid era, everyone has now seen how versatile and how artistically a monster she is, I am talking about no other person than Iyabo Ojo. Lately, people have seen her interpret a series of characters at a go and lots of people are surprised. Iyabo Ojo has more than enough endorsement deals in her hands. She is an established actor, so please tell me, if someone like Iyabo Ojo who is successful and very comfortable can still be hungry to display her talents and skills, then who are you wey never chop.
“If an established actor still showcases her craft on social media, please who are you that you can’t do it? Do you know when she joined the industry a long time ago, yet she is presently very fresh in people’s mind again? She has stayed so long in the industry, we did the movie “Divorce Not Allowed” together and some others that are not even out yet. She is also currently in one of the biggest series coming out from Nigeria.
“She is so successful and yet hungry, so if she can be doing all that artistically, then you ask yourself, you have talents, what are you doing? Pick up your phone and challenge yourself, if you know you have the skills and talents.”
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