Ijeoma Richards became widely and professionally known in the movie industry when she acted her first ever movie’ Living in Oblivion’. Sage has since starred in several Nollywood movies . The talented and creative actress acts in both Igbo and English movies. In this interview she spoke about her acting career among other things.
Tell us more about yourself?
I am a writer, actor, filmmaker and president of Nollywood Creative Minds Forum (NCMF) I have featured in several films and series such Newman Street (2014) a series, Malaysian Wives, which was nominated for the AMVCA in 2018, Payback (2020) On my honour (2021) Memories Unforgotten (2022) This year I am in Covenant Series which was also nominated for the AMVCA, my character Ble Ble is an illiterate, fiesty, Yoruba market woman. I am also in Unforgivable, which will hit cinemas July 28th, that is this month. Among several other films.
What motivated you to go into acting? Is it the same thing now as it was in the past?
I always say, I am an accidental actor. I didn’t set out to be an actor, my passion is in telling non fiction stories, that is documentaries. I tried my hands on a few, but I kept getting industry practitioners who will promise on projects and not deliver. Acting was a way for me to go all in into production. I dare say practitioners today are more focused, more passionate about getting things done and it is refreshing to see that happening. The difference in the industry is its growth. A lot of things are different, easier even. But actors still have to do the audition and reading circuit if they plan to succeed. That part is a constant for any aspiring actor.
How did your family and friends felt when you told them about your desire to join Nollywood as an actress?
Most families are sceptical when one chooses this profession. Mine were sort of alright, I wouldn’t say excited. And I don’t think actors tell people they are acting. One just does it and allows the work speak for itself.
What are the initial challenge that you faced on the job?
Initial challenges I suppose are similar to that of other professions. Difficulty getting good roles, low pay, unserious production houses getting actors to audition for projects that never take off, as in everything else. Time irons out these hiccups if one is able to hang in there.
Which of the films makes you prominent in the industry?
I don’t know if I can say its one film. Its just doing several jobs over the years.
What’s your advice to intending or up coming actress?
My advice would be to not believe acting is for unserious people, a high number of successful actors are highly intelligent. If you are unable to read, interprete, ask questions about the character you are embodying as an actor, you will fall by the way side. Great diction and great delivery and mastery of your craft will get you farther than a pretty face will. And most of all, seek out auditions, prepare for auditions and attend auditions. Be consistent.
If you weren’t an actress what would you have been?
I am still pursuing my documentary making. So if I am not an actor I’ll be a lecturer. I especially love to read, so lecturing will come naturally to me.
