There is no script on becoming an actor - Zainab Balogun

We are Enterprise Life, and we are delighted to present another episode of our podcast, This Is Life. 

This episode brings diverse voices from Television, Film and Production to sit down and discuss creating value beyond the screen, and give a fresh, exciting take on life in the movie business.

Our host Akah Nnani, actor and presenter extraordinaire, gets cozy with residents of Tinsel town - Deborah Odutayo, Deyemi Okanlawon, Ufuoma McDermott, Zainab Balogun-Nwachukwu and Bolanle Olukanni, as they take us through their journey in Nollywood; the highs, lows and everything in-between.

We take a look behind the scenes on the cost of working in Nollywood - double crossing, building relationships and funding.

Listeners are given exclusive insights into the workings of the film industry, and a peek behind the lights and glamour. Insights that may prove useful to those intending to become players in the industry, or anyone curious about life behind the Lights, Camera, Action.

Learn from actress, model and TV Presenter, Zainab Balogun, as she speaks on becoming a better performer and the importance of networking. Hear her speak about letting go of attachment to a scene, being vulnerable by putting herself out there for criticism and how having high standards have been mistaken for diva behavior.

Veteran producer, Deborah Odutayo shines light on relationships with people. She talks about working with difficult actors and how treating her cast like family helps. She also opens up about her victories and the betrayals during her stint as the president of Electronic Media Content Owners Association of Nigeria (EMCOAN).

Ex-model turned actor and filmmaker, Ufoma McDermott, brought a practical approach to the table, speaking on the stigma around competition, as well as the lack of funding and support for Nollywood. She also highlighted how applying the ethics she picked up in business school has given her an edge in the industry.

Deyemi Okanlawon tells us about his transition from the corporate world to that of film and the importance of his wife’s support in the process. He also speaks about protecting his brand, and how he draws the line between inspiration versus competition, and losing important scenes during editing.

Presenter, Bolanle speaks on her stint as an actor, the dilemma of turning down passion projects in favour of paying ones; on choosing gigs based on what aligns with her values, and winning without compromising her values.

How do you distinguish between healthy competition and bitter rivalry, in an industry where being at the top of your game is important? Get the answer and other exciting tit bits and so much more on this episode.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify or stream it on YouTube.