Award-winning Nollywood actor, Tope Tedela speaks with SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN about his career, passion for music and sundry issues. Excerpts:
How long have you been in the movie industry?
About 17 years.
What inspired you to settle for acting?
Initially I wanted to be a medical doctor and then an engineer. But the only thing that really set my soul on fire was acting. I did a research on it, just to be sure it was something that I could do. So I pursued it.
You worked as a presenter with Unilag FM Radio when you were in school. Why didn’t you choose broadcasting since you had some experience in that field?
I studied Mass Communication. To be honest, I really wanted to study Theatre Arts, but I was advised to study something more professional. That was why I ended up studying Mass Communication. I think there are elements of broadcasting in the performing arts.
Also I had felt that pursuing a career in acting would not be demanding. It is very flexible. Some days you won’t be on a movie set. You can use that time for other things, but being a full-time broadcaster wouldn’t avail me such time. I have to be on a show for a stipulated amount of time. There are times that I have to be out of town on official duty. Those were some of the concerns I had before finally settling for acting.
On the other hand, broadcasting has been democratised, so there is a possibility of me practicing it as well.
Does that mean you can quit acting for broadcasting any time?
What I mean is that I can use my broadcasting training and experience in such a way that it will not interfere with my acting career. So don’t be surprised if I start a talk show or podcast. It is not because everybody is doing it, but because I have perspective and angle I want to explore, which is not being expounded in the media world currently.
A lot of actors have embraced brand influencing and it has reduced their appearance in movies. Why do you think it is so?
I am an actor and I know how tough it is to be one. To be fair, there is an extent to which passion can propel you, but it will get to a point where you will want to get rewarded for the work that you do. The industry is an agglomeration of largely independent filmmakers. It is not until recently that we have the advent of streaming platforms and cinema houses.
It has not been an easy ride for the Nigerian film industry. It is not as if government support is there. It is tough being in front or behind the camera. So if an actor uses the popularity he gained from acting to influence a product, why not? No one can be blamed for it.
It seems you are not really interested in brand influencing?
You will want to collaborate with brands that align with your values and vision. Also, maybe it just hasn’t happened yet. I am open for collaboration if anything comes up.
How difficult is it to be an actor?
Acting is a profession that almost anybody can say they want to get into, whether they are trained or not. A lot of people want to be actors. However, to actually work hard to a point where you are recognised and your work is appreciated is the difficult aspect. It depends on how you are constantly being hired and that is based on the hard work and consistency you put into your career. It is really not the easiest thing on earth.
There are times that you may not be called for any job. There is also the challenge of trying to stay relevant and you are doing anything and everything to stay there. Personally, I wouldn’t do certain things to remain relevant or popular, but I understand where people who do that come from. I know how it can impact your mental and emotional health. You can’t blame them, they are just trying to survive. So it can be a real jungle.
Nollywood has come a long way, but do you think actors are well paid?
I will say no, on one hand. On the other hand, I will also ask who exactly is getting well paid? Of course, some people are getting well paid, but we can’t take away the Nigerian factor. Even when a lot of money is pumped into a production, some people will not compensate all and sundry the way they should be compensated. So, we still have those issues. The issues at the top flows down to the industry as well as to other sectors too.
How did your journey into movie production start?
Sometimes, you just feel you want to tell certain kinds of stories or you want to take control of your life. It was a combination of all of these and I felt it was time to launch into movie production.
How many movies have you produced?
I have mostly collaborated with people, but I have produced three movies. Two have been released and one is in post-production.
How much does it cost to produce a movie?
It depends on the kind of movie. What world is the story built around? That is the question to be asked before making a budget for a movie. You can make a movie for N50,000. With that, you just need your phone, get one of your friends, do a scene that is in a room, use your phone to edit it and you call that a film. In strict terms, you will need millions of naira or hundreds of millions to a billion. It depends on the story you are trying to tell.
Do producers recoup the money invested in their movies? Not all businesses are prosperous. Some businesses fail. Some break even and make profit. It depends. Some producers make their money back and some others do not. Film making is a huge risk and it can also be very rewarding. There is a question to ask before embarking on the journey. Producers should ask if all the basic elements that can make a film successful are being into consideration before venturing into the project.
It also depends on the type of movie you are making. Are you trying to make a big budget theatrical release? Or a mid-budget theatrical release? It depends on the type of movie you have in mind.
There are different windows you can choose to distribute your movies. You can go to the cinema first or through streaming platforms, cable television is there also and then terrestrial television before it will end up on a free sharing service like YouTube. Those are the things to consider. There should be a plan to make your money back, have you looked at the risk factors. Those are the questions to ask.
Are there things you would like to change in the industry?
The industry is changing. Like I said earlier, this is an industry that is largely made possible by individuals and it is really very entrepreneurial, if you look at it. I would like to see more government support, not in any way gargantuan, but remember we operate in this society, we operate in this economy and they all have an impact on the film industry.
We also need constant power, good roads and tax rebates or tax relief. Film makers don’t want to be over taxed because they are making a film. I want a working deal that is sustainable for all and sundry. There should be fairness, equity, justice even while we are trying to earn a living. I want to see stories that will move us and project us in certain ways. Those are my desires for the film making industry.
What is the greatest advantage of being an actor?
I don’t think about it in such terms. I love the work that I do and I consider it a blessing to be recognised for it and earn a living from it. It is a privilege that I don’t take for granted. On that level, I am truly grateful. Of course, the fame and popularity are by-products of it, but for me,that is not a reward. That is the icing on the cake and not the main thing for me.
It is just the fact that I can play different characters, experience different lives, see the world and situation through the eyes of different people and all of that, those are the advantages for me personally.
Can you recall the most challenging role you have ever played?
I have a couple of roles like that. They sometimes come in the physical aspects, in terms of training. Your body has to go through rigorous training to prepare for the role. It could come as an emotional challenge. I remember a movie called ‘A Mile from Home’, things were pretty difficult while making the movie because it was just a group of young people who came together to make it. It just became so tough to make.
There is another film titled, ‘Happiness limited.’ I was playing the part of a character who was going through a lot of hardship and the lines became blurred at a point that the director had to give me a break.
I also acted in a new film some months ago. It has not been released. The title is ‘Transit’. I played a dual role that was really tough and burdensome mentally, emotionally and physically. I am sure there are others that I can’t remember.
Do you have any dream roles you wish to play anytime soon?
I have been asked this question a lot and I don’t particularly think I have any dream role. I am sitting down and waiting for it to come my way. Our imagination is wide. The human mind can conceive the inconceivable. So even if I say this is the particular role I would love to play, I am sure I can get another role that will blow my mind away and I am sure it would be the best role I have ever taken.
I am open to opportunities to explore different characters and share interesting stories. However, on the other hand, I would like to do some biopics, I think it will be a challenge and it will be interesting and fun and all of that to be in a biopic about the history of Nigeria, about a public figure.
What is special about featuring in a biopic?
I just feel it is on a different level. You are not just working with your imagination. Of course, your imagination will go into the movie, but you will re-enact the life of a person, a legend. So the research is more practical and factual. You have to get as close as possible to the essence of the person you are trying to depict. I think it is an aspect that any talented actor will want to feel and touch. Think about Denzel Washington, David Oyelowo, Malcom X, Frederick Mercury, and ‘Selma’. Just think about how to research those roles, how to train for it, all those things will make it interesting, challenging and explorative to embark upon. It is a different sort of preparation and work entirely.
What are the things you consider before accepting a movie role?
A combination of things, but on a fundamental level, I would like to know what the story is about and how the story is reflected on the screen play. I will also consider the character, the role and the director. Of course, not forgetting the compensation. All of the above.
Have you ever rejected a script because of the actor you were paired with?
Not to my knowledge. I can’t remember doing that, but sometimes you may have concerns about a person or people you are working with for a reason. I feel part of acting is to make things believable and all of that. For instance, if I am to play somebody’s husband and I am not married to that person in real life, I have to portray a loving couple. It is also my responsibility to work as professionally as possible, even if I have concerns about that person. It is my calling to bring out the best of the role because it is about the project, not me. That is how I view it.
What has shaped you to become who you are today?
I am still a work-in-progress. Definitely my upbringing plays a role in being a responsible person. I was troublesome when I was growing up, but I was able to overcome that phase through the help I got. Like they say, it takes a village to raise a child. When I finished secondary school, I joined a Christian fellowship called ‘Inspired Generation’ in Ijesha, Surulere where I grew up. They were my leaders at a time. I would say that my family and my church had a profound impact in finding myself. I am also an avid reader. It also helped back in the days and still helps.
Has Nollywood taken you far from God?
Even if I am not close to God, I am an adult. I have to take responsibility for my closeness or not being close to God. You can’t blame my career, friend or spouse for it. Of course, they can have an impact, but at the end of the day, one has to take responsibility for most of one’s deeds.
When are you going to get married?
I would rather not approach that subject matter because I feel it is not important in the scheme of things right now. When it happens, it happens. People should get married when they feel like getting married and if they don’t want to get married, they should let them be. People should keep their fingers crossed and pray for the people they are really concerned about while they let them be.
You are hardly seen at public functions. Why do you shy away from events?
It is a matter of perspective. I feel like at the end of the day, we all have pressure for certain things. I feel that my pressure for being at social gatherings may not be as high as that of some of my colleagues. I attend events when I can. It is important to socialize, but you have to be mindful of who you are, what you can handle and the things you can’t handle. I may be in some places and you won’t know that I am there. There are different sides to it, but at the end of the day, I think I really prefer to stay at home.
What do you do when a woman has a crush on you?
It depends. I was raised to be a gentleman as much as it is within my power. I imbibe that in every aspect of my life. I know I am gorgeous, talented and trying to be successful. Such is expected once a while. I will appreciate them and treat them with respect.
Is any of your siblings showing interest in the entertainment industry?
Not particularly. They are not active performers. They do other things, but I have a brother who produces music on the side and he provided part of the music for one of the movies that I produced.
You also have a passion for music. Do you see yourself going professional with it one day?
Probably. I have a lot of songs written somewhere. Whether at a professional level or an amateur level, I feel I should release the songs for the world to enjoy. I would like others to share with me as well. So yes, it will happen at some point.
How was growing up?
Growing up was pretty normal for me. I am the first among four children. We are all men. I come from a pretty closely-knit family. My brothers are probably my closest friends. My parents raised us to be kind, thoughtful and upstanding.
