After four years of intensive Theatre Arts education, countless Shakespeare monologues, and mastering Stanislavski techniques, many Nigerian graduates face a harsh reality: their hard-earned degrees aren't opening doors in Nollywood. Meanwhile, reality TV stars and social media influencers with minimal training are landing major roles in multi-million naira productions.
The Social Currency Revolution in Nollywood
In a candid interview with producer and talent manager Heavens Obule, co-founder of TakeOne Productions, we uncovered the uncomfortable truths reshaping Nigeria's film industry. The conversation revealed that when distributors evaluate films, their first question isn't about plot or cinematography but rather: "Who's in it?"
"Producers are asking themselves, 'If I put this person in my film, will people buy tickets? Will streaming platforms pay me more?'" Obule explained. "And if the answer is no, you're not getting cast." This fundamental shift has created an environment where Instagram follower counts often carry more weight than acting certifications.
What Talent Managers Actually Want
When scouting new talent for TakeOne Productions, Obule looks beyond traditional qualifications. While acting ability remains non-negotiable—"All my talents are trained actors," he emphasizes—commercial viability and online presence have become equally crucial.
"I tell my talents straight up, if you want to just do art films and wait for festival circuits, and you don't have trust fund money, you're going to starve," Obule stated bluntly. The key to survival lies in balancing commercial work that pays bills with artistic projects that feed the soul.
His three essential criteria for aspiring actors include:
Proper training and craft understanding
Willingness to embrace commercial projects
Active and engaging online presence
"I don't believe in hiding your talent," Obule noted. "You can't have a gift and keep it to yourself. You have to let the world see what you can do through social media, through content, through being present."
The Privilege Problem in Nollywood
One of the most revealing aspects of the discussion centered on privilege, a topic rarely addressed openly in Nigeria's entertainment industry. Obule shared his personal experience of having financial stability through a secured banking job while pursuing acting, which allowed him to be selective about roles.
"When I was starting out, I could afford to turn down ₦40,000 roles because I had other income," he revealed. "But for someone who's paying rent and feeding themselves from acting alone? They can't afford to be picky."
This financial reality creates an uneven playing field where talented but economically disadvantaged actors often get forced out of the industry. Obule's advice is pragmatic: "If you're a trained actor but you're broke, you're going to get frustrated out of this industry. That's just facts."
Reality TV Stars vs Trained Actors
The phenomenon of Big Brother housemates and content creators securing major roles over theatre graduates has become a contentious issue. Obule understands both sides of the argument.
"When you put a Big Brother star in your film, you're tapping into their existing fanbase. Their fans will show up opening weekend just to see them. That's guaranteed revenue," he explained.
However, he acknowledges the quality compromise: "The problem is when producers only cast for numbers and don't support those people with trained actors around them. When your entire cast is just influencers and reality TV people, the film suffers."
The solution lies in strategic blending—pairing commercial draws with skilled actors who can elevate the production quality while maintaining market appeal.
Practical Advice for Aspiring Actors
When asked whether young Nigerians should still pursue Theatre Arts degrees, Obule's response was surprisingly direct: "Honestly? Not really. Not if you want to work in Nollywood specifically."
He recommends screen acting courses instead, emphasizing the technical differences between stage and film performance. More importantly, he stresses the necessity of financial planning: "If you're not from a wealthy family, and you want to be an actor, you need a backup plan. Period."
The blueprint for success in modern Nollywood involves diversification—building personal brands, creating original content, maintaining visibility, and developing multiple income streams. The actors who thrive today didn't just act; they became entrepreneurs of their own careers.
As Nollywood continues evolving, Obule sees progress in increased budgets from streaming platforms and new revenue models from digital distribution. However, he calls for more structural improvements in talent management, contract standardization, and working conditions to create a more sustainable ecosystem for all industry professionals.
