Ibinabo Fiberesima, a well-known Nollywood performer, has been absent from the Nigerian film industry for a while, but she is ready to make a spectacular comeback. Ibinabo Fiberesima has been gone filming and working on Amanyanabo: The Eagle King, her debut film under the banner of her production firm Queen Bae Studios. The film narrates the tale of an epic play based on the life of a real person, a King of Okrika named Ibanichuka, Ado the VI, Amanyanabo, who was one of the great monarchs of Okrika and ruled over a period marked by prosperity, honorable diplomacy, shrewd trade ties, and security.
The film is directed by Fred Amata and features seasoned performers Nkem Owoh, Monalisa Chinda Coker, Walter Anga, and Gentle Jack.
There are hardly any new faces. During a new interview with This Day Live, Ibinabo Fiberesima was asked why she did not cast any newbies. Ibinabo was very honest with her response. Here’s what she said.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
During the interview, Ibinabo Fiberesima was asked about her new movie, “You seemed to cast only old hands in this production. Not even a newbie. Why?” She responded saying:
IBINABO FIBERESIMA: I needed trusted hands first and foremost. The dialogue of the movie was not the run-of-the-mill and no actor was permitted to improvise my lines, which is a quietly celebrated norm on a lot of Nollywood sets. I required experience and those that had discipline for the craft. I did try to get one or two newbies, but they had conflicting schedules. However, I had some budding actors on set who under my strict observation as Casting Director were fit to play the roles allotted to them, including Oluwatunmise Emmanuel Akinbo, the son of costume expert, Millicent Jack and Izuchukwu Ezeokoli.
I left no room for errors as a lot was invested in this. But I’ll say this. Most of these your newbies are arrogant and need to learn the discipline of the profession. It’s okay for your Instagram following to get you on screen but it will not sustain you. Your following will not help you interpret roles, respect production or get along with others. They need to ask why many veterans are ever-green and why newbies fade after a short time. The knowledge, respect and discipline for your craft are key factors. Nkem Owoh, Monalisa Chinda Coker, Walter Anga et al turned in dramatic monologues for my audition and when contracted were never late to my set. They never disrespected the cast or crew and were always standing by. I had two Ph.D holders in the persons of Columbus Irosanga and Ovunda Ihunwo who comported themselves and even helped the younger actors. Gentle Jack shuttled Delta and Okrika to ensure he delivered the script in precise words. That’s discipline and professionalism and ‘dem no dey buy am for Instagram’ (laughs)…
Hmmm. What do you think about what Ibinabo Fiberesima said about newbies and Instagram actors?