Nigerian filmmakers must stop paying actors peanuts, says Adunni Ade

Adunni Ade says there’s a need for filmmakers in Nollywood to stop paying their actors peanuts.

The actress and producer, during her feature on the Rubbin Minds show, spoke of low pay in the movie industry.

She said stakeholders must let go of greed and quit exploiting talents in the name of giving them a platform.

“People need to let go of greed. A lot of people want an actor or filmmaker to just help them. You can’t keep doing that and getting rich while they remain on the same spot. It happens a lot in Yoruba Nollywood,” she said.

“It happens on the English side. This is not me calling anyone out. I’m saying it’s time for folks in the film industry to get paid for what they do. Stop asking talents to do you a favor with their work and you pay them peanuts.

“Forget the platforming. Upbringing also has something to do with this. People not from wealthy backgrounds do whatever to break in. I keep telling people what will be will be. You don’t have to rush and become famous.

“You have social media and more avenues now to break into the industry without having to sell your soul.”

Ade spoke of her own experience with “pretty privilege” where good looks influence the choice of actors for roles.

“Sometimes, my colour might hinder me from participating in some kind of role. It hurts me to the bone. For me, I believe in letting your attitude shine forth. I don’t really care how good-looking you’re,” she pointed out.

“If you can deliver, I’d rather put you up. I’m happy with who I am. God makes no mistakes but sometimes [pretty privilege] is like a curse because we’re in a society where people are bitter. I’m not saying Nigerians are bitter.

“But when people see someone like me, rather than appreciate the talent, it’s more about picking up on certain things. I’m not the type to skip the line or tell them to pull me to the side and attend to me in the banking hall.

“A lot of my colleagues may not want that but it’s one aspect of pretty privilege where you get things on a platter.”