Ufuoma McDermott, Nollywood actress, says ‘Merry Men 2,’ a movie by AY, Nigerian comedian, remains her most challenging project since she took to acting 16 years ago.
The talented actress disclosed this during the ‘meet and greet/free movie viewing’ of ‘Merry Men 2’, at Filmhouse Cinemas IMAX, Lekki, Lagos on Saturday.
According to her, the physicality and high energy involved in the movie made it a daunting task.
She however, relished featuring in the movie, noting the project took her to a new milestone in her acting career.
“It’s the most challenging in my career in terms of my physically because I had to be physical and be as fit as I can. Merry Men 2 took me to a place that no other film has taken me to and I am grateful for that.
“The movie took me out of my usual happy, laughing to character to a bit more serious one where I had to frown my face all the time and all that. At the premier of merry 2, I had already had two offers on action films,” she said.
“I think working on this project made me understand the importance of having the right crew members, so we had our martial artist on set. Believe it or not, that is one of the hardest things I had to do in my life.
“I am such a drama actor that act pretty well displaying emotions on the face and all of that, but when it has to involve getting physical, I was so scared. At a time, they were like hit this guy, I said I don’t want to hit him.
“The most beautiful thing is understanding what martial arts should be and mixing it with filmmaking. It was an amazing combination. It slows down production a little bit in all honesty, you know we could have gotten through those scenes faster, but because it involves a lot more because martial art is involved. I give AY the credit on this one because that’s a lot of money that many people won’t have spent.
McDermott also described her movie career has a blissful one, noting that in spite of the inherent odds, she has managed to brace the odds combing family issues with her passion.
“I am up for the challenge. The journey has had every rhythm as an entertainer. February this year would be my 16th year since I first shot a film. And I am grateful and I will tell people to also pursue happiness. So far, I have been able to marry marriage with career.”
AY had earlier said repeated use of ritual-laced themes made many Nigerians to lose confidence in Nollywood movies of the past.
Copyright 2024 TheCable. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TheCable.
Follow us on twitter @Thecablestyle