ACTOR INTERVIEW: “…stay focused and keep trying! Don’t give up!” Chidinma Francis
My name is Chidinma Francis, I am 21 years old. I have always loved the entertainment business. I was in a choir for a shot while, then I joined a drama group in junior school school. That was when I realized I had a great love for acting.
Did you study acting?
I studied acting at the Royal Arts Academy, January to May 2011. I was coached by Adebayo Olasunkanmi. I love singing and dancing, I started to act because the profession involves dance and songs.
What acting technique do you use?
The acting method I use is my sense memory. When given a particular role to interpret, I simply put myself in the character’s shoes.
Describe wrong impressions actors hold about acting A lot of actors think its just about getting in front of the camera/audience and reciting a script, I’d to think acting is more than that. Its deeper because it must be believable. Acting is not all about playing the character its about being the character.
Do you take courses to improve your skills?
I do a lot of online reading and personal rehearsals. I read articles online. I also exercise, I do voice training. When I am offered a role, I read the script repeatedly. I try to understand my character.
How do you stay fresh on a production set?
I’m always calm. During the retakes I make sure I say the same thing and make the same gestures. I try to stay fresh on set b being calm.
Explain one creative choice you took on set?
On the set of “Perfect Love”. I played a young country girl. In a scene, I had to walk towards the camera, of course he expected me to just walk simply. I made a separate choice, I added an adjustment of “native movements” to my walk. The director welcomed the adjustment, he said “That was nice, you didn’t need to be told”
Describe a memorable character you played?
A memorable character that I played was on a TV Series, titled “Perfect Love”, her name was “Ekamma”. I would like a director who has a “teaching” disposition. A director is someone an actor can learn from. He is like the key creative person on a film production. So he is someone I look up to.
What actor do you long to work with?
I would like to work with Majid Michel and Rita Dominic. I enjoy their work, they are professional actors. They can bring out the best in a younger actor.
What advice would you give actors around the world?
I think as a growing actor it necessary to stay focused, keep trying! Don’t give up!
Briefly write about your career
I have worked on “Perfect Love” (Played Ekamma), “Consenting Adults” (Played Uduak), “The Promise” (Played Jennifer), “Broken Silence” (Played Mayen).
