Actors Lack Royalties, Health Insurance, Protection – Ujam Chukwunonso

Nollywood actor, director, and producer Ujam Chukwunonso has identified lack of royalties, health insurance, actor protection, and proper artist management as major challenges confronting practitioners in the Nigerian film industry.

Chukwunonso, who spoke in an interview with LEADERSHIP, called on the government to intervene by providing professional training, building film villages, and offering grants to support actors.

“Proper artist management, no royalties, no health insurance, actors’ protection and proper actors’ training” are the critical gaps, he said, adding that the government can help provide “professional training, build film villages and provide grants.”

The Ahmadu Bello University graduate, who began his acting career in 2004 and has featured in reality TV shows including The Great Search 2008, Glo Rock N Roll 2009, and Gulder Ultimate Search 2012, is currently in Kaduna for a series of projects for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The NDLEA project, coordinated by Derik Zai who also serves as producer and director, addresses the negative effects of drug abuse, how to avoid it, consequences, and possible rehabilitation.

“Kaduna is home and yes we are here for a project for NDLEA coordinated by Derik Zai who is also the producer and the director,” Chukwunonso said. “We are trying to use this particular story to expose the dangers of drug abuse and its consequences. We hope to achieve a large-scale abstinence from the youth especially.”

He is working with a crew headed by Derik Zai, alongside co-stars Ricardo Agbo, Tony Goodman, and Yvonne Jegede.

On his approach to selecting projects, the actor said: “Choosing a project is not exactly easy, but once a project is not outrightly promoting ills, I’m all in.”

He also emphasised the responsibility of creatives in society, saying: “Filmmakers and actors have a privileged position and yes, I believe they should use these positions to correct the ills in the society.”

Chukwunonso, who produced and directed “You Found Me” for Airtel TV, advised upcoming actors to undergo professional training at approved acting academies, master their characters and lines before going on set, and build confidence in humility.

“Most importantly, pray to God Almighty for favour, direction, preservation, and sustenance,” he added.