Seasoned Nigerian actress, Rita Dominic has revealed the paltry amount she received as payment for her first movie role many years ago.
She disclosed during a recent interview with Joy 99.7 FM, Ghana, that she was paid N10,000 for the first movie she starred in.
Rita Dominic explained that when she started acting, the Nigerian film industry (Nollywood) wasn’t lucrative but she was driven by her passion.
The actress said; “I just wanted to be an actor. And to be honest, there was no money in Nollywood back then. We were just doing it for the passion. We have the passion for the art which was what fuelled us.
“It was very challenging. But we just kept doing it until the industry got bigger and bigger. And obviously the pay became much better.”
Asked the lowest amount she has ever received for a movie role, Dominic responded; “The first film I did, the filmmaker paid me N35,000. But he owed me N25,000 for how many months. In fact, he didn’t even pay me the balance. He paid me only N10,000 [laughs].”
In another news…
CorrectNG recalls how veteran actor, Bob-Manuel Udokwu decried the influx of poorly trained practitioners into the Nigerian movie industry.
Udokwu expressed sadness that half-baked actors and filmmakers have invaded Nollywood and are now the leading characters.
He said the industry should be better than the level it has reached and the only reason the growth seems stagnant is because a lot of unprofessional activities are taking place.
He said; “Nollywood ought to be greater than what it is at the moment. Unfortunately, the true potential of the industry is not being realised. A lot of unprofessional activities are going on.
“Many half-baked practitioners have invaded the industry. The real professionals should step forward and take back Nollywood.”
