Acting is my wife, other things my mistresses — Saturday Magazine — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

Felix Ugo Omokhodion is an actor, model and filmmaker. The indigene of Edo State was born in Lagos. He holds a degree in Computer Science from Lagos State University.

He also studied Method Acting at Lees Strasberg Film Institute, Los Angeles, California. He is best known for his role in the 2006 Tajudeen Adepetu-produced television series, One Love, as well as his portrayal of the character, ‘Tubosun’ in the movie Celebrity Marriage.

He has since gone on to feature in numerous films mostly as a lead cast. In this interview with IJEOMA THOMAS-ODIA, Omokhodion shares his passion for acting, how he evolved and how he is progressing.

Tell us about your journey in the industry. How did it all start?
IT started, for me, way back during the old Nollywood days when I featured in my first film by OJ Productions then. It featured me, Yemi Blaq and Omotola Jolade-Ekehinde. From then I started doing TV series. My first was with Tajudeen Adepetu titled One Love where I played the lead role for almost seven years. Then, we didn’t have the Africa Magic and ROK like we have today. Then I transitioned to doing just movies almost eight years ago. It has been an exciting journey, it’s been beautiful, inspiring, invigorating, and explorative and we are here still progressing.

How are you able to hone your skill as an actor?
When I started off, I did not have a professional degree in acting. In the process, I knew I needed to know a couple of things about acting, so I got a degree in acting from the Strasburg Institute. From there, I kept evolving as an actor, and now a producer who makes content too. Well, when you are passionate about an industry you’re in, you try to bring out the best of it. As an actor, you want to bring something new to your character; you want to project something to the world because you’re telling someone’s story. So, it has to be something people can relate to. As an actor, your job is to kill it, sell the story and in the process entertain people.

Have you always wanted to be an actor?
Acting is my wife and other things are my mistresses.

So far, what are the challenges you have faced?
I think life itself is a challenge, just like it is called. It is a step to the next level, testing you and you will face a lot of things maybe instability, the poor distribution system of films, and the challenges every filmmaker and actor faces. But I would say it’s getting better, it’s not as bad as it used to be back in those days. The industry is expanding more and we are getting more international acclamation. The sky is the limit for Nollywood. It is a story of progress.

What next should we be looking forward to from you?
I’ve always loved to test new grounds. I started off as an actor, and now I am a film producer, so who knows what else I may be considering.

Are there new projects you are working on?
There are a couple of projects I am working on and based on the producer, and actor confidentiality, I can’t talk about forthcoming projects.

So far, how would you say you have to fare?
I’d say I sit pretty fine. It has not been easy but we’re here, and we’ve been progressing. It’s been a positive story so far and it’s just the beginning. We are just starting because there’s so much more we can offer to the world.

How well will you say Nollywood is doing on the international scene?
Nollywood is doing fine. It’s been a struggle for Nollywood from way back when it started.

Most times, it’s independent producers who bring out money from their pockets, and you know, it’s not easy to bring out funds from your pocket to fund a movie when you are not sure of making your money back. That is a challenge we face, but it is a bit better today.

The thing is, it takes a lot of passion for you to believe in a project you want to do, to say no matter what happens, I will spend my money on this and hope for the best. So, Nollywood has been progressing, it’s been a good journey.

Now, we are having licence with international bodies like Netflix Original and it’s getting better because Hollywood is drawing closer. I’m looking forward to a lot of collaboration between Hollywood and Nollywood which is definitely going to happen because we’re a force to be reckoned with.

What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion, for me, is about identifying with yourself. What you are, feel comfortable with it, what brings out the spark in you, whatever it is, that’s your passion.

When you are not on set, what is Felix doing?
I am handling my other businesses, which include affiliate marketing and investments.

How do you relax?
I am more like a loner. I don’t go to events or parties all the time, so I stay at home chilling or I go to the beach because it is refreshing and relaxing for me. I could even go somewhere in Nigeria and enjoy the culture, but I do not do things too loud.

What advice do you have for younger people looking up to you?
They should get a university degree as a backup. It’s not an easy industry. Also, make sure you truly have a passion for this industry, and you are not just in it for the fame. I’ve been here for close to two decades so I can tell you that you need to love this business to actually strive in this business. It may not be easy at first, but if you truly love it and are passionate, you’ll get there. Most importantly, put God first.

What key lessons have you learned in your almost two decades?
In my journey, I’ve learned that evolution should always be constant with you. As a creative person, always evolve. Don’t remain in the same state you were before. Explore new grounds. Test yourself through challenges because there’s an old adage that says ‘only the test of fire makes the finest steel.’