Nigerian Actress Jumoke Aderounmu Talks How to Break into The Movie Industry

Fast Rising Nigerian Actresss Adejumoke Aderounmu also known as Jumoke is a face to look out for in the Nigerian Movie and TV industry. In this exclusive interview with Nigerian Entertainment she shares insider details on how to break into the movie industry and also gives us deets about her career.

Tell Us a bit about yourself.
I am a Nigerian actor and media enthusiast, I have a talk show on Waptv by 5pm every Wednesday.I was born on the 26th of March 1987 to a family of 7(parent inclusive). My educational background varies from St Berneddettes Private School Ibara Abeokuta, Abeokuta Girls’ Grammar School Onikolobo Abeokuta, and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife Nigeria. I like to play a lot while I get the job done but everyone that knows me say I am very disciplined and strict.

I decided to be an actor when everyone I came across would say I could do it and i thought to try it. I got an opportunity in 2007 to play a minor role as a nurse and the encouragement and feed back I got made me audition for a role in Tunde Kelani’s Arugba in 2009 and I got the part, Then I decided to work on my craft and I learnt on the job as one of Funke Akindele’s first set of students, here we are today.

Breaking into the business for me was through auditions and referrals basically.

Challenges faced by up and coming talents in the business varies but majorly every up and coming actor find it hard to get an opportunity of a leading role in a movie because investors and producers fear making their money back since Nigerians hardly want to see a new face they don’t know in movies, so it’s always a challenge for up and coming acts to find that major break out opportunity.

What steps would they take to get their foot in the door?
As a new talent trying to get their foot in the door, they need a lot of hard work, good character, self discipline, consistence, prayers and humility.

I know filming can be hectic,, how long does it take to shoot a movie?
Ideally it takes an average of 25/30days to film a standard cine craft movie, depending on the logistics and production designing But our budget doesn’t permit us that luxury all the time so we sometimes have to work with producers that film a movie in less than 3weeks.

How do you know what directors to work with?
Knowing what director to work with for me sometimes is based on whoever my producer contracts as the director but I have a bucket list for directors so I mostly consider that when taking scripts.

Is the industry more of a hustle to get roles thing or do you get scripts sent to you?
The industry is in both ways, you need to go out and audition for parts to get roles until you start getting scripts sent to you, meanwhile sometimes when you get the script sent to you, you still would have to audition/read for the part before getting the role.

What is the best way to achieve success in the Nigerian Movie industry?
The best way to achieve success in the Nigeria movie industry is through fervent prayers, patience and hard work.

What movie was the most challenging to film?
I have more than one movie it was a challenge to film and the challenges differ so I really can’t say which is most challenging right now.

What movie did you have the most fun on set?
So far, I had most fun on set while filming Tunde Kelani’s ‘Dazzling Mirage’.

Advice for upcoming actors and actresses?
My Advise for up and coming actors both male and female is pls be talented and have a good character, know and work on your craft, always be ready for that opportunity, be very humble and disciplined, know what you want and go for it, get a lawyer (lol) and most importantly Pray for God’s grace.