This Guy said He dumped law degree for acting

If there is one thing you can’t take away from aspiring actor and film maker, Akpos Otubuere, it is his passion for the arts. In this chat with Entertainer, Otubuere opens up on his challenges and dreams.


Excerpts

Could you share your background with us?
My name is Akpos Otubuere aka Da Waffi Genius. I am from Delta State and the sixth child in a family of seven. My dad is a businessman while mum is a retired teacher and business woman. I am a graduate of Linguistics from the Univer­sity of Benin and an alumnus of Pefti Film Institute and Lufodo Academy of Perform­ing Arts. I am an actor and filmmaker.
How did your journey into acting and film making begin?
I have always had passion for the arts. I was in the drama team of the Baptist Church where I grew up in Delta State. I joined the Literary Debating & Dramatic Society (LDDS) while I was in secondary school. As an undergraduate, I founded Linsa Theatre, a group that still thrives in the department of Linguistics, University of Benin. My decision to take up acting professionally was made in 300 level. After I graduated in 2012, I moved to Lagos to pursue my dream. I got some training in acting and had several audi­tions but I wasn’t lucky. The few times I got call back, the production either did not continue or I was sidelined for reasons I do not know. And so I started writing my own short scripts, hoping I will get someone to produce them for me. My attempts were fruitless. After several months I decided last year to save up money and achieve my dream. With my savings I was able to produce my first film, Illusion. I also acted in it as well. That was how my journey as a filmmaker began.
Who are those that have inspired you in the industry?
Wale Adenuga, Kunle Afolayan, Ramsey Nouah, Nse Ikpe Etim, O.C Ukeje, Adam Sandler and Rowan Atkinson to mention a few.
Tell us about Illusion?
Illusion refers to a false idea, concept or belief about somebody or something. Illu­sion tells the story of a young couple who live with a non-existing fear.
Are your parents in support of your career?
Yes, they are fully in support. My mother has always been in support of whatever I commit my energy to. When I told her I wanted to go into the movie industry, I got her blessings immediately. My dad, however, was not convinced I could make a good life out of the industry. He wanted me to be the lawyer I had always wanted to be or use my university degree to get a good paying job. He gave his blessings a few years later when he realized that my mind was made up.
Asides acting and filmmaking, what else do you do?
I write, direct, develop and create content for producers. I also host events.
What are your challenges?
As an actor, the competition is crazy. Everybody wants to act; bankers, lawyers, doctors, engineers, traders, business men, farmers, everybody! So the industry is flooded with both desperate, talented and zero talented individuals who pose a threat to your pursuit. This is arguably the most competitive market in the country. Because of this, talent alone is not enough to make a breakthrough; one needs God’s grace. The basic challenge I face as an independent filmmaker is finance. People hardly believe in film projects enough to commit their money, especially if you are not one of the celebrated ones. So, it’s been quite a lonely journey.
Any project at hand?
Yes, I am working on some scripts. By the grace of God, a couple of them should be produced before the end of the year.
Where do you want to be in the next 5 year?
I want to be the most impactful indepen­dent filmmaker from this part of the world.