Filmmaker and actress Pearl Nkiruka Waturuocha, known to many as Pearl Wats, has said that beyond entertaining the public, the film industry in Nigeria, known to many as Nollywood, not only entertains members of the public but also serves as a tool for job creation.
Miss Wats, who said this in a recent interview, explained that the industry, which is the third largest in the world, has created a large ecosystem that puts food on the tables of many people.
She said that it is not only actors, actresses, producers, cameramen, directors, and producers who make money from the industry, but also make-up artists, stylists, fashion designers, video editors, food vendors, set designers, house agents, project managers, and many more.
“Apart from the fact that movies help a lot of people relax, it has also helped in curbing unemployment in Nigeria. Nollywood is the 3rd biggest film industry in the world. Entertainment as a whole is a very big deal in Nigeria and has put Nigeria on the map.”
While speaking on what endeared her to the industry, Pearl Wats revealed that watching movies as a child used to make her happy, and since then, she had made up her mind that she also wanted to be the reason other people smile.
She further revealed that despite acting being her passion, when she joined the industry as a newbie, she faced challenges like people finding it hard to take her seriously and producers wanting to take advantage of her naivety.
“As an upcoming actor, it’s hard for people to take you seriously because when you say you’re an actor and you do not necessarily have a lot of movies to back your claims, people tend to think you’re wasting your time. Also, there’s the case of some producers wanting to take advantage of naive upcomers.”
“Thankfully, I believed in myself, I didn’t give up or give in, I was consistent, and most importantly, had the right support from family,” she added.
She advised up-and-coming actors and actresses to stay consistent, be patient, better their craft, and always be prepared.
Miss Wats believes that stardom has deprived her of the ability to express herself in public as she would want to.
She says that “right now, if I express myself the way I want to, it most likely will be misconstrued or be a topic. I don’t like unnecessary attention.”
