Ruth Kadiri slams Nollywood producers over unrealistic demands on actors

Renowned actress and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri has openly criticised Nollywood producers for placing unrealistic expectations on actors, sparking a significant conversation within the industry.

In a message shared on social media, Kadiri took issue with producers who demand that actors deliver one million views within a single day, describing such expectations as both misguided and unfair.

“Dear Nollywood actors! Take the pressure off your shoulder!” Kadiri wrote, addressing her colleagues directly.

“Any producer who requires one million views from you in one day has failed! A good production requires more than your face!”

Her statement resonated with many, shedding light on the growing pressure actors face to meet arbitrary metrics.

Kadiri argued that this fixation on immediate viewership undermines the collective effort required to make a successful production.

She emphasized that a film’s success is not solely dependent on the actor’s popularity but on the quality of the production as a whole.

“One million views is not a standard of success nor failure,” she added, pointing out the industry’s over-reliance on such benchmarks.

The filmmaker also called attention to a broader issue within Nollywood: the lack of understanding about how platforms like YouTube operate.

“So much y’all don’t know about YouTube,” she said, suggesting that many producers fail to grasp the complexities of online engagement and instead pass their ignorance onto actors, creating unnecessary stress.

“Don’t let their ignorance rob you of your joy!” she urged.

Her remarks have sparked a wave of discussion among actors and industry insiders.

Many have applauded Kadiri for using her platform to address these issues, noting that such conversations are long overdue.

The pressure to achieve immediate results often comes at the expense of the actors’ mental health and the quality of the work itself.

She pointed out that actors are often held to impossible standards while other aspects of production, such as direction, scripting, and marketing, are overlooked.

“A good production is more than just the face of the actor,” Kadiri said, reiterating the importance of a holistic approach to filmmaking.

Many have described Kadiri’s statement as a bold and necessary critique of Nollywood’s flawed systems.

Her words have inspired actors to stand their ground and prioritise their craft over meeting arbitrary targets.