Prominent Nollywood filmmakers Kemi Adetiba and Jade Osiberu have pushed back against the growing trend of actors spending heavily on high-end audition tapes, stressing that performance, not production quality, is what truly counts.

The filmmakers, both known for delivering some of Nollywood’s biggest productions, raised concerns about the pressure many aspiring actors now face to create studio-level audition videos. From expensive cameras to elaborate lighting setups and professionally designed backdrops, the expectations, they say, have become unnecessarily intimidating,especially for newcomers trying to break into the industry.

According to them, the essence of an audition lies in the actor’s ability to embody a character convincingly, not in how polished the recording looks. They emphasized that simple, well-lit environments such as a quiet room with natural light and basic recording devices like smartphones, are more than sufficient to deliver a strong audition.

Adetiba noted that casting directors are primarily focused on authenticity, emotional delivery, and how well an actor understands the role. Osiberu echoed this sentiment, adding that overproduction can sometimes distract from the performance itself, shifting attention away from the actor’s craft.

Their comments come at a time when social media has amplified comparisons among actors, with many feeling compelled to match the perceived “standards” set by others. This has led to a surge in spending on equipment and professional services, often without any guarantee of landing roles.

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