Interview: Meet Sapphire Ogodo – Fast Rising Nollywood screen diva @sapphireogodo

1: Can we meet you?What is your title?‬

‪Sapphire ogodo aka more fire is an ACTRESS/DIRECTOR,unity bank ambassador and  Youwin business innovation awardee.‬

‪2: We understand you were awarded some amount of money from  youwin and we know too you are an ambassador to unity Bank, what do you intend to do with the money‬

Will be  investing on my movies,creating a world class entertaining movies since that the major reason I was awarded with the finance.‬
‪Am also a phillantropist using my God given resources to run my foundations HOUSE OF GOLD helping the poor female teenage child, Some people will naturally want to buy properties but I think about the kids on the streets and I want to give them a life.

‪3. What film/project are you currently working on?

Just attended an audition in south Africa and anticipating a reply soon, am also currently shooting an epic film about african women of old and the challenges they faced,it’s a cowgirl kind of story.‬

‪4. In one sentence, describe your job.‬

‪Telling stories, creating real, believable characters and entertaining.‬

‪5. What skills are necessary for a person in your position?‬

‪Well, there are a lot of skills an actor needs. A good knowledge of history. Understanding of language. Basic acting skills. It is kind of difficult to pin point what an actor needs. A sense of play, of trust. A desire to tell stories clearly and passionately. A love of community. An understanding of the human psyche and what makes a person tick. A fearlessness that allows you to explore the darker sides of the human animal.‬

‪6. What kind of training did you go through to get to your position?

‪I have a Diploma in public relations,four years of experience on stage and in front of cameras.I also attended some writers workshops, everything is a possible addition to an actors tool kit. Learning to really listen, look and learn. I had exceptional teachers who instilled the need and desire to make clear, active choices. To find the unity of opposition in a character and to never take anything for granted when you are working. Dig deeper. Ask more questions.‬

7. What was your first job in theater?

So long ago I have no idea. I am sure it was a play at a community theater somewhere in ABA  the eastern part of Nigeria at age four
with types and shadows theatre group.

8. Why do you think theater is important?

Theater asks the audience to be involved. Television and film allow the audience to sit and watch. With live theater, the audience is the final piece in the performance. The actors on stage hear, feel and understand the audience and it effects the production. This isn’t just in a comedy, the laughter, but in all forms of the art. The audience is important for the theater and the theater is important for our culture.

9. What is your profession’s greatest challenge today?

Audiences do not seem to want to see a play if it doesn’t have known movie stars in it or it is a huge spectacle. We need to challenge or writers, actors, directors, producers, designers to return to simple, clear, engaging story telling once again.

10. If you could change just one thing about the industry with the wave of a magic wand, what would it be?

I would make the arts more accepted, more legitimate and more accessible to the general public. I would restore the place of live theater in the day to day lives of Nigeria since we do not have more theaters in Nigeria.

11. What advice would you give to someone who wanted to do what you do?

Learn, get a mentor, study the craft, Read. Not just books about acting or theater but literature and science, for more info on that we plan training developing the younger one`s, will not talk more about it but u can contact me via mobile or my social networks
F: www.facebook.com/sapphireogodo
T: @sapphireogodo
IG: sapphireogodo