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By Rita Okoye
Ezeh Regina Chinwe better known as Gina King is one actress who has paid her dues in Nollywood.
In this interview, the Nsukka, Enugu State-born thespian shares her sojourn in the movie world, challenges and love life.
Can you share how you got into the Nigerian movie industry?
I graduated from Abia State Polytechnic and immediately after school, I went into the labour market to make some cool cash for myself and my family. I’ve always loved acting but my father was against it. To respect and not hurt his feelings, I never joined Nollywood. After so many years he passed on and I decided it was time because I already had a business of my own and I was financially okay. So, I made up my mind to do what makes me happy. At first, it wasn’t all that easy but grace found me and I’m enjoying the career I chose.
How was your first time on set?
It was a very funny experience because I would start my lines before the director could even say ‘Action!’ and people were laughing at me and my director would be like, Gina you will only start once you hear ‘Action’. That thing do me strong thing oh. I did like two or three jobs before I got used to that.
Some senior colleagues didn’t even make it easier for me because no one knew what some people’s problems were. But thank God, it is all in the past now.
What were your other major challenges at the early stage?
Well, none other than facing some rude senior colleagues. Because some of them can dictate if you will work or not. So, sometimes it’s frustrating trying not to step on their toes or do something that would make them say. I won’t work with this person.
And you would want to call names?
Never! Growth has made me realize that these people also went through the same shit. It only takes wisdom to know it’s not necessary to let another feel what you feel.
Did you ever encounter the sex-for-roles demands from producers?
Honestly, that was never my challenge. A lot told me they experienced it but no one has ever taken a script away from me because of sex. I came into the industry prepared. I lacked nothing when I came because I had my business which was doing well. Some of the jobs I did then, I was begged to do because I still had my business to take care of.
However, it’s okay for a man to ask you out as a fine girl, so I wouldn’t say no one asked me out but it is not like if I don’t agree they won’t give me a movie job. As a matter of fact, they always wanted to give me the job so they could use my car in the movie. Frankly, sex was never part of my challenges when I started, at all.
So, are you saying you came into the industry already made, and not desperate?
Not like I was made but I was not hungry and I had my business going on then which practically took my attention away most times from the movie production process and the frustration that comes with it. Most jobs that I was getting then were actually because of my car. They always needed the car as props.
Can you mention some top celebrities you would love to be on the same set with?
Omg! I would love to work with Genevieve Nnaji. Like, I wish to be on set with that legend. I grew up watching her and she inspired me a lot.
How about the male actors? Which of them do you admire?
None but I would also love to work with Uncle RMD and Ramsey Nouah.
Do you see yourself marrying from the industry?
There are some things I can’t determine. Anything about marriage is unknown to humans. I’ve seen people who said they wouldn’t marry from this tribe but ended up with someone from that same tribe they detest. So, I don’t know.
Can you describe your kind of man?
Hardworking, God-fearing and tolerant. He has to be an Igbo man.
Can you become a second wife?
I don’t want to. Life is a choice and I would not want to have anything to do with polygamy.
Before shooting a movie role, how do you prepare yourself to take on the character, especially those tedious types?
I watch movies a lot and they help me with body movements, facial expressions and delivery.
Once I get a script, I don’t just read it. I study it so well. I like acting my character on my own before the day of the shooting.
Are there times you just regret being an actress?
No regret. God has always known about the journey so he stuck with me.
