Damilola Omotoso is not just an actress but a story writer cum movie producer, in this interview, this Ekiti born thespian and graduate of Chemistry from University of Ilorin, Kwara State, revealed her pains and gains in the movie industry, and also shared many more relating to her career.
Can you tell us about yourself
My name is Damilola Omotoso
I’m an actress, story writer and a movie producer born in a family of six and brought up in Ekiti State.
I’m also a graduate of University of Ilorin, kwara-State . I joined the movie industry in the year 2015 and I have been privileged to produce movies like Oju-Ide, Koranjogbon, Radehun Alapoka, Married stranger, Hidden venom and a lot more ,I have also featured many movies produced by some of my colleagues.
What influenced your decision to become an actress?
Nothing specifically, other than the fact that I have always wanted to be an actress since I was a child .
How did you feel the first time you performed on a movie set?
I was extremely happy, it was an opportunity for me to showcase my talent but I was also nervous because I had to work with some of our industry veterans.
What movie brought you into the limelight?
I don’t believe that just one movie brought me to limelight but if based on the numbers I would say Koranjogbon
What challenges did you face on your journey to stardom?
The most common challenge I faced in the industry as a newbie was losing a lot of job opportunities because I turned down several sexual advances from those who were in charge of the movie productions.
How were you able to cope and overcome them?
I had to find money and start producing my own movies and from there I got more than enough chances to showcase my skills
So, other producers and directors started noticing me and calling me for jobs .
Is life any different since stardom?
Not really because I rarely go out unless, it’s important or for work, even before I started acting so, nothing has changed much for me.
What’s your advice to up-and-coming actors and actresses?
Firstly, I’m still up and coming as well but I would say we shouldn’t be so desperate and lose our morals just to become a star.
Take your time and also make sure you’re doing something different because there a lot of people doing the same thing in the industry and the only way to stand out is to be different.
What are some challenges you have encountered as an actress?
As an actress,to totally embody your given character sometimes might require you to go totally out of your normal self and become someone else entirely.Navigating through those personalities and getting raw emotions are not as easy as people always think,it’s really challenging.
Who is your role model in the movie industry?
I don’t have a role model,I’m always open to learning from anyone I feel is worthy of emulation
Does your acting have iota of traditional uniqueness?
Yes of course
Where does Damilola Omotoso see herself in five years to come?
In five years time, I want to be able to proudly say I have positively impacted the Movie Industry with my talents.