Archibong: From oil rig to screen

Weekend Magazine: Why did you decide to go into acting? Igoni Archibong: Working on oil rigs, for the past six years, had given me half that time to myself, and I decided to venture into acting.   I do not believe that Jack of all trades is master of none. In my own world, Jack of […]

Weekend Magazine: Why did you decide to go into acting?
Igoni Archibong: Working on oil rigs, for the past six years, had given me half that time to myself, and I decided to venture into acting.   I do not believe that Jack of all trades is master of none. In my own world, Jack of all trades should be master of all!
How did you get into acting came from?
For the past couple of years, yes; but it proved to be a lot more difficult breaking into the movie industry, than I thought it would be, until I met Egor Efiok. I told her about my dreams and she took me under her management, E4 PR. But because not everyone will be as lucky as I was to meet this entertainment industry and PR guru, this is one area where we must all put in our best to encourage new talents coming into the business, unless we’re happy to see the same old faces in every production.
How did you switch from Human Anatomy to working on the rig, except you work as an anatomist there?
(Laughter) I lectured Anatomy and Physiology at a tertiary institution, during my national youth service, after which I did some business, before joining the drilling department of an oil rig. There’s no link whatsoever between my education and work, but the essence of life is being able to adapt well  and quickly to any and every environment or condition. Therefore, in the oil industry, I’ve had to learn the ropes from the very start, and work my way up; a feat that I’m now repeating in the movie industry.
 When you are not acting or on the rig, what are you doing?
I’m at home spending quality time with my lovely family. While doing this, I squeeze out time to write poetry, short stories, various articles or my now over 1,500 original quotes some of which can be seen on my twitter page. I watch lots of movies and listen to tons of music too.
How do you cope with acting, working on the rig and being a family man?
 It’s not the easiest of things to do, but in a world of multi-tasking, it’s just another task. Sometimes it’s smiles, fun and laughter; other times it’s sweat, tears, and pain. But in all, it’s a good life. I thank my family for giving me all the love and support I require to lead my many lives.
 Was ‘Turning Point’ your first shot at professional acting and at Nollywood?
 Yes, ‘Turning Point’ is my first; although, I had a few other offers before it.
 How did it feel landing lead role as a first timer?
It was too good to be true. I hardly even believed it until that first winter day on location, in Newark, Delaware. Nevertheless, I wasn’t lost to the fact that it was a very huge responsibility albeit fraught with many challenges; and so I arrived on set, fully prepared.
Could you tell us more about that first winter Delaware day? 
Oh it was cold, a lot colder than London, where I’d been and just flown in from, via New York. My very first challenge was taking my jacket and gloves off to shoot the first scene in which I had a shirt on. If I shivered I’d spoil the shot as it wasn’t winter or even a cold day, in the story.  It was, therefore, a case of mind over body as I was determined to nail all my scenes on the very first takes. A cold weather was definitely not going to stop me.
Even before setting off to the first location, the multi-cultural technical crew and I had quickly struck a friendship, and this helped our work, and working relationship. In between scenes, we’d have coffee and snacks amidst jokes and laughter. At this stage I was the only actor on set, and in a few hours the big Hollywood actors, would start arriving, followed by their Nollywood counterparts. With the first day of shooting going by smoothly, all other days were a walk in the park.
 It is a very competitive market out there. Why do you think you were chosen?
 Ade, my character in the movie, is a young, dark, good looking, cool but equally tough, working-class, ladies’ man, who went from having it all, to having nothing.   The actor, therefore, had to be one who had a wide range in acting, as well as have the physical looks to go with it; while not boring the viewers, since he has to be in nearly all the scenes.  In addition to this, the actor playing Ade had to do by himself, all the stunts the story required, as no provisions were made for a double. For me, most movie stunts are child’s play compared to my everyday job on the rig. Taking all of the above into consideration, I dare say Ade, very easily suited my profile.
 How was it stepping into character as an actor?
 It wasn’t easy acting sad scenes on a movie set that was so much fun. In some scenes, I was so mean I had to keep reminding my co-actors that the disdain with which I looked upon them, did not in anyway reflect how I felt about them in reality. On the other hand it was easy, because as a method actor, I immersed myself into character even before the cameras roll, and the overall effect is awe-inspiring!
 You said you had had other offers before ‘Turning Point’; why did you turn them down?
I didn’t exactly turn all of them down. As we speak, most of the movies haven’t been shot for one reason or the other. There were two projects, however, that I didn’t take because of the paltry sums they offered. 
What was it about ‘Turning Point’ that kicked your interest?
The story line was very captivating. The highs and lows that my character experienced in the story meant that I had the perfect opportunity to show the international movie community exactly what I had to offer.
 What do you mean by ‘…the actor … who had a wide range in acting’? 
 Some actors are usually very good at playing certain roles. Depending on the scene, the character Ade was tough, calm, remorseful, desperate, angry, romantic, sexy, violent, happy, drunk, reserved, submissive, rebellious, arrogant, flirty, snobbish, pensive, or destitute. This was quite a wide personality range to play, and not every actor can pull this off, be believable and yet interesting to watch, scene after scene. 
The casting department must have done their homework before deciding that though a rookie, I was perfect for the role.  A decision I promised myself I would justify, by putting in 200 per cent of my best effort. Besides, I cannot let myself, wife, Egor Efiok, family, friends, fans, rig colleagues and other new entrants into the movie industry down with a less than excellent first-time performance.
What was your view on Nollywood before you became a part of it?
I’d always known that Nollywood is a grossly underrated and misunderstood industry; nevertheless, it is one built on hard work, foresight and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
Has it changed?
Somewhat, yes! I’ve come to realize that a lot more, money, time, physical and mental energy, as well as acting and technical skills, go into making each scene of a movie, than most people realise.
Can you share some of the experiences you had during those early days when you were role hunting?
My worst experience was a few years ago while chatting on Facebook with a movie-maker who is my “F.B. friend”. When I mentioned that I was interested in acting, he asked if I had acting experience, I said ‘no’, and he didn’t chat again then or ever after. Other times, I’ve read and memorised scripts while preparing for a role only to have the production put off for one reason or the other.
Looking back at those times and where you are, what’s your feeling now?
I’m not where I want to be in the business yet; but I’m glad I’ve finally cut my professional teeth, and on the international scene too, at the same time.
‘Turning Point’ featured Hollywood stars like many Nollywood movies now do. Do you think there could be a down side to this collaboration against Nollywood?
No, I can’t think of any downside to Hollywood/Nollywood (or even any ‘wood, at that) collaborations.
 Who has had the most influence on you?
They’re actually too numerous to mention here, but my long list includes Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert de Niro, Denzel Washington and Jeffrey Wright.
 Who do you look forward to working with?
Denzel Washington, Al Pacino, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Halle Berry, Omotola Ekeinde, Genevive Nnaji  and Chioma Akpotha. 
 Are there any roles you look forward to playing?
Not really. I look forward to any challenging roles.
 Is there any reason you would turn down a role?
 If it wasn’t right, or the money wasn’t right!
Are you in acting for the money?
(Laughter) Oh no! I’m not, but except I’m working Pro Bono or for charity. I expect to be fairly paid for my time, energy, skills and intellect. With a young family to support, I can’t afford to waste potential income-yielding resources on unworthy causes.
 Of all the things you do, which gives you the most tonic?
 Most undoubtedly, listening to music and writing.
 What other turns after ‘Turning Point’?
God willing, I’ll do more (good quality) movies, reality shows, modeling, charity work and coaching.  I’ll publish a book, two or more, and in the near future, movie-making.