Real actors don’t quit – Brainard

Weekend Magazine: You are now a married man. How is married life treating you? Femi Brainard: Married life is interesting. There are a lot of dos and don’ts, but even at that I love every bit of it. Marriage is surely treating me well. How did you meet your wife? I met my wife at […]

Weekend Magazine: You are now a married man. How is married life treating you?
Femi Brainard: Married life is interesting. There are a lot of dos and don’ts, but even at that I love every bit of it. Marriage is surely treating me well.
How did you meet your wife?
I met my wife at her office. I went to her office for an interview. The first attraction for me and anybody is the outer physical attribute. She had it and we started off from there and today we are glad we made that connection right from the very first day.
What attracted you to her the most?
But past that, the real attraction was and still is she being a life wire and always willing to help. I can be annoyingly quiet, but she is always there to liven me up.
Did you ever have an inclination that you would be involved in an intercultural relationship?
Right from time, I have never seen other tribes as a barrier. Intertribal thinking is a psychological barrier which should not be allowed in any relationship if we must all progress.
The entertainment industry is one full of scandals for most personalities. You have remained scandal free, how have you been able to wither the storm?
We all have our skeletons. Even if it is just hiding to eat chocolates, it’s still a secret if you don’t want anyone to know. I keep to myself a lot and do not lend an ear to gossip. When you don’t lend an ear to gossip, no one would lend an ear to your gossip or even think of starting one.
You feature more in series than regular movies. Is there any particular reason why you prefer series?
I get a lot of series. Besides, its stay power is eternal. Movies have a short life span while series have a sort of everlasting life span unless if not well managed. 
You also feature in Yoruba movies. Which do you prefer more English or Yoruba movies and why?
Movie is movie. It’s just the language that is different. I do anything that has to do with screens as long as it’s a work involved project. I don’t keep myself idle. So I would say, I don’t prefer any one more than the other as long as the movies are a good cause and project I will be involved with it. 
Tajudeen Adepetu’s popular family drama ‘Everyday People’ is one of your well known works. Can you relate some of the experiences you have had on the set of the series?
Everyday people back then, was the number one soap opera. What I can remember is that two people approached my mum to ask her to thank me because the soap satirized what was happening in their separate families at that time and we also proffered solutions to it. So to that effect I would say, I was glad I was part of that project that related to people in those same circumstances and also proffered solutions to them. It was a great crew and I enjoyed working with them.
Recently, you have been off the movie industry, what have you been up to?
 I haven’t really been off. It’s just that I have a project that I am working on. And please don’t ask what it is because I won’t say, because it’s a ‘we’ project and not a ‘me’ project. But not to worry, you will surely get to know soon.
What has a script got to have for you to be part of the cast?
The script must be exciting and also teach a lot of morals. I just don’t jump into every movie cast just for the fun of it. As an actor, you have to have a contribution towards the society and mine is making sure that whatever I feature in tries to teach a moral or make the society a better place.
Has the idea of quitting ever crossed your mind and why?
Quitting is one thing an actor finds hard to do. Acting is always in us, so it is always very difficult to do. Any actor who quits the screen was never meant to be on the screen.
If Femi hadn’t being an actor, what would he have been doing?
If I hadn’t been an actor, I would have been a farmer.
What actor or actresses do you always look forward to working with on a new project?
Funny enough I’m always looking forward to working with new talents. The already known names are good but it’s thrilling to work with new talents. The bar is raised that way.
While growing up, what incidence has had an impact on you till today?
I lost my brother at the age of ten. It’s been an indelible mark in my mind. It has really shown me that life is too short and so we should make the best of it while we are still here.
What is the most embarrassing thing any fan has done or requested of you?
A female fan opened her blouse and asked me to sign. I was dazed. Really, can fans go that far for entertainment personalities! Wow!
What won’t Femi be caught doing on or off set?
What I won’t be caught doing is doing a jiggy (dancing) naked on 3rd mainland bridge. But really, I am responsible and won’t be caught doing anything irresponsible.
What does it take to be an actor like Femi Brainard?
All it takes to be a good actor like Femi is good delivery, poise, composure and decorum. And you are set to be like Femi Brainard!
 How much would it cost a Producer or Director to have you on their movie set?
I am not expensive. To get me to work with you is negotiable. But there is a limit I will not go below.