Ghanaian actress and socialite, Moesha Boduong, has said the state of the movie industry as it stands is mostly due to the attitude of pioneer actors.
In the wake of the recent revelation that, producers usually do not pay actors after they complete their job, Moesha says the producers deserve some bashing for their actions but the majority of the blame should also be laid at the foot of the pioneer actors.
Speaking in an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Moesha said:
“I would want to talk based on my experience in the industry, all the things coming out now is as a result of what those who came before us did. They were happy just being on the screens and did not see the need to be paid for their works.
“Today, they have realised the money is not coming so they are calling out producers. Because they did not see the need to take money for work done, producers also saw no need to pay and that has been the trend for so long.
“There were times movie producers were using cars of their cast in their movies so it became a requirement. If you did not have a car, you would not get roles and interestingly, these actors were enjoying the fact that they were being used. I believe they had no idea a day like this was going to come,” she said.
According to the actress, breaking into the industry did not come easy for her at all as she was rejected a lot of times.
“It was difficult because I had nothing so directors and producers were not ready to use me. It got to a time my dad was not comfortable with me going after my dreams because I had nothing to show for it so I went back to school and then social media came.”
“On the part of the men, it is just sorrowful; there are so many people who have stopped acting because of some of these things. When those who started were on top, they thought that was it but today ask me where are they now.
“When was the last time you saw any of them in a movie, except for a few people who are loyal to some production houses and so will still be acting for free. If those actors had respect for the industry and did what they had to do, we will not be here today.
“Let us ask the people talking now where they were when it started, how come they did not speak up and are doing so now. They just cannot stand the heat coming to them now, the market is open. Today, people are getting paid and they are still being seen as actors who act for free so it hurts,” she said.
Talking about what can be done to make things better, Moesha said, “for now, I doubt if anything can be done to make things right. It will take a whole lot to correct some of these things, it is like we have built a certain foundation that will be difficult to break. It has gone on for too long.”
However, Moesha said she was doing her part to bring about some change. “For now, I charge, I believe I have paid my dues not to be doing things for free and that is how I think I can help change the narrative,” she stated.
She was, however, quick to add that the situation did not involve all production houses.
“I have worked with Shirley Frimpong Manso and she pays. Even if you are an extra in her movie, she will pay you,” she concluded.
