“How I handled a producer that tried to exploit me for movie role” – Actress, Doris Ifeka
Nollywood actress, Doris Ifeka, has shared her experience of avoiding exploitation by a director during the early stages of her acting journey.
According to the talented actress, a filmmaker, whose identity she chose not to disclose, showed interest in collaborating but insisted on payment prior to assigning her the role.
Ifeka boldly informed the director that she was financially constrained at the moment and remained steadfast despite his persistent demands. She emphasized that she was fine if he decided not to cast her for the role.
Eventually, due to her unwavering determination, the producer had a change of heart. He called Ifeka and offered her the role without requesting payment.
In an interview, the actress stressed that while there’s nothing wrong with actors and directors having a personal connection, it should always be consensual rather than coerced.
In her words;
“As an actress, it is almost certain that one would experience sexual harassment, because some producers would want to sleep with one before giving one any jobs. So, yes, I have experienced it.
I don’t have a problem with a producer liking an actress. If the feeling is mutual, no problem. What I have an issue with is a producer saying he must sleep with an actress before working with her.
I recall being in such a situation but I won’t mention the name of the person involved. I was still coming up in the industry then. A particular producer wanted us to work together, and he told me to pay him in exchange for a role.
The money the person was demanding for was not much, but I told him I did not have the money at that time. I also told him that if he did not want to work with me until I paid him, I was fine with that. I insisted, and he eventually called me back to play the role, without paying.”
