Actors Are Not Obligated To Promote Movies” — Yomi Fash-Lanso

Veteran Nigerian actor and television personality, Yomi Fash-Lanso, has opened up on professionalism in Nollywood, the responsibilities of actors, and the growing debate over whether movie stars should be compelled to promote films after production.

According to Ireporter Online, Fash-Lanso, who has featured in over 100 films and is currently recognised for his role in the Showmax series Wura, said a professional actor must possess the ability to transform completely into different characters without carrying the same personality or mannerisms from one role to another.

The actor explained that understanding a character’s background, appearance, emotions, and personality is essential to delivering a convincing performance. He noted that actors who fully immerse themselves in their roles make the work easier for directors and are often regarded as professionals within the industry.

Speaking on his experience with television series, Fash-Lanso admitted that he usually avoids soap operas because of the long commitment they require, but acknowledged that high-quality productions like Wura provide actors with massive exposure beyond Nigeria.

He said appearing in widely viewed productions gives actors greater visibility and helps project their careers internationally, adding that sometimes the value of a project goes beyond immediate financial rewards.

Addressing concerns about actors being cast in indigenous films despite not being fluent in the language, Fash-Lanso said producers can create believable backstories that explain a character’s connection to a particular culture or region rather than completely excluding talented actors because of language limitations.

On the issue of film promotion, the veteran actor argued that actors should not automatically be expected to market movies unless such responsibilities are clearly included in their contracts.

Fash-Lanso stated that filmmaking is primarily the director’s vision, stressing that directors deserve recognition because they shape performances, guide actors, and determine the final outcome of a project.

He explained that while actors may benefit from the publicity generated by a successful film, promoting a movie requires additional effort beyond acting and should be treated as a separate responsibility.

According to him, actors should carefully review their contracts and understand their obligations before accepting roles, noting that promotion duties must be agreed upon from the beginning rather than imposed later.

The actor also advised young Nollywood talents to understand their rights, study scripts before accepting roles, and avoid focusing only on financial gains. He stressed that actors must know the demands of a character, including scenes they may be uncomfortable performing, before signing agreements.

Fash-Lanso further encouraged entertainers to maintain professionalism and protect their reputation, saying that understanding the industry and controlling personal choices are key factors in building a lasting career.

Speaking on revenue sharing in Nollywood, he highlighted the importance of royalties, noting that organisations such as the Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS) are helping actors, directors, and producers benefit from the long-term success of films.

On the latest season of Wura, Fash-Lanso said the production continues to develop its existing storyline while blending Nigerian culture and the lifestyle of Osun State into the adaptation.

He added that returning to the set after a break brought a mix of nostalgia and excitement, recalling the memorable experiences from filming in Ile-Ife before the production transitioned back to Lagos.