![NG-[A_BA[COMP_TABL_ALLC]:TABLETS_160x600](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_s0gnuCHm08robx_AkhvzsUIOwyHKCq446EW494nR2KMEoocKCnM4TIo79BHf4vpdc_1X7cIhkMMOcCsStfImqnWdiZfQ5TU98QZTUU_RGbUERoz05t15NhiPsOW-kxL-khUy93T1naXKV9buz2Yp0B3Dm4EvhXGMrflkqVwYWpAHGeMXQ6gA=s0-d)
Multiple award winning Nollywood actor and director, Elvis Chucks needs little introduction. He is indeed a seasoned producer who knows his onion. He recently won City People Entertainment Award for Best Director and Best Movie Category at African Magic Viewers Choice Awards(AMVCA).
He started acting from a tender age of three with productions like Tales by Moonlight and others before he stopped to further his education. In this interview with City People Magazine, he talks about his new movie Ransom and why he is still single.
Tell us about yourself and what you have been up to?
My name is Elvis Chucks. I am a multiple award winning film maker. Recently, I won Best Director City People Awards 2014 and Best Movie, African Magic Viewers Choice Awards. Last year, I premiered Caught in the Act starring Yvonne Okoro, Michael Godson, Bishop Imeh and Beverly Osu. I just finished shooting my new movie Ransom staring Blossom Chukwujekwu, Jackie Appiah, Xolie Shabalala, Elin Garshol and several others.
Ransom is a love story with a unique twist, which also explores and treats the topic of racism….
I decided to take on this big project because I wanted to speak to everybody regardless of color, ethnicity, country, tribe or race.
Ransom is a love story with a unique twist, which also explores and treats the topic of racism….
I decided to take on this big project because I wanted to speak to everybody regardless of color, ethnicity, country, tribe or race.
We have being seeing your face for more than a decade now, Share with us how it all began?
Honestly speaking let me say I have been blessed because l love what l do. I became an actor at age 3 with productions like Tales by moonlight and the others. After 2 years I had to stop because my parents felt l was too young and they wanted me to continue my education.
When I finished school, l was called to join Beyond our Dreams with the likes of Alex Osifo, Lai Ashadele, Late Sam Loko, Zack Orji and the rest of them. I also featured in one of the Super Storyepisodes.
After a while, I went back to school and became what l am today. I studied film and television production and major in Directing. During my days in school, the guy that directs for GodFather, Micheal Dube was my classmate while Clearance Peters was my junior in school.
While studying l modeled and acted in some American movies with the likes of John Harrison, Peter Fonda, Luke Perry, Barbra Streisand and the rest of them.
When I returned, I produced True Citizen starring Uti Nwachukwu, Alex Usifo, Brian Okwara, Kenneth Okolie among others.
My second movie, A Wish featured Award winning actress Funke Akindele, Bishop Imeh Umoh, Patience Ozokwo, Afeez Oyetoro, Hellen Paul and other artistes. The movie got me an AMVCA and 9 other Awards.
Since then we have been waxing stronger and trying to produce strong content interms of motion picture interpretations.
Why acting as a profession?
I grew up seeing myself as an actor. I started at a young age; left then the opportunity presented itself again and again. The moment I discovered l was a strong character I knew I had to try and understand my craft better. The rest they say is History.
What set you apart from other music producers?
Being an extremist. The will to do it and do it well. Paying attention to every little detail.
I try as much as l can to submit myself to interpretation and make a story come to life even beyond the imagination of myself and the viewers.
New talents, how do you discover them?
Some are my friends, while others were introduced to me. I just try to see if they got something raw to be discovered and l give them a trial.
How many are successful in Nollywood now?
I have been blessed by the talents l discovered. One of my discoveries, I.K Ogbonna was nominated for Best actor for Honeymoon Hotel which is the movie l produced last year with Hlomla Dandala, Joke Silver, Dianne Yekini and the rest of them.
I can count over 10 stars that l have been responsible for their Big break in Nollywood.
What are the challenges on the job?
Challenges come with every job. “To whom much is given, much is expected”. To be able to invent something you have to go through challenges. I see challenges as experience gained to accomplish something greater.
Who are the Big stars you have worked with?
I have worked with Nse Ikpe Etim, Joke Silva, Funke Akindele, Tonto Dikeh, Mercy Johnson, Ini Edo, Olu Jacobs, Alex Usifo, Laz Ekwueme… The list is endless. Even international stars like Hlomla Dandala, Xolie Shabalala, Elin Garshol and the rest of them. Most people say this stars give problems on set but they actually don’t. Everyone mentioned have been professional when it comes to the job.
Elvis Chucks as an actor and Elvis Chucks as a director, which do you love the most?
I love my job as a film maker. I would rather be called a film maker because it takes a good actor to understand interpretation in terms of directing. That’s why the likes of Antar Laniyan make a very good Director.
Honestly, I love being both.
Any plans to feature Hollywood stars in your movies?
Fingers crossed… Lips sealed… Lets watch and see.
How do you relax?
It has not being easy because of time and work schedule, but l have managed somehow. When l can, l read books. I go on vacation..
How many movies do you release in a year?
I release Two movies a year. This year I released Caught in the Act and the one l just finished shooting.
Last year, I released Honeymoon Hotel and Playing Safe. In 2012, I released True Citizens and A Wish.
Wedding Bells, how soon?
Like l keep saying everyone has a way of approaching things the way they are comfortable with.
I know a lot of colleagues that got married and within 2 months they were divorced. My mother would say, you need to look, look and look again. Everyone knows her but at the same time am looking and watching as well. Only when you are observant would you understand or findout what is going on. I try to take my time and do the right thing. So I don’t do it twice.
Have you ever been turned down by a woman?
Never! They are plenty disturbing my peace. I am blessed even before I became a star.
Aside movie production, what other projects are you involve in?
Am strictly a film maker. Aside movie production, I have a Tv series that run on NTA Network, Happy Family and Secrets and Scandals on AIT. I also consult for companies like MTN.
Advice for upcoming acts?
Be focus, know what you want. If you got it, go for it. If you don’t have it don’t waste your time.
Whats your take on celebrities going into politics?
Sincerely speaking I don’t think they have done anything wrong. There is a saying that “You never know until you try”. For those who had honest intention to go into politics am sure they would never be discouraged.
Any plans to go into politics in the future?
No. I don’t like politics.
Even if your constituency calls you to come and represent them?
No… my father is a politician and we don’t talk about it. If you take up a mantle to serve the people you should serve them with all your strength and my job alone is like am serving the people and you know how demanding our job can be. I can’t add more to it.
Find Elvis on;
Instagram: @Elvischucks
Twitter: @Elvis_Chucks
Instagram: @Elvischucks
Twitter: @Elvis_Chucks
0 comments:
Post a Comment