AGN President, Emeka Rollas Dissociates Self From Film Project

MICHAEL AKINOLA

The National President of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas has dissociated himself from a poster in circulation both on the internet and other places with his photo with other Nollywood and Hollywood veteran actors in it for a film project.

In a statement released by Rollas, who had sometimes ago warned against payment for movie audition in whatever guise, said this particular poster which stipulated the sum of $5 or N2,000 as fee for the collection of form by interested persons, should be disregarded.

His statement: “My attention has been drawn to a poster with my photo, that of Ifeanyi Azodo and Hollywood veteran actors, Sylvester Stallone and Samuel L. Jackson calling for an audition for a film project which the organizers said will hold in different states across Nigeria.

“The poster also claims that interested persons should pick form for $5 or N2,000.  I write to dissociate myself and my position as national president from the organizers. I have earlier warned AGN members not to attend auditions where they would be required to pay money. So, why would I be involved in this kind of charade?

Explaining further, Rollas said, “Early in the month of May, someone called me on phone and asked for my permission to audition in different states of Nigeria where AGN has presence. I asked him where he was from, he said from the U.S. embassy but I asked him if he works with the embassy, he said no. Few days later, he called to tell me about a certain form to be sent from the U.S. that people must pay to be auditioned. I told him the position of the guild on payment of whatever guise. I have repeatedly asked him to make himself available for a physical meeting but he remained incommunicado. I am very surprised to see this. I state clearly that I have no dealings with the organisers either as an individual or as a guild.”

The Actors Guild leader said his guild has had series of meetings with Screen Actors of America and as proud affiliates of Federation of International Actors, they know how it works.