Rank’s Screen Exclusive Interview with fast-rising actor Adewale Temitayo, affectionately known as Smith. He graciously engaged with our correspondent, sharing his remarkable journey, tales of triumph, and the obstacles he has overcome. He is set to Co-Produce is first movie as he shared his thoughts below;
Can you share with us your journey as an actor and how you got started in the industry?
It was in 2017 of July when a friend of mine named Itopa whom we lived in the same compound but now lived in the US called me on the phone on a faithful morning to come to his apartment. I quickly put on my clothes and dashed to his apartment, I met him and his friend Zin who was the director and producer. He introduced me formally to the director/producer and said “This is the guy Smith” because Smith is the pseudonym that I answer to.
The director/producer gave me a brief about the project and he said I was going to take the lead role, I was dumbfounded and said the title of the short movie is “Fragile”. Long story short, we swung into action and I was still in a dumbfounded mood while the set was being arranged.
We shot the short movie, it was a wrap. When the project came out, I watched myself acting and I was grinning while I watched. It was on that day the baton of acting was handed over to me and I’ve guarded the baton with jealousy.
What has been the most challenging role you have played so far, and how did you prepare for it?
Yes, I’ve acted in a challenging role and that was in a project titled “Oath of Service” I acted as a doctor in this project, and it was quite tasking indeed I must confess because I had to learn the usage of different medical verbiage and English construction. Above all, I enjoyed the challenge and the project because I could test myself in a challenging role. Thanks to my director and the producer.
As a fast-rising actor, what do you think sets you apart from others in the industry?
If I may be bold enough to say, every actor is distinctive in one way or another but what I believe sets me apart is my subtle manner of interpreting the role given to me and subjected to learning.
How do you choose the projects you want to be a part of? What criteria do you consider?
The most important thing that attracts me to projects is how educative and informative it is.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects you are currently working on or planning to work on?
Yes, I’m currently co-producing a project titled Err(Asise), this project is informative, and the viewers will enjoy it. And please endeavour to watch it when it comes out.
What do you enjoy most about acting, and what keeps you motivated in this competitive industry?
Acting is an exclusive profession, it is also an avenue to exhibit my inherent potential and also an avenue for me to give a bit of myself to people and hopefully make them smile, learn, and expose them to new realities about life through acting. Regarding competitiveness in the industry, I don’t believe in competition because it doesn’t exist to me l. I only compliment people and competition is one of the mental sins I distance myself from. If I’m going to compete, that will be with MYSELF.
As a rising star, how do you handle the pressure and expectations that come with your success?
Pressure is essential to the nature of life, I’ve learned to recycle it and use it as fuel to propel me to attain the zenith of the best version of myself.
Are there any actors or directors who have influenced or inspired your work? If so, who are they and why?
Yes, Sir. Ramsay Noah, Sir. Antar Laniyan, Sir. Femi Adebayo, Sir. Odunlade Adekola my Ekiti big brother and Sir. Lateef Adedimeji, Wunmi Toriola, Genevive Nnaji, Kehinde Bankole, Sir. Ninalowo are a few I can mention just to save time, their acting skill is second to none, and I respect them so much.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors who are just starting their journey in the industry?
The journey is not a sprint but a marathon, be humble, make yourself teachable, be time-conscious I.E. learn to get to the location on time and be professional.
Lastly, as you venture into producing your movie, what are your goals and aspirations for this new role? My goal and aspiration for this new role is to showcase my acting skills and professionalism.
