Happy Julian Uchendu is a Nigerian actress and film producer with over a decade of experience in the industry. She started as an actress before transitioning into full-time film production. Over the years, she has produced several successful films many of which touch on critical social issues like abuse, rape and domestic violence. Uchendu’s films have grown in popularity, especially with the rise of streaming platforms like YouTube and IrokoTV, which have given Nollywood a global audience. In this interview, Mrs Uchendu narrates her journey so far.
You started your career as an actress before transitioning into film production. What inspired that shift, and how has the journey been so far?
Growing up, I always had a deep love for movies. I was the drama prefect in secondary school, participated in drama activities at church, and even got involved in concert art in my village. During my final year at the University of Jos in 2010, I had a lucky break—thanks to a recommendation from Ijeoma Ellams. I landed my first movie role without auditioning, acting alongside Mike Ezuronye, Nuella Njubigbo and Pete Edochie. The film was shot in Delta State, and that experience solidified my passion for acting.
After the shoot, I returned to Jos and heard about an audition for a TV series. I went for it and landed a sweet role, which motivated me to register as a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) to stay updated on audition opportunities. I did several auditions before moving to Abuja for my NYSC in 2011, but the journey became more challenging. Despite attending countless auditions, I rarely got call-backs. Most of the good acting opportunities I had in Abuja came through recommendations.
At that time, my role models were Emem Isong, Uche Jombo and Funke Akindele. I looked up to them, dreaming of becoming a producer someday. That dream became a reality – though unexpectedly – in 2012. A man named Prince Ede approached me with a movie project and a budget of N2.8 million. He had N1.4m and needed the rest to complete the project. I agreed to lend him N1.2m, with the promise of repayment within a year, and gave him an initial N200,000 while I was in Lagos. I used the remaining N1m to secure the involvement of artists like Ebube Nwagbo and Atus Frank, alongside other necessities for the film.
On the first day of the shoot, I found out that Prince had no money at all. He had used the N200,000 I gave him to arrange equipment, costumes and accommodations but by the second day, production stalled. He told me the N1.4m he was expecting didn’t come through. To make matters worse, I had to step in and take over the entire production. By the time the project was completed, it had cost me N4.4m.
And that was how I became a producer, unplanned and unannounced. I learned the ropes of production the hard way, but it was an invaluable experience that shaped my journey in the industry.
Some of your films often tackle serious social issues like abuse and domestic violence. What motivates you to create such impactful content?
To be honest, I never set out to focus specifically on social issues in my films. The scripts just seem to find me, and I follow where they lead. However, I’m particularly drawn to true life stories – about 90 percent of my films are based on real life events. We adapt these stories in a way that aligns with PG-13 to 16 ratings, ensuring they’re appropriate for a wider audience. I love this approach because it allows me to pass on meaningful messages that people can learn and relearn from, and that makes me happy.
With over a decade of experience, what do you consider your proudest accomplishment in Nollywood?
My proudest accomplishment is yet to come, so I’ll keep that under wraps for now. However, in the meantime, becoming a successful film producer with over 200 movies to my name and counting has been a major achievement. Acquiring my own production equipment was another milestone, as was training others in the industry and becoming an employer of labour.
What challenges did you face when you first started producing, and how did you overcome them?
As a novice, I faced numerous challenges during the production of my first movie. I had no knowledge of budgeting, no understanding of marketing, and no idea whom to approach for guidance. To make matters worse, I discovered that the script the project manager brought to the set had already been used in another production where he served in the same role. I had zero knowledge about the business side of filmmaking, which led to me overshooting my budget and never recovering my full investment. However, I refused to give up or lose hope. I began researching online marketing strategies and explored various platforms where I could sell my movie. Through persistence and learning, I gradually overcame those initial setbacks.
As someone who has worked with various actors, what qualities do you look for when casting talents in your productions?
When I begin reading a script, my casting process starts immediately. I visualize specific actors in the roles based on their previous performances and how they’ve interpreted similar characters. I also take into account key factors like body structure, height, and age, ensuring the actors align with the character’s physical and emotional requirements. All of these elements are carefully considered to bring the characters to life through the perfect casting.
Could you share more about the challenges of marketing films in Nigeria, especially before streaming platforms became prominent?
Before the era of streaming, the primary challenge was the reliance on VCDs, and marketers had a tight-knit union that controlled distribution. It was difficult for individual filmmakers to get their movies into the market, but the system was more organised and managed than what we see today, where nearly anyone can become a producer. However, if I had to choose between then and now, I would still choose the present. Today, there are so many more avenues to market your film, as long as you’ve made a quality movie.
What advice would you give to young aspiring producers and filmmakers looking to break into the industry today?
My advice to aspiring producers is to thoroughly understand the role of a producer, including the essential dos and don’ts, as well as the standards expected in the industry. It’s important to work within a reasonable budget that allows you to recover your costs while also making a profit. Knowing your market strategies will be beneficial when budgeting for your projects.
Avoid the temptation of rushing into production just to be called a producer or because others are doing it. Instead, consider filmmaking as a business rather than just a passion. Be cautious about borrowing money on a short timeline for movie projects, as the film industry can be unpredictable, and delays are often inevitable. Finally, ensure you engage in thorough production planning that covers all phases; pre-production, production, post-production, marketing and sales. This level of planning will help you navigate the complexities of filmmaking more effectively.
With all the success you’ve achieved, what’s next for you in your career, and how do you plan to continue making a difference in Nollywood?
First, I want to express my gratitude for how far I’ve come and for what lies ahead in my career. I believe my journey is just beginning, as I still have much to achieve. You may not fully grasp what I mean by that right now, and I won’t go into detail, but in time, as things unfold, you’ll understand. For me, making a difference in Nollywood isn’t about competing with anyone. I’m focused on my own path, taking it slow and steady to win the race.
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