I Was Paid 30K For My First Movie Role – Kate Henshaw

With a glittering career as an award-winning Nigerian actress, Kate Henshaw is an actress that radiates so much charisma. She started her acting career coming off the peak of her modeling career where she faced different brands.

Henshaw joined the Nigerian movie industry in the early 90s when the name “Nollywood” had not yet come into existence and has proven to be one of Nollywood’s most sought-after talents.

In this wide-ranging interview with Judith Audu’s Meet the Actor/Filmmaker, the Nollywood star discusses her passion for acting, and her efforts to make a difference. Eelive.ng brings you excerpts from the Instagram Live interview.

From medical microbiology to acting, how was the transition like?

It was basically curiosity, which didn’t kill this cat. I was curious to know what an audition meant. When the late JT invited me for an audition, I decided to go, because I was doing a lot of things while I was in medical school. I was a model, I worked at the International Trade Fair as one of the girls that would sell drinks.

I also worked at the Lagos Motor Fair, I was doing so many things. That was how I came in contact with the late JT Tomwest. I went for the audition and I was picked to play the lead role in my first movie –When the Sun Sets. To me, it was a new experience but I had good people around me who were very supportive of this new person. I’m sure they didn’t even know that I had no training in the art but they were extremely supportive of me and here we are today.

How was your first role?

It was scary, I didn’t know what was expected of me, what I was supposed to do. All I knew was I needed to get my lines, be prepared, and ready to take direction.

And you won an award for it…

Yes, in 1996. Looking back, I am meant to be in this industry. This platform that I have as an entertainer, it opens you up to so many things. To touching lives, to bringing out good works, to influencing and giving up yourself to people who watch your movies. The entertainment industry was viewed as something for dropouts. I remember when I wanted to do music, my father said over his dead body will I be a musician, because of the level of our work, people now see it as something that they want their children to be a part of.

What made you stay in Nollywood instead of going back to the lab?

The movies were too much, there was no time anymore. It was from one movie to another. For the time that I had a break, I didn’t know how to go back to the lab. The only time I worked in the Quality Assurance lab was at the Nigerian Bottling Company in Ikeja, I didn’t know how to get back. So I went to work with Opa Williams as a Client Service Executive, that for me was another experience.

Do you miss your old profession?

Not really. I wanted to become a doctor so I could save lives but then I found out that I don’t like blood and injection, it became Medical Microbiology which was an alternative medical practice. So I didn’t know how to go back into the profession.

How was getting movie roles in the early days?

There were lots of auditions. I don’t think there were lots of sexual harassment that people complain about now. It was basically on merit. If you attend an audition and perform well, they would call you back. Remember there were no phones at the time. It was basically by post or through a messenger. Coming into the industry was easier, Like Winnies, most of us that started at that time used to go to Winnies at Aguda in Surulere for auditions. People like Jim Iyke, Emeka Ike, Emeka Enyiocha, and Eucharia. We all used to hang around Winnies hoping for the next audition or the other. That took care of a lot of things for us.

How to you get into character when you get your script?

I read it, very fast. Anybody who has worked with me would know I get my lines very easy. Next is to call the director to ask what the character is supposed to be like. If I have any corrections of my own in terms of character, I give my own corrections as well. Because I believe that the director has a way that they want to portray the character, also the scriptwriter. People like Emem Isong, Tchidi Chikere, they are very particular about their lines. I remember when we shot Games Men Play, in Asaba, you couldn’t change Isong‘s line. I open myself up to the director and listen to corrections and learn.

And I have worked with different directors. Working with someone Like Akin Omotosho was a totally different experience for me. He doesn’t like shouting. You’ll have to deliver your lines with a gentle force. As an actor, watch people in your immediate environment and be observant. Their mannerism can help you to play a particular character and make it more robust.

What kind of directors do you like working with and what do you expect?

I like a director that is thorough, and I don’t like a director that shouts. I like a director that listens. As actors we have emotions, even though we are playing a particular character, we also have to take care of our mind while in the workplace. So you have to understand my mood swings, maybe there is something wrong with me and you’re thinking that I’m trying to be difficult. So you can ask what’s going on, that means you care. I expect all of this from my director.

Have you ever been on a set that gave you a negative vibe? How did you handle it?

I wanted to leave the job, but I’m not one who doesn’t finish anything. So what I just did was to move away from the bad energy, centralize on myself, knowing fully well that I am here to do a job, not to make friends but deliver a character. The job is most important.

How did you resurrect the character Do Good from your old movie Candle Light?

I was so happy that I had the chance to bring back that role. The character is from my place. Also, the memory of having to play that character was fun. So it was easy to get back into the role, the situation was different. It was produced by African Magic. The people I had to work with, everything was good.

Who was your favourite character in Do Good?

I loved my girls, Kevwe, Uzo, and Afiok. Especially Kevwe (Monica Friday), I was amazed. It was such a pleasure. Even Lilian Afegbai who played the journalist. They became my little sisters. It was like a huge family.

What have you done differently to stay relevant?

Being professional, dedicated to my craft, being disciplined, and just doing my work and the rest is just God. It’s not a cliche, I am meant to be in this industry. Over the past year or two, I have found out that there is a purpose for me in this entertainment industry and it is being revealed from the feedback I get in my post on Instagram. Some of my works have taken me to different places, like the U.S Institute of Peace. I never thought that I would be in a place like that.

What relevant thing have you learnt all these years?

People are wealth, people have the substance. The world is a tiny place. Going forward I have seen where my interaction with people has become a success years later. Not that I am perfect but in dealing with human beings in our day to day lives, just be human and put yourself in people’s shoes. Don’t feel higher than you are. I remember when I was shooting in Makoko, I was scared because I had never been there but the director told me there was insurance and then I put my all. We need to take care of ourselves in this industry. I have been on set once when my shoulder dislocated due to my days of playing tennis and I went back to work. There should be insurance.

Do you talk to producers when you get tedious roles?

I do and it must be in writing. You need to know ways to protect yourself. You need to have a discussion with the person you’re working with. It’s very important. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. People are afraid of losing a job so they put themselves in harm’s way but at the end of the day, you are doing yourself more harm than good. You need to look after yourself and ask if you are protected.

The Most challenging role you’ve played and why?

It would be Stronger Than Pain, because that was my very first time shooting a movie in the village. The weather was so hot, I was barefoot most of the time. I wouldn’t say it was challenging, I would say I wasn’t used to it because I was doing more of English productions. I had to tie wrapper, I was fighting so I had sand all over and I had to always go back to the hotel to shower.

Another one was Yet Another Day produced by Ese Agese starring Racheal Oniga and Nobert Young. There was a scene where I had to take off my underwear. I felt a bit uncomfortable but the director told me to keep my underwear on and that they’ll put another one underneath for it to make it feel like I pulled it. Then I felt comfortable because people could think otherwise. A lady once slapped actor Mike Ezeruonye because he was wicked to his wife in a film. I remember we had to shoot one movie in Abuja, Segun Arinze was refused entry into a house that we used to change because the owner said he plays a wicked role in movies. For me, people just tell me I cry too much, nothing negative.

Actors find it hard to cry on set, how do you do it?

You have to draw from your experience. I throw in my personal experiences. So I try to put myself in the position of the person playing the role. If it was me, how would I react?

What is your dream role?

It has to be in 4th Republic. Maybe it’s because I haven’t played that role before, being made the Governor. It felt good. Maybe a blind or madwoman but I know that I’ll bring whatever character to life. Action movies as well.

Your first film earned you an award, what did it do for you?

It came to me as a complete shock and surprise that there were people who found me worthy to be nominated and winning the award. It inspired me to want to do more for myself. Challenges make me do more, to be better, to be ahead of my game. Getting an award is good, but if you don’t, it doesn’t mean that you are not good.

What has changed for better and what changes would you like to see in Nollywood?

The quality of production and pay has changed because I could remember that I got N30,000 for my first movie role. I haven’t seen a lot of improvement concerning attitude to work. Some of the people I have worked with have a lackadaisical attitude to work, like lateness. I can’t stand it. A lot of actors are disrespectful even to the directors.

Advice for upcoming actors

You need to work on yourself, read, watch movies, follow producers, and directors. Do a lot of research on people who are working. Look out for audition notices. Always be available for a screen test.

Any plans of going into music?

I did a lot of music back in the days, a collaboration with JJC Skillz, See Us Now and I did a music video for Tade Ogidan it featured RMD, Stella Damsus, Basorge, Teju babyface. I would do music if Cobhams would produce my song.

What inspires you in life?

I want to look back and people would say ‘I learnt something from her’. Inspire people to be the best version of themselves and be happy.

Which of your old movies would you like to re-make?

I would love to remake When the Sun Sets. One which would be critical for this environment and the current situation would be Yet Another Day, it talks about rape and prostitution. Another one would be Closed chapters. These two because the topics are still relevant today.

Would you still go into politics?

I don’t have money to give anybody but if it’s free and fair, why not?