An actor, Bigvai Jokotoye, says his accent hinders him from getting certain roles in Hollywood movies.
Jokotoye, who is based in the United States of America, told Saturday Beats, “America is a big country, and Nigerian filmmakers are spread out across it, which makes it difficult for us to gather as one. That has really affected me, because I live in California which is far from other states where other Nigerian filmmakers live.
“Only a few of them can afford to pay for my flight ticket, provide accommodation and still pay for the job. That is why I have feature in only few movies. Some of them include ‘The Fight’, ‘Second Chance’, ‘Gunmi’, ‘Shadow’, and ‘Ailera’.”
Speaking on his experience featuring in foreign movies, Jokotoye said, “I have considered featuring in foreign movies. Fortunately, I live not too far from Hollywood. However, it has not been easy getting a role because of my accent. I have attended many auditions online and in person, but at the end of the day, the casting directors only appreciate my acting but don’t pick me, because of my accent.
“It is difficult for me to start learning the American accent at this stage (of my life), but I will keep pushing, because there are roles out there for Africans. I am hoping to get one. I have featured as a ‘background actor’ in some Hollywood movies though, including ‘The Girl on the Mountain’.”
