‘Talent is no longer enough’ — Tierny Olalere speaks on surviving Nollywood

Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Tierny Olalere, has said talent alone is no longer enough to guarantee a successful and lasting career in the Nigerian film industry.

Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, Olalere reflected on her experiences in Nollywood and said she learnt that getting a breakthrough role or appearing in a successful movie does not necessarily mean an actor has achieved long-term success.

She said a hit project could generate significant attention and recognition, but the visibility could fade quickly if an actor fails to build a sustainable career around it.

“I had to learn the hard way that relying solely on your instincts isn’t enough, and having a moment of fame from a hit movie doesn’t mean you have ‘blown’ or permanently made it,” she said.

According to the actress, actors must remain disciplined, continue developing their craft and work towards new milestones instead of relying on previous achievements.

“A viral project or breakthrough role gives you momentary visibility, not long-term stability. If you don’t build a sustainable structure, stay disciplined and continuously push for the next milestone, that hype fades very quickly,” she added.

Olalere stressed that professionals in the industry need to constantly reinvent themselves and approach their careers strategically.

“You cannot relax on past applause. Survival in this industry requires constantly reinventing yourself and treating your brand like a business,” she said.

She also identified networking and relationships as important factors in advancing a career, noting that talent may help an actor gain recognition but connections within the industry can determine access to opportunities.

“Talent is definitely not enough anymore. Talent is simply your entry ticket; it gets you noticed, but relationships and strategic networking dictate how far you actually go,” she said.

The filmmaker explained that maintaining relationships with directors, producers, casting agents and other industry professionals could give actors access to opportunities even before auditions are publicly announced.

Despite the pressures of building a career in Nollywood, Olalere said she has remained committed to her core values and has never compromised her principles for professional advancement.