By Rita Okoye
Anny Michelle, professionally known as Empress, is a multifaceted Nigerian actress, producer, scriptwriter, model, video vixen, and entrepreneur. A graduate of Languages and Linguistics, she hails from Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and currently resides in Asaba, Delta State. She made her acting debut in 2014 with the movie 11:59 (The Diary of a College Kid) and has since continued to build an impressive career in Nollywood.
In this exclusive interview with Saturday Sun, Michelle opens up about her journey in the film industry, the challenges she has encountered, her relationship status, and more.
Enjoy!
How did your journey to the movie industry start?
My journey to the movie industry started with a lifelong love for storytelling and a passion for bringing characters to life. I took my first steps when I left Ebonyi State for Delta State Asaba, to attend movie auditions, paid to sleep in hotels while I worked in the movie line. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and the impact of film on audiences, and soon found myself in many movies, playing protagonists and antagonists, never given a minor role, no role is minor please, but like they say when they see me, I’m lead character material. Now, I’m excited to continue crafting compelling stories that captivate audiences. I’ve developed more skills and gained valuable experiences. I’m excited to continue growing and contributing to the industry.
You have played lots of characters, what’s the most challenging one so far?
That’s like asking me to choose my favourite script, but if I had to pick one, I’d say it was a role that required me to tap into my inner paradox – a character with multiple layers, contradictions, and a dash of darkness.
Playing Ugochi in Arrows of Love was like navigating a maze of emotions, motivations, and back stories. What made it challenging? The Depth and nuance, bringing complexity to a character without losing authenticity, emotional intensity, tapping into vulnerable emotions while maintaining a strong performance, physical transformation, embracing a new look, voice, or mannerism to fully embody the character. Stretching my creative muscles and pushing past comfort zones, I like to watch the audience connect, I like to witness viewers resonate with the character’s struggles.
Are there certain roles you still look forward to playing?
As an actor, I’m always excited to explore new roles and challenges. While I don’t have specific roles in mind, I’m drawn to characters with multifaceted personalities with rich back stories; Characters that evoke emotions, spark empathy, and resonate with audiences; Roles that allow me to grow as an actor and push creative boundaries. I’m open to playing diverse roles that spark my creativity and passion. The right project would depend on the script, director, and overall.
What are some of the challenges you faced as an early bird?
As an early bird in the entertainment industry, I’ve faced challenges that would make even the most seasoned actors quiver – criticism, navigating constructive feedback while staying true to my artistic vision, self-doubt, overcoming imposter syndrome and trusting my craft, balancing passion and practicality, pursuing my dreams while managing the business side of the industry, and so on.
Can you share an instance?
I could remember when I was auditioned for a role, I was ‘perfect’ even the director himself, casted me for the role, the audience stood in awe, I was casted but the next day when I came for the shoot after preparing for it, I saw some older lady playing the role and I would say ‘wasn’t acting well’. I went home broken, cried and continued the journey. Rejection is part of the industry, it’s essential to develop coping mechanisms. Sometimes, casting decisions are beyond our control. Every experience, regardless of outcome, contributes to our growth as actors. Instead of getting discouraged, I refocused on honing my skills. That experience taught me to stay focused, persistent, resilient and open to more opportunities. I’ve applied these lessons to subsequent projects, and they’ve helped me grow both personally and professionally.
What would make you reject a movie script, even if the pay is enticing?
Ultimately, I’d carefully evaluate the script, consider feedback from trusted peers, and weigh the potential impact on my career and personal values.
What would you say is the most exciting part of being an actress?
As an actress, l would say the most exciting part is the dynamic blend of creativity, collaboration, and self-expression; Exploring different personalities, emotions, and experiences; Being able to collaborate with writers, directors, and actors to convey meaningful narratives; And working with talented individuals to bring unique visions to life, taking on complex roles that push my acting boundaries other than gaining insights into human nature, empathy, and self-awareness.
You recently featured in the movie My Boobs. Would you say your body shape and curves have been an advantage in advancing your acting career?
I focus on showcasing my acting abilities and bringing characters to life. While physical appearance can be an aspect of the industry, I believe my talent, dedication, and passion for storytelling have been the driving forces behind my career advancement.
How do you strike a balance between acting and producing, and which is more challenging?
As an actor and producer, I believe both roles require a unique set of skills and perspectives. To strike a balance, I prioritise effective time management, clear communication with my team, and a deep understanding of the project’s vision. From my experience, producing is more challenging. Overseeing logistics, managing budgets, and ensuring the project’s overall success is extremely challenging. Acting brings characters to life, conveying emotions, and connecting with audiences. While both roles have their challenges, I find that acting and producing complement each other beautifully. By understanding the intricacies of both, l’m able to bring a more comprehensive approach to my projects.
Reflecting on the early days of your career, are there certain things you wish you had known?
Looking back, I’ve gained valuable insights that have shaped my career. While it’s natural to reflect on what could have been done differently, l’ve come to realize that every experience, successes and setbacks alike, has contributed to my growth, developing a strong work ethic and perseverance has been crucial. Building meaningful relationships within the industry has opened doors, staying adaptable and committed to honing my craft has been essential too, just like I’ve learned to approach challenges with a growth mindset, embracing opportunities for growth and development. This perspective has allowed me to navigate the industry with confidence and resilience.
You’re young, talented, and ambitious, but in an industry where sex appeal often overshadows skill, have you been asked for sex for a movie role?
I appreciate the compliment about my ambition and talent. I’ve always focused on developing my skills as an actor, and I believe my work speaks for itself. I wouldn’t engage with any proposition that isn’t based on my professional merits, I’ve always secured roles based on my talent and dedication. That’s the only way l’m interested in working.
You must have worked with a lot of male actors, do you have a celebrity crush?
I’ve been fortunate to work with many talented individuals in this industry, both male and female. What has always been most compelling to me is a great character and a well-written script, and that’s what I look for in every project, my only celebrity crush is on a great screenplay. After that, what matters most to me is working with people who are professional and dedicated to their craft.
Do you see yourself marrying an entertainer?
I’ve found that my personal life and professional life are very different, and for a successful partnership, I need someone whose lifestyle is more aligned with my desire for privacy. That’s a preference I have, and it helps me maintain a healthy balance. While it works, I’ve always believed that who you marry is about the person, not their job. My priority is my career and finding a partner who understands and respects that.
What qualities do you find most appealing in a man?
When it comes to what I find appealing in a man, I appreciate qualities, a strong sense of values and principles, the ability to engage in thoughtful conversations and share ideas, empathy, compassion, and genuine care for others, a drive to pursue goals and passions.
Love, money and sex, which is the most important to you?
Ultimately, a balance of these aspects, with a focus on respect, trust, and personal growth, is essential for a fulfilling life.
Are you currently in any relationship?
I’d rather keep my personal life separate from my professional life. I’m happy to talk about my work and what I’m focused on.
What’s the most embarrassing comment or DM you have ever gotten on social media?
I’ve encountered a range of comments on social media, and while some may be uncomfortable or unprofessional, I choose to focus on engaging with respectful and constructive feedback. I try not to focus on negative or embarrassing comments. I believe social media is a powerful tool to connect with fans and share my work, and that’s where I put my energy.
In five years, where do you see the Anny Michelle brand?
In five years, I see the Anny Michelle brand as a key player in the independent film space, synonymous with high-quality, thought-provoking storytelling. My vision is for our films to not only be critically acclaimed but also to build a loyal audience that trusts us to deliver powerful, original content. We’ll be known for championing new voices and bringing unique perspectives to the screen.
Do you have any new projects you are excited about?
Yes, I do! I’m incredibly excited about a film I’m currently working on called The Awakening. It’s a historical drama and I’m playing a character that is completely different from anything I’ve done before. The script is fantastic, and the creative team behind it is brilliant. I can’t wait for the audience to see it because it’s a story that truly pushes boundaries.
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