I choose talent over new faces when casting – Shirley Frimpong-Manso

Acclaimed Ghanaian filmmaker, Shirley Frimpong-Manso has addressed the notion that established actors are holding back emerging talent in the industry. This perception, she says is far from the truth.

Shirley, who was speaking in a recent interview with Hitz FM, explained that the real challenge lies in the lack of preparation among aspiring actors. 

She also emphasizes that securing a role in her productions demands more than just natural talent. Discipline, focus, and preparation are crucial, especially for newcomers trying to break into the industry. 

 “I’m not going to cast just because I’m looking for new faces. And then those of the new faces who want this as much as they say they do, they need to be able to track what is happening,” she said.

Shirley Frimpong-Manso highlighted her track record of supporting rising stars, citing examples like Melvin, who landed a major role in "Love and Country" after impressing her in a smaller part.

 She also recalled rewriting scenes to feature Sena, a talented actress she discovered on stage. Despite her willingness to work with new talent, Frimpong-Manso cautioned that many aspiring actors fail to take auditions seriously, which can hinder their chances of success.

 “If I do an audition, you need to come and you need to come prepared. Don’t come in, I give you an opportunity… you say your first few lines, you’ve forgotten your lines. Are you serious?”

She attributes the continued casting of established names to their consistent delivery of strong performances.

 However, she emphasizes that the industry still has room for new talent, provided they're willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to succeed.

 “We are going to continue to employ the Jackies, the Lydias, the Joselyns because they are actors too… but there’s room enough for new people to come in,” she said.

For the first time, Shirley Frimpong Manso made the stage as a director of the play, Honeymoon Hotel, showing at the National Theatre from June 20-22. (Read Shirley on stage with ‘Honeymoon Hotel’)

The production, courtesy Africa Arts Network is an original script by playwright Stephen Yaw Oppong. 

The three- day play to end on Sunday, June 22, features A-list actors Joselyn Dumas, James Gardiner, Ama K. Abebrese, Andrew Tandoh-Adote, David Dontoh, and Jasmine Baroudi.