Oscar Provencal
Veteran actor Oscar Provencal has criticised the poor remuneration of actors in Ghana’s film industry, arguing that performers are often paid far less than their contributions to productions warrant.
The actor, popularly known as Inspector Bediako, said some producers could secure millions of dollars for film projects and still offer actors relatively low fees.
“I’m telling you this on authority that the film producers we have today, they can attack me for whatever they want to. If they’re given $10 million today to produce a film, they will still pay actors GH¢3,000 for a role,” he said on Joy Prime.
Oscar Provencal acknowledged the difficulty producers face in raising funds for film projects but said financial challenges should not be used to justify unfair remuneration.
He also urged actors to look beyond their immediate earnings and take advantage of the visibility that comes with appearing in successful productions.
“For some actors, if they do get on the screens, it’s not really about how much you earn from the film or the production. It’s how much you maximise the brand that you’ve created and leverage it for other things,” he said.
He encouraged actors to understand their value, take their craft seriously, and develop the business skills needed to turn their visibility into sustainable opportunities.
According to him, actors must not only pursue roles but also learn how to build and monetise their personal brands within and beyond the film industry.