Exquisite magazine got the opportunity to interview this phenomenal lady, Derby Frankson who starred in the movie Olive season and is all set for the Olive season 2 premiere.
Here is a sneak peek of her life, so read up.
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BRAND
My name is Derby Frankson, My birth name is Deborah Akpan Frankson and that’s where the brand “Derby Frankson” was coined.
Father from Akwaibom and Mother from Abia State.
I grew up in lagos, Have a diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Uyo and a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Calabar. I play the role of Angelica in the Web series: “The Olive”, Agnes in the Web series “Big Book Of Lies” powered by Accelerate Tv and other Nollywood features such as King Of Boys, La Femme Anjola, Riona, The Playbook amongst many others.
I never thought of becoming an actress, life just played into that path for me.
Outside Acting, I love to have real-life conversations in form of talk shows, I sing really well and I am a great organizer.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY?
I officially got into the Nollywood film industry at the end of the year 2018, after I wrapped up my acting course at Royal Arts Academy, Uduak Isong at the time gave me my first Formal Gig with actual lines and that was it for me, that gave me the kick start of my journey as an actress. And I stay eternally grateful for that.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO IT?
My life was playing into that, and I just went with the flow.
I wanted to study history and international relations in school, come out and do other professional courses and looked forward to being an ambassador because my mom encouraged me to do so, she wasn’t very comfortable with acting at the time, And I understood.
But somehow I wasn’t granted admission to the courses I applied for, but I got admission to study theatre arts from the University Of Calabar.
Even after I graduated, I still thought to go to an acting school, just to get more detailed knowledge. Royal arts academy was what first came to mind.
And that’s how I focused my energy on acting, to make the best out of what was.
TIPS ON HOW YOU STARTED AND WHAT KEPT YOU MOTIVATED?
As I mentioned earlier, after concluding training at the Royal Arts Film Academy, I also looked out for more film workshops, masterclasses etc
So I came across Accelerate Filmmaker Project in 2019.
That is one of the best life decisions I made.
I hopped on in with everything in me, and that also made it easy to be a part of the Accelerate Tv family. Even if the project was mainly for aspiring directors and screenwriters, Accelerate Tv still identified with me as an actor and alumni and kept rolling in opportunities.
And I’m glad I made that step to attend the filmmaker’s project in 2019. It created a huge line of networks in the industry for me. Because from there I met more industry personnel who called and referred me for more jobs and that boosted my journey afterwards and kept me motivated to keep going.
YOU ARE A FORCE TO RECKON WITH IN THE SOCIETY, HOW DID YOU GROW TO THIS LEVEL?
I would say first it’s the trust I have in God. The belief he also has given me in myself. Patience to enjoy the process and understand that everything works well in its time.
Discipline to make sure I give my very best every time opportunity raises its head.
Perseverance knowing that even rejection is still part of grooming. I also I am a very focused person. I focus more on my journey and what is before me and avoid what I think others or people expect of me. That way I can cut down on unnecessary pressures and societal success facade.
THE LONG-AWAITED OLIVE SEASON 2 PREMIER IS HERE, TELL US A BIT OF WHAT TO EXPECT
Hnmmmm…. Season 2 comes with more action, Rush more than the first, thrill, and sadly… loss
Meaning we’ll lose some characters that meant a lot to us.
I feel like they pampered us in season 1 just to shock us more in season 2. We’re here for all of it.
A SNEAK PEAK OF WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR ROLE IN THE OLIVE SEASON 2
Shockingly, Angelica finds love and is a little calm headed. Praise be to God!
I’m really happy for her… but let’s find out where this love takes her.
Maybe she’ll be that Nollywood supper star after all.
HOW EASY WAS IT TO FIT INTO THE ROLE YOU WERE GIVEN?
Coupled with the fact that the director made it easier, and also because Angelica is a continuing character, It was not hard interpreting it all.
Tho the fact that her character had to be a little bit mellow compared to the first season, slightly gave me a tough time navigating through…
Because the Angelica I know in season 1 was very problematic. Hahahahahahahahaha
HOW DO YOU MANAGE YOUR FAMILY LIFE AND WORK LIFE AS AN ACTRESS/CELEBRITY?
Honestly, I don’t even know!
I thank God I have a family that understands
But it hurts me sometimes when I can’t travel and stay out for too long to see my family because there’s always a short time frame between when a project ends and the beginning of the next.
And even when you think there’s enough time, an emergency call comes in, and you have to be on the run again.
So truth is, we’re all just figuring this thing out.
The ones who truly love you will accept you and everything that comes with you… that’s what I hold on to.
WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE STARTING UP IN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY?
Just like every other Career or life goal, acting and generally being in Nollywood came with its own.
First it was where to even begin with, then trying to navigate through, building connections and networks, to identifying with your brand known and not only making it known but also reliable, and sellable.
Dealing with the politics that come with the industry is very normal in life because that’s also a very important factor in life. Taking care of yourself, your body and your image as an actor and many more.
But we thank God we’re having a hold of it all and getting bigger and better.
IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO START YOUR CAREER OVER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?
I’m not sure I’ll do anything differently because the truth is, every experience has groomed me to this point.
If I took any part out, I’m not sure my journey would be as cooked as it is now. I love what I do and everything that has come and still comes with it.
IF YOU WERE TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT YOURSELF WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE?
“Against All Odds “
*laughs
PLEASE KINDLY SHARE SOME OF YOUR SECRETS TO BECOMING SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR INDUSTRY WITH EM
I think I mentioned them in question 5, where you asked how I grew to this level.
I Trust in God and my journey
I believe strongly in myself and my purpose in life
I practice patience
I am dedicated and disciplined to my cause and I am focused and avoid distractions from unnecessities in life.
WHAT ADVICE WILL YOU GIVE TO YOUTHS WITH THE ZEAL TO GROW IN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY?
Pay genuine attention to your life’s journey.
We all come with a purpose, Find it and the rest will keep falling in place.
PLEASE SHARE THE CONTACT DETAILS YOU WISH TO BE MADE PUBLIC
I am @derby.frankson on Instagram
Derby Frankson on Fb, Twitter, Linkedln and every other Social Media platform.
