Shirley Frimpong-Manso: Talent Alone Isn’t Enough—Discipline and Preparation Matter
Award-winning filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso has a clear message for aspiring actors: talent alone won’t take you far. Speaking on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, she emphasized that discipline, focus, and preparation are just as essential—especially for newcomers trying to break into the industry.
She addressed a widespread belief that established actors dominate the scene and block opportunities for fresh talent. However, she believes the real challenge lies elsewhere.
“It’s not that the industry is closed off,” she explained. “The problem is many aspiring actors come unprepared. I won’t cast someone just because they’re new—I need to see readiness.”
Frimpong-Manso shared real-life examples to support her point. Rising actor Melvin secured a major role in Love and Country after impressing her in a smaller part. Similarly, she rewrote scenes to spotlight Sena, a previously unknown actress she discovered performing on stage.
Despite her openness to new talent, she voiced concern about the quality of auditions. “You need to come prepared,” she stressed. “Forgetting your lines at an audition shows a lack of seriousness.”
Over the years, Frimpong-Manso has worked with some of Ghana’s most celebrated actors, including Lydia Forson and Naa Ashorkor. She attributes their continued success to their consistency and professionalism. Still, she insists that the door remains open to fresh faces—provided they are committed to the craft.
“We will keep employing the Jackies, Lydias, and Joselyns,” she said, “but there’s plenty of room for new people too—if they’re willing to put in the work.”
