FAQ

The Filosofi way emphasizes doing things correctly. It focuses on equipping Africans with industry standard skills and the knowledge needed to thrive domestically and internationally. Everyone is unique, and so are their performances. At Filosofi, the goal is to nurture each person’s distinct talent. Our program combines methodology and inherent talent, crafting a unique voice for every individual.

First, our trainers all work professionally in international film industries. Second, our trainers are not ‘Jack of all trades,’ meaning we won’t have one trainer who teaches in many fields. Most training programs in Africa operate in such a manner; we do not. Third, while other programs tend to create focus areas, such as acting techniques, auditioning, character development, scene study, etc., we do not. While these areas are essential, we believe that all-around trained actors would be capable in all the above areas.

We are neither Europeans nor Asians who have created impressive and effective systems. It would be pointless for Africans to imitate how Europeans and Asians perform on-screen. Our training is not a ‘copy-and-paste’ program. It was built from the ground up, focusing on cultural barriers that prevent outstanding performance. Our goal is to turn aspiring actors into professionals who will go on to create the unique approaches that work best for them. A good actor is simply a good actor.

Are you aspiring to work in film? Are you interested in working internationally? Are you disciplined? Do you see things through to the end? Are you willing to build a career gradually? If your answer to all the above questions is YES, this program is for you. This is not a weekend or 5-day seminar that offers nothing. There is no shortcut. Everything requires a process, and screen acting is no different.

The fact is foreign casting agents are actively seeking African actors. Think of it like a college degree. Some people have jobs lined up before graduation, while others need to search for employment afterward. However, you must possess knowledge and a degree before being hired. The same applies to acting. No international casting director or agent will cast you without confidence in your preparedness. The quick, get-things-done mentality must be subdued. For our company to endorse you and present you to foreign casting directors, you must complete our nine-month program, which gives you a solid understanding of screen acting and a strong actor’s reel.

There are no prerequisites, and anyone interested can participate in the programs. They are designed for novices who want to get things right from the beginning. For experienced actors, consider one of our two advanced programs taught by Nayo Wallace here.

In addition to learning screen acting, participants in our TOTAL, PRO, and ONE programs will also gain insights into the business aspect of screen acting from industry professionals. Knowing how to act is essential, but understanding how to navigate the international film industry is equally crucial. Our programs cover everything from self-promotion and necessary tools to obtaining the proper representation, types of representation, headshots, creating a reel, managing your image, what to share on social media, avoiding exploitation risks, preventing sexual harassment, and many other small yet essential details.

The Filosofi programs are led by industry professionals actively working in international film industries. These experts have an average of 20 years of experience in their respective fields. They bring a profound understanding of their craft, a genuine passion for their work, and a commitment to giving back to society. This is not about showcasing a random celebrity for a superficial, three-day seminar. We are dedicated to serious training. Filosofi partners only with seasoned and knowledgeable professionals.

Please visit our Program Page for information about our programs and their costs.

All our programs include in-person and hands-on training, except Screen Acting ONE, which is taught by Nayo Wallace and offered in both in-person and online formats.

Our program is structured around hours, highly flexible, and can accommodate most schedules—we designed it this way. We all lead busy lives, so we need the flexibility to learn at our convenience. The only exception is that you must come to our locations. Our programs are offered in person.

Our programs are built on hours of acting study, not days, weeks, or months. An accurate measure of your ability relates to the hours you practice. Each individual must complete a designated number of hours to advance to the next program. For instance, one must finish a specific number of class hours and particular scenes in the Screen Acting START program to progress to the intermediate program, and so forth.

Our goal is to provide our programs in as many cities as possible. Initially, we plan to launch programs in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt. Depending on interest levels and the number of registrants, we will explore offering programs in additional cities.

We are new, and there may be some hesitation due to past negative experiences with similar programs. For this reason, we will wait to determine the level of interest before securing actual locations. We don’t want to book a hall, sign a lease, or make a payment only to find there is little interest in our programs. We plan to approach things differently. Some say we shouldn’t communicate this to Africans; we disagree. We will be honest and transparent in all our communications. The locations will be sent to registrants five days before the program begins. Because of the nature of doing business, we reserve the right to change locations as necessary. The number of registrants will dictate the location we secure.

Please bring a notepad, a pen or pencil, and a positive mindset to absorb information. Additionally, arrive in comfortable attire and be punctual.

The great thing about the Filosofi programs is that you can always catch up if you miss a day or two, and as long as you complete your hours, it's all good. These programs are designed with flexibility in mind; there’s no such thing as missing a session—we track the hours you study. You always have the chance to make up for lost time. For instance, if you miss two classes this week due to an unexpected event, you can attend four classes the following week. We created this program to reflect the realities of our lives.

Yes. Other programs will be based on interest. The film industry provides hundreds of career opportunities that require trained, skilled, and experienced individuals. It is a fact that most films and series on foreign streaming platforms in Africa primarily hire people from their respective countries. Positions such as cinematographer, editor, sound mixer, color correctionist, and many others demand talent developed through years of experience. If people want it, we will deliver it.

Yes, we offer a 60/40 payment plan. To secure your spot, 60% of the program fee must be paid before the program begins, and the remaining 40% is due no later than 30 days after the program starts. Please visit our Program Page for details about the available programs and their costs.

Yes, we offer various discounts for specific population segments. Please visit our Program Page for details about the available programs and their costs.

Your payment is fully refundable until one week before the program starts. You can receive a 75% refund on the first day of the program and a 25% refund anytime during the first week. However, no refunds are available after the first week.

Many foreign films and series are produced across Africa annually, and international streaming platforms operating domestically will notice you as a well-trained actor or actress—you’ll be ahead of the curve. If you’ve taken our TOTAL program, have a professional REEL, and have good international representation, your chances of working internationally are strong.

Additionally, keep in mind that for international productions coming to Africa, it is cost-effective and creates a positive impression if they can find a good portion of their cast locally who are authentic instead of bringing people to Africa to play Africans. Take the craft of acting seriously, continue to improve through ongoing training, and present yourself as a disciplined professional eager to succeed; this will lead to many employment opportunities.

The Global Casting Assistance (GCA) connects you with established casting directors and agents worldwide actively seeking African talent for foreign productions. Only individuals who have completed the Screen Acting TOTAL program, or one or both of Nayo Wallace’s PRO and ONE programs, are eligible for GCA. If you stop training at the beginner or intermediate levels, GCA will not be available. International casting directors and agents have told us what they are looking for, and we will provide exactly that. You must be ready. You should have sufficient training, be familiar with a professional film set, and possess a professional REEL to showcase your on-screen presence. No exceptions.

Yes, but only with the TOTAL program. The certificate will indicate that you have studied screen acting or writing under the filosofi program or Nayo Wallace and will mention the number of hours you completed. While the certificate is NOT academically applicable, it will, along with a professional acting REEL, reassure foreign casting agents seeking professionally trained actors in Africa that you are well-trained and capable of working on international productions.