Lagos to Abuja: How Screen Work Begins for Newcomers in 2025

Breaking into film and TV in Nigeria no longer depends on knowing someone on set. In 2025, the path for newcomers is more structured and transparent, with self-tapes, short training programs, and online casting profiles forming the backbone of early progress. Whether you live in Lagos, commute to Abuja, or collaborate remotely from another city, the core steps are similar: get basic skills, present yourself clearly, and respond professionally to real opportunities shared by trusted channels.

2025 guide: Start acting without experience

Starting without credits is normal. Begin by learning foundational skills—voice, listening, eyelines, hitting marks, and continuity. Short workshops or community classes help you understand how scenes are blocked and shot. Build a simple starter portfolio: a clear headshot in natural light, a one-page CV, and one or two short monologues on video. Practice self-tapes with a smartphone, steady lighting, and clean sound. Look for student films, micro‑budget shorts, or background work to learn set rhythm. Keep expectations measured and focus on steady improvement rather than overnight breakthroughs.

Starting a movie acting career: what to know

Screen acting is a team sport. Casting directors want clarity and reliability: accurate contact details, punctuality, and adherence to brief. Learn basic on‑set etiquette—respond to call sheets, label wardrobe, and maintain quiet between takes. Self-tape essentials in 2025 include a neutral backdrop, soft lighting, a speaking mic (or a quiet room), and landscape framing. Label files exactly as instructed and submit before the deadline. Maintain a concise bio and a short showreel (30–60 seconds is fine at the beginning) featuring natural performances rather than heavily edited clips.

Safety and credibility matter. Verify audition notices before sharing personal data. Legitimate casting calls do not require fees to “secure a role,” and producers communicate via professional emails or recognized platforms. Consider joining the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) for guidance on professional standards and access to information about industry practices. Keep copies of any agreements you sign, read non‑disclosure clauses carefully, and ask for written details about schedules and expectations before confirming availability.

How movie acting works in 2025: a simple breakdown

Here’s the practical flow. A project enters development, and a casting brief lists roles, age ranges, skills, and languages. Submissions arrive via platforms or email, followed by self-tape requests or live sessions. Shortlisted actors may receive callbacks, chemistry reads, or table reads. Once cast, you’ll receive a call sheet with scene numbers, times, and contacts. On set, each department coordinates around camera and sound; your job is to deliver consistent performance, match continuity, and stay adaptable to adjustments. After wrap, producers handle post‑production and communication; keep your materials updated for future opportunities.

Building from Lagos or Abuja has different textures. Lagos offers volume and variety across commercials, series, and features. Abuja has growing activity, with a calmer pace and strong location appeal. Remote self-tapes mean you can submit from anywhere in your area, then travel only when confirmed. Prioritize reliability—reply quickly, arrive on time, and keep a small kit (neutral clothing options, water, and quiet shoes) ready for short‑notice calls.

Practical weekly habits help you grow. Target two skills sessions and two performance reps per week (monologues or scene practice). Record and review your tapes to spot posture, pacing, and diction issues. Track submissions in a simple spreadsheet: role, date sent, response, and notes on what to refine next time. Rotate monologues that fit different tones—drama, comedy, and conversational realism. Read scripts aloud daily to strengthen cold‑reading and breath control.

Authenticity travels well on camera. Keep your accent clear, your eyeline steady, and your energy consistent across takes. For multilingual roles or regional stories, highlight language skills and cultural familiarity in your profile. If you’re balancing work or school, block time for rehearsals and rest; fatigue shows on screen. Collaborate with emerging filmmakers—shorts and web series can provide polished clips for your showreel when handled professionally. Always request permission to use footage, and credit collaborators accurately.

Sustaining momentum is about clarity and patience. Define a 90‑day plan with manageable goals: improve self‑tape lighting, complete one workshop, update headshots, and submit to a set number of credible calls each week. Stay respectful in every exchange; casting teams often re‑invite organized, reliable actors. Over time, those steady habits—from Lagos studios to Abuja locations—form a track record that opens the door to larger roles and more complex stories.

In 2025, the entry path is transparent: learn the craft, present clean materials, and communicate professionally. The combination of accessible training, online casting tools, and clearer industry practices gives newcomers a realistic route into screen work without overpromising outcomes or skipping essential groundwork.