You can call her bold and energetic Mercy and you may not be wrong. Funke Mercy Tanimola, popularly known as Mercyflawless, the fast-rising movie producer has come a long way in Nollywood and says she has a lot to give when it comes to role interpretation, among others. She speaks about her career, business and more in this interactive session with SEGUN ADEBAYO.
You have experience in writing and acting to a large extent. How did the journey begin for you in acting?
This may sound like a cliché but the truth is, my acting journey started when I was in primary one. I played the role of Mary the mother of Jesus, and the smallest pupil in my class then, Emmanuel, played the role of Jesus. Fast forward to 2001, I started auditioning for roles at Wale Adenuga Production (WAP) Studio. I usually get past the first stage of the audition but did not get to go back for the second rounds due to travelling out of Lagos for stage plays with my church drama group. We used to travel all over the South-West to perform on stage. I played extra role in ‘I need To Know’ series and shot three seasons with them between 2002 and 2004. In 2002, a friend I met on the set introduced me to Lola Alao, and that was the beginning of my journey into the Yoruba movie industry. I played a few extras roles here and there and got to be on set with lots of amazing actors. I was also part of Mazi Mperempe sitcom cast on NTA channel 10 back then.
At what point did you decide that filmmaking is the mainstay for you?
It’s a long-term dream. It started when I was very young. Whenever I watch a movie and I see how amazing the actors are, I used to tell myself that I want to become both a TV broadcaster and a filmmaker; why do one when I can do the two? These thoughts made me convince my parent to let us use my house compound for theatre rehearsals. Our house used to be a beehive of activities; people in my neighbourhood will stand in front of my house to catch a glimpse of our drama rehearsals. I enjoyed dancing and singing cultural songs in and out of the rehearsal ground.
The industry keeps expanding by the day and practitioners are getting in regularly. How do you manage to keep your place?
You retain your space by being consistent and loyal to what I’m passionate about. I refuse to quit or get tired of pursuing the craft.
What was the first experience like when you appeared before the camera?
It was a dream come true, I gave it my all because I did not want to goof.
We have heard stories about how movie producers demand sex from rising actresses for roles. Were you at any point in such a situation?
I was approached with such a request on two occasions by two different people a few years apart but I declined on both accounts and felt disappointed in the people involved. It did not deter me from pursuing my dreams. I see both episodes as work hazards and I pushed them behind me but avoided the perpetrators like a plague.
What was that experience that touched you most in the industry that you may never forget since you joined?
It was during my first audition at WAP in 2001. I was called in for my turn to audition and I was standing face to face with Antar Laniyan, Bakky Adeoye and other judges. They gave me a scenario to act and I went into character. The positive answer from all judges that I passed the audition and qualified for the second round of auditions got me excited. I held myself from screaming until I got outside the premises then let out a ‘Thank you Jesus’ scream with a big smile on my face. I couldn’t stop telling anyone who cared to listen about my experience. I am grinning from ear to ear as I type this answer. It was indeed a beautiful memory.
You have produced movies as well as being a show presenter. How easy has it been managing your interests?
The love and passion for the two have kept me going. I record and upload my podcast on Anchor FM occasionally. I oversee movie projects and assign coordinators accordingly. I have staff that writes for my blog and I supervise them myself.
What do you make of the entertainment industry and how people tag female celebrities as wayward people?
We intend to change the narrative. Sincerely, the industry is evolving and I believe that the unnecessary tag will fall off in the long run.
Are there limits to the roles you can play in a movie?
Yes, I can’t play scary roles or overly explicit ones. It doesn’t make me less of an actor; it’s just a personal reason.
For curious male fans out there, are you single or taken?
I can tell you I’m single today and get engaged before this story is published. I don’t want to get people confused.
Which movies have you produced and tell us about projects in the pipeline?
I produced a series showing on MercyflawlessTv via YouTube titled ROOMMATE. Some of the few movies in post-production are CAMPUS TALE and AWAWI, both Directed by Tolulope Elijah Originator, AKITIYAN, Directed by Abbey Jimoh, ADABA, Directed by Tunde Anjola, TOLUWALASE, Directed by Oladele Matti; the title could change for any of them when we go to Censors Board. I am both the producer and Executive producer of all movies mentioned. We have a few more in the pipeline, but they are still in the pre-production stage.
Tell us about your NGO and what you intend to achieve with it.
Funke Mercy Tanimola (FMT) Foundation is very dear to me. It was founded in 2014, and registered with CAC Abuja in 2021. The aim of the foundation is to help orphans, homeless, less-privileged, students and widows. What we have been doing is paying students’ school fees and taking care of their monthly upkeep.
We also do a lot of community outreach that extends to the widows. Every Ramadan, we support mosques with resources needed for breaking of fast, and during Ileya, we celebrate with the less privileged mostly in private. During Christmas, we organise outreach parties for Widows, orphans, and the less privileged, and everyone gets to go home with live chickens, rice, other food items and cash.
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