I'm damn good actor - Ekow Blankson

Actor Ekow Blankson has grown past doing local movies. After a 25-year career, the 41-year-old actor is convinced that with his level of acting and deep knowledge of directing, he should be an international star by now but for the corporate world which has slowed him down.

Known for movies such as The Intruder , Diary Of The Black Hustler , Total Exchange , Frozen Emotions , My Mother's Heart , Check Mate , The CEO , Red Label , Death After Birth , The Pool Party , Rhapsody Of Love , The Secret Burden , A Woman's Desire and  Dying Of The Light, Ekow Blankson told Showbiz last Monday that it was time for him to hit the international market.

'Many people who have seen my movies have told me countless times that I am Hollywood material  and I know they are not lying because I know I'm good' he said.

Ekow Blanskon who has acted alongside Ghanaian A-list actors—Jackie Appiah, John Dumelo, Yvonne Nelson, Nadia Buari, David Dontoh and Majid Michel revealed that he is not interested in doing local movies for now because of the huge experience he has gained.

'I am not downplaying local movies, but I have hit a stage where doing local movies will lower my class. Since I took the decision some months ago, a lot of producers have approached me with scripts but I have turned them down no matter the money involved.' Ekow explained.

Asked whether it was not the  fear of competition that was making him move away from the local movies, this is what Ekow said, 'I have never been scared of competition. When I am on set with other actors, I see myself as the best person. I tell myself that without me, the movie will not be complete and this has kept me always on top'.

He explained that, he mostly does acting for the passion of it and not for the money. He told Showbiz there were a lot of producers who owe him because the money they offered him was peanuts and he rejected them despite appearing in their movies.

' I did take money, however, from many other producers because  I felt I was being over used. I love to act to help the movie industry but I put my foot down and say enough is enough when I don't like the kind of money they give me for a role', Ekow said.

 About how he is working towards his dream to hit the international scene, Ekow said he is connecting with few friends outside the country and when everything is in place, he would make the move.

Currently the Director, Brands and Corporate Communications of Media General Ghana Limited, the parent company of TV3, Ekow Blankson commended the Twi language movies for their contribution to the Ghana movie industry.

'I know many would disagree with me but I enjoy watching the local movies and I must say I like their special effects even though they look fake'.

Ekow who started acting in his first year at the School of Performing Arts, University Of Ghana, Legon, is known for many stage  productions such as Okomfo Anokye's Golden Stool, Tobias and the Angel, Aluta Continua, The Last Saturday, Wedlock of the Gods, Fortunes of the Moor, Shakespeare's Othello and Witness for Prosecution.

He has Majid Michel, John Dumelo, Nadia, Van Vicker, Jackie Appiah and Eddie Nartey as his favourite actors.

By Kofi Duah/Graphic Showbiz/Ghana