Chris Attoh Sets Eyes On High Standards
Survival in the tough world of show business requires a combination of various attributes and entertainer is aware that being able to hold out till now definitely has something to do with his looks, brains, swagger and talent.
Unlike others who will clutch at anything thrown at them, he chooses to call the shots by setting standards for himself. That’s why he, for instance, does not feature in just any movie with bad script or poor directing that comes his way.
Those conversant with Chris as an actor, television presenter and director would attest to the fact that unless a job is from a reputable production house, he refuses to be part of it.
That explains why he has only associated himself with films that flaunt the best production values such as Perfect Picture, Sinking Sands, Life and Living It, Scorned, 6 Hours To Christmas, A Sting in a Tale, Checkmate and the Tinsel television series.
“It's taken me years to build a brand for myself, to create an image of how I want to be seen. In view of that, any project that I deem is below my standard will have to find another person,” said Chris when Showbiz caught up with him last week.
“I've been privileged to feature in most of the films from Sparrow Productions not because I don't want to work with other producers, but because they don’t meet my standards. Others may gloss over appropriate dialogue and costumes but Shirley looks out for every necessary detail and that makes working with her fun and professional,” he stated.
Describing himself as an entertainer who believes that everything can be achieved through constant visualising, he acknowledged that he hasn't reached the apex of his career yet otherwise “I'd be so bored since there will be nothing else left for me to do.”
Chris seems to enjoy being in the limelight and gave his reason for deciding to be an actor: “I primarily see myself as an entertainer. I got crazy about the world of movies and entertainment as a child. I went into radio and TV presentation not for the popularity or money but to become a better director because that I ultimately want to direct,” he said.
So is Chris so far happy with his career? He shifted uneasily in his chair at Charterhouse where we had met, looked me straight in the eye and said: “There's nothing I'd love to do more than what I'm doing right now; even in my next life I'm sure I'll still be entertaining people.”
Talking about roles and his image as a bad boy, Chris said it is his aim to translate every role with ease and if he happens to be seen as a playboy in his effort to act well, then he sees himself as being on top of his game.
It is difficult to associate any particular female actor as Chris' favourite since there seem to be a natural connection between him and his colleagues on the screen. After a bit of prodding as to whom he's enjoyed kissing most on set, he said: “I'm going to get into trouble for this. Hmm; I guess it's Damy (short for Damilola, his colleague and friend in the movie 6 Hours To Christmas and the series Tinsel) because we are friends and I'm comfortable with her.”
Chris indicated that he was often appalled by the rampant rumours that come with the showbiz profession and the failures of the media to cross check facts before coming out with stories. He cited an instance of his girlfriend being said to have attempted to poison another lady.
“I couldn't believe someone could write something about me or my girlfriend without first contacting us. It was a hectic time but I took it in good faith because there was not an iota of truth in the publication. You know what, it is the women who worry me,” he said.
So with his hectic schedules that make him shuffle constantly between Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa, how does the handsome hunk manage to be so polite to people he doesn't even know?
He said by dint of the proper training instilled in him by his parents and his awareness of the fact that the all-knowing God rules in the affairs of men, he thrives to lead a humble and respectful life.
He mentioned the CEO of Charterhouse, Mr. Iyola Ayoade as a person he looks to up to in terms of business. Little wonder Chris is now the CEO of A Factory Limited, a media and television concept development company based at Dzorwulu in Accra.
Chris who is in his early 30s and a native of Ga Mashi is the second of four kids born to Fred Nii Armah Attoh and Betsy Caesar Attoh.
He attended St Theresah’s Preparatory School, Accra Academy, trained as a professional painter at the KNUST and later the New York Film Academy .
Chris is attached and plans to settle down in a few years as he nurtures his baby company into maturity.
Rounding off our conversation, he said: “I will implore everyone to have a spiritual connection with God. It doesn't matter how you choose to do it but that is how you can tap into your fullest potential.”