An actress and producer Sylvia Ukaatu, better known as “Marathon Producer,” has made it clear that sex scenes are no longer a prerequisite for movies to succeed in Nollywood. In an interview with Potpourri, Ukaatu shared her insights on the evolving landscape of Nollywood.

“Sex does not sell a movie! What sells a movie is the storyline and the actor who breathes life into the written word,” Ukaatu declared. “I’ve seen movies without a single sex scene, yet people loved them. Gone are the days when such scenes were seen as essential for a film’s success. Nollywood has moved past that level.”

She further revealed that actors are now more discerning with the roles they accept, prioritizing meaningful scripts over gratuitous displays of intimacy. “Last time I checked, actors now select scripts carefully. Nobody wants to be kissing every lip on screen just to stay relevant,” she added.

Touching on the necessity of side hustles for actors, Ukaatu emphasized the importance of diversifying income streams. “Yes, it’s a good idea to dive into other side hustles to support your main career. In case A isn’t fetching enough income, B will. I was known as an actor, but when movie roles weren’t coming, I had to tap into my passion for producing — and it pays. Many people don’t recognize when it’s time to pivot or explore other opportunities.”

When asked about the growing trend of celebrities sharing their love lives on social media, Ukaatu maintained that it boils down to personal preference. “As for me, I don’t like talking about my relationship, and the reason is best known to me. I’d rather keep that part of my life private.”