ACTORS STEREOTYPING IN NIGERIAN HOME VIDEO’S: A STUDY SELECT FILMS

In most Nigerian video films, actors are made to play same or similar roles, or to play roles which physically suit them, whereas it is better to cast actors based on talent and ability. From the pictures of one or two major character s on the cover jackets or posters of most Nigerian video films, a prospective viewer can predict the genre or features of the video content. Criticisms from movies scholars, observers and critics hinge on this common attribute. They observed that stereotyping of Nollywood actors affects their acting skills and techniques, and so could move the growing Nigerian film industry through stifling creativity and obstructing the discovering of newer talents. This inspired this research to investigate other hitherto hidden consequences of stereotyping of actors, as it affects young audience. This survey research highlights actors stereotyping of Patience Ozokwor, Kanayo. O. Kanayo, Peter Edochie and Chinwetala Agu. These Nigerians actors that are very popular among young people and so were used as case studies. Cultivation and Social Cognitive theories were used in the study. The implications were spelt out and recommendations equally made on how to cast such actors in a way as to contribute to the development of upcoming actors, Nigerian home videos.