Renowned Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso has stressed that landing a role in her productions requires more than just raw talent. She said discipline, focus and preparation are equally essential, particularly for new actors trying to break into the industry.

Speaking on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, Frimpong-Manso challenged the notion that established actors are blocking opportunities for emerging talent. She said the real issue is that many aspiring actors are simply not prepared when opportunities arise.

“I’m not going to cast just because I’m looking for new faces. And then those of the new faces who want this as much as they say they do, they need to be able to track what is happening,” she said.

She cited several examples of rising talent she has supported, including Melvin, who earned a major role in Love and Country after impressing her in a smaller part. She also spoke about rewriting scenes to feature Sena, a then-unknown actress she discovered during a stage performance.

Despite her openness to working with new faces, she warned that many do not take auditions seriously enough.

“If I do an audition, you need to come and you need to come prepared. Don’t come in, I give you an opportunity… you say your first few lines, you’ve forgotten your lines. Are you serious?”

Frimpong-Manso, who has directed top Ghanaian actors such as Lydia Forson and Naa Ashorkor, said established names continue to be cast because they consistently deliver strong performances. However, she maintains that the industry has space for new talent willing to put in the necessary effort.

“We are going to continue to employ the Jackies, the Lydias, the Joselyns because they are actors too… but there’s room enough for new people to come in,” she said.