Media Is Not For The Faint Hearted — Elaine Attoh on Working At Lucky TV

Award-winning actress, Elaine Attoh, has joined the league of filmmakers who combine acting career with working on TV as TV presenters and broadcast anchors.

She is currently a newscaster and presenter with Lucky TV, one of the new innovative channels in Ghana’s TV space.

She told NEWS-ONE in this exclusive interview that she was poised for new challenges, hence the decision to pick broadcast media job. She also stated that she has not quit acting, and working in the media is only an add-on.

Elaine has since 2008 been appearing on the silver-screens as an actress and over the years managed to build an enviable resume with her acting jobs. She is known for roles in productions like ‘A Sting in a Tale’, ‘Adams Apples’ by Sparrow Productions. ‘Hidden Passion’, ‘Game of Roses’ by Steve Anuka Productions, and ‘Living with Trisha’ by Kairos Productions.
How true are claims that you have quit acting?
I have not, I’m quite active. It my first love. As a dynamic person, I choose to aspire and connect to all talents.
When was the last time you were on set for a film?
1st January, 2021 for the series ‘Inside Out’, for DSTV Akwaaba Magic.
In all how many productions have you done so far?

Wow, off head I can remember 15-18 movies with about eight production houses.

Recently Kwami Sefa Kayi was quoted to have said that there is no money in the film industry, hence he left the industry.  To him, there is no film industry. What is your take?

Kwame Sefa Kayi is a journalist /media personality I have respect for. His opinion may be coming from his generation of movie making [industry] or productions he encountered. There is a movie industry; I trust it needs an upgrade.

What’s new with Elaine?

The first of January, 2021, I had a call for a role in a great series [Inside Out] with DSTV and Akwaaba Magic. Followed by being the face of a television station. Their head of news; a newscaster and a presenter/host for the same station. Lucky TV located at Kasoa, Bawjiase Road. Also, in August ‘Home Sweet Home Next Generation’ and ‘Take Over’, both series from the stables of Revel Films; as Directed by Mr. Emmanuel Apea, will start airing on TV3. In the meantime, it’s on Wi- Flix Ghana, a streaming app.

Is money the motivation for your decision to leave the movies to be a newscaster?

I mean if I am being honest, money makes the world so round, so there is nothing wrong with looking for more money in other aspects of your life/talent. Yet, money wasn’t my main motivation; CHALLENGE was /is and I HAVEN’T LEFT THE MOVIE INDUSTRY.

How has the journey been so far?

Seven months on, the journey has been nothing short of challenging

Tells us more about the new job?

Being a lead is tough/challenging yet it has been the greatest lesson and hurdle I’ve had to take on. The media is no place for the faint at heart. So far, I’m adjusting. I did the theoretical aspect. This is the practical side of it and whew; it drawing/satisfying at the same time. I do my best to ‘marry’ the new job with my other jobs.

Did you train for it and how far do you intend to take it?

Yes, I did. I attended Manifold Institute to train for Journalism. Wrote ICM WC. Majored in Media Law and Ethics, Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing and Newspaper Reporter.

Do you have any regret going to film industry and why?

I will never have any regret in any choice I make because they are well thought of, planned and executed to the best of my knowledge.

Media can be fun but it has its own problems, what are some of the pressures you are dealing with?

Oh, it sure is fun – the challenging aspects is dealing with humans from different walks of life since we were all brought up differently; we surely think and act differently to every situation. It’s up to me as an individual to deal with all these with maturity.

How have you been handling news room politics?

A learned mentor of mine said, “FIGHT ALL BATTLES ON YOUR HEELS AND IN YOUR MIND”.
Do you find fulfilment in being a newscaster?

Yes, I sure do. It’s a place of lessons, nurturing and growth.
For those reading for the first time, tell us more about Elaine.

Elaine Alexis Attoh is a dynamic, fun-loving, sociable person. A go-getter. Leaves no stone unturned in her quest for quality in greatness. She believes in hard work. She believes in humility coupled with prayer and persistence and discipline. Elaine is a young woman with immense untapped talents.

Where does she come from?

Elaine comes from British Accra [Ga Mashi] and half Ewe from Sogakope.
Schools attended?

St. Jude’s Preparatory in Mamprobi, Ministry of Health Primary and JHS – Korle-Bu, Presbyterian Senior Secondary School-Osu, University of Ghana – Legon, Manifold Institute of Journalism – Dansoman.
Are you married? Any children?

I’m unmarried. I have a handsome son.

Have you ever had a crush on anyone in Ghana’s showbiz industry before and who?

Oh yes, I have a crush on Adjetey Anang. He looks like he is being groomed for presidency, his demeanor is calming and humbling.

What’s the craziest thing you have ever done?

Benji Jumping and Parasailing

Any last words?

Once you learn how to control your emotions you win the game. Stay safe. Adhere to the protocols of COVID-19. Protect yourself and loved ones. Pray, stay positive. Stay humble.

(Story: Francis Addo)