Popular social media activist and influencer VeryDarkMan has announced a new online acting challenge with a total cash reward of $4,000. The challenge is open to content creators and aspiring actors across major social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. According to him, the initiative is designed to prove a point and celebrate talent, while also honoring a Nollywood legend he deeply admires. Participants are expected to carefully follow the rules, create a one-minute acting clip, and demonstrate emotional range similar to what is commonly seen in top Nollywood performances.
About the Challenge
VDM explained that the challenge was created to honor his personal acting legend, Mercy Johnson. He stated that he considers her the greatest actress of all time because of her ability to switch emotions effortlessly within a single scene. According to him, she can move from laughter to tears and back again in a way that feels natural and convincing.
He said many people often compare Mercy Johnson to other respected actresses and question his opinion. To address this, he decided to give people the opportunity to show that acting such emotional transitions is easy, as some critics claim. The challenge is therefore meant to test real acting skills, especially emotional switching, within a short time frame.
Prize Money
The total prize money for the challenge is $4,000, shared equally across four social media platforms.
The breakdown is as follows:
- $1,000 for Instagram winner
- $1,000 for Facebook winner
- $1,000 for TikTok winner
- $1,000 for YouTube winner
Each platform will have one winner, making a total of four winners.
Who Can Participate
The challenge is open to everyone who believes they have acting talent. There are no restrictions on location, age, or professional background. Participants do not need expensive equipment or professional cameras.
According to VeryDarkMan:
- You can record from your room
- Any phone camera is acceptable, including entry-level smartphones
- Video quality is not a deciding factor
- Acting skill and emotional delivery matter most
He emphasized that the challenge could also open doors for talented actors, as it provides exposure that could attract opportunities from the film industry.
How to Participate
Participants are required to create and upload a one-minute acting video that tells a short but clear story. The focus should be on switching emotions, particularly from happiness to sadness, within the one-minute duration.
The guidelines include:
- Record a one-minute acting clip only
- Create a short storyline that makes sense within one minute
- Switch emotions clearly, especially from a happy mood to a crying or emotional mood
- Use the song NBA YoungBoy featuring Burna Boy, Teary Eyes, as background music
- Upload the video to any of the eligible platforms
The background song choice was explained as intentional because the selected part of the song is emotional and helps bring out strong feelings in acting performances.
Music Requirement
All videos must use Teary Eyes by NBA YoungBoy featuring Burna Boy. Participants are expected to act in sync with the emotional tone of the song. This helps the judges and viewers assess how well the actor can interpret emotions through facial expression and storytelling.
Judging Process
VeryDarkMan stated that he intends to personally ask Mercy Johnson to judge the challenge. According to him, she will select participants who best demonstrate strong acting skills and the ability to switch roles convincingly, just like she does in movies.
He also encouraged participants to tag Mercy Johnson and Burna Boy when uploading their videos. He noted that comments from either of them would help highlight outstanding performances. Any participant whose acting attracts positive attention from them stands a higher chance of being selected.
Deadline
No fixed deadline was announced at the time of the challenge launch. Participants are advised to upload their videos as early as possible to increase visibility and engagement.
How to Apply
To apply for the challenge:
- Record a one-minute acting video
- Use Teary Eyes by NBA YoungBoy featuring Burna Boy as background music
- Upload the video on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube
- Tag VeryDarkMan, Mercy Johnson, and Burna Boy
- Ensure the storyline is clear and emotions are well expressed
VeryDarkMan concluded by stressing that the challenge is his way of proving his point about Mercy Johnson’s talent while giving others a chance to showcase their acting skills and earn money through creativity.
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