According to UNESCO, Nigeria ranks second in the world after India’s Bollywood with the number of movies produced per year, overtaking America’s Hollywood.
However industry analysts say returns for film production could be even higher….Piracy leaks an estimated 2 billion U.S. dollars from Nollywood every year.
The movie ’30 Days in Atlanta’ was one of Nollywood’s top grossing films of 2016. Produced by Nigerian comedian, the movie follows the adventures of Akpos – played by AY and his cousin, Richard after they won a 30-day, all-expenses paid trip to Atlanta where they humorously struggle to understand ‘the ways of the west’.
“I don’t think there was anything special.. but I just set out to bring out my passion,” said Ayo Makun, actor and producer
Ayo says producers are working hard to shake off Nollywood’s reputation for low quality productions. Many directors will shoot a movie in one week, spending as little as possible while compromising on sound and picture quality.
Although, funding and quality training is also a major problem for the industry, Ayo says things are changing and the films that find success must raise the bar for the whole industry.
“If you take something to a particular level, you don’t want to go less because people will notice it, and when they notice it they will talk about it. So sustenance is going to be based on the individuals who are involved in the creative process of making a film…END HERE?” said said Ayo Makun, actor and producer
The promotion of cinema culture is also exciting movie makers. Most films used to go straight to DVD but now more production companies are considering theatre premiers.
Movie tickets cost between 3 and 5 US dollars, so if a film can draw an audience it is good news for everyone.
“START HERE…where there is demand, there is supply so when people ask for more Nigerian movies and there are good Nigerian movies…LINK HERE…if Nollywood can produce more movies, we are ready to exhibit the movies and more people are willing to see Nigerian movies,” said Tony Omia, manager, Ozone cinemas
Nollywood employs millions of youths and its expansion could mean more jobs in a country struggling with its worst recession in 25 years.
