MOVIES

Nollywood’s 3 Biggest Problems According To Moses Babatope, Ex-Filmhouse MD

Published

8 months ago

May 2, 2024

3 Nollywood's Problems According To Moses Babatope | Fab.ng

The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, is really successful, but there’s still room for improvement. Moses Babatope, who co-founded Filmhouse Group and used to be the managing director of FilmOne, recently spoke about some of the biggest challenges facing Nollywood.

One of the main problems, according to Babatope, is that it’s too easy for just anyone to make a movie in Nollywood. There isn’t enough professional training available. There aren’t clear guidelines or limitations on who can enter the industry. This can lead to films that aren’t of high quality.

Moses Babatope believes there are a few things Nollywood needs to do to reach its full potential:

More professional training: People who want to make movies in Nollywood should have access to better training programmes to improve their skills.

Increased funding: The industry needs more money to invest in higher-quality productions.

Specialised services: There should be companies that provide specific services needed for filmmaking, such as special effects or costume design.

Collaboration: People working in Nollywood should work together more to share ideas and resources.

“We’ve had people just waking up and just saying that they are an actor or they are a producer, with no training whatsoever. It’s hard to knock them because there are people that have demonstrated they can also wake up one day and do it well,” he said.

“Unfortunately because we have those exceptions, it has now become the norm that anybody can just wake up from anywhere and say ‘I’m creative. I’m doing it.’ There are no real rudiments to go through. No real process. No certifications to say, ‘I’m a professional actor. I’m a professional actress. I’m certified in producing and directing.”

Babatope also brought up the importance of getting more money for Nollywood.

This funding would be used for two main things:

Developing cinemas: more movie theatres need to be built, and existing ones need to be improved. This will provide a better movie-going experience for audiences.

Fighting piracy: Stealing and illegally sharing movies is a big problem in Nollywood. More money would allow the industry to fight piracy and protect its films.

“Nollywood needs funding in several areas like in cinemas. That’s something that should be taken very seriously because that is the outlet for monetization,” he said.

“We just don’t have enough funding or support to build the cinemas and build them fast enough,” he said.

Babatope also suggested that Nollywood could improve its marketing by partnering with more film marketing companies. These companies specialise in promoting movies and could help Nollywood films reach a wider audience.

He additionally mentioned the need for more involvement from technology companies in the industry. These tech players could potentially offer solutions to some of Nollywood’s challenges, such as the lack of production insurance.

Production insurance helps protect filmmakers from financial losses if something goes wrong during filming. By having more tech companies involved, Nollywood could explore ways to make production insurance more accessible and affordable for filmmakers.

“I’d like to see more film marketing companies. I would like to see more tech players in the space, tackling a number of problems that we have. We don’t have a proper structure around production insurance,” he said.

Moses Babatope also said Nollywood needs government help and good industry rules to grow even faster.

“There’s no industry without challenges, if we continue to run the industry in the independent fractured way, then the problems will get more,” he said.

Get more updates here.

Related Topics:Featured Moses Babatope Movies Nollywood

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MOVIES

Netflix Struggles In Nigeria With Only About 300k Subscribers – Comedian AY

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Reporter

AY says Netflix struggles in Nigeria with 300k subscribers | fab.ng

Comedian and filmmaker AY Makun has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the alleged decision by Netflix to pause funding for Nigerian original films.

The debate began when filmmaker Kunle Afolayan revealed that Netflix had stopped commissioning Nigerian content. This sparked concerns about the platform’s commitment to the Nigerian market.

During a recent interview with Nollywood on Radio, Makun addressed the issue. He clarified that Netflix is not pulling out of Nigeria.

Instead, he explained that the platform is likely reassessing its approach due to ongoing financial challenges. He emphasised that this does not signal a loss of interest in Nigerian content.

“I recently had a meeting with Netflix, and at no point did they say they were leaving this region,” Makun explained. “During that meeting, we discussed my next project and how they could be involved. I don’t believe they’re leaving Nigeria.”

Makun highlighted that Netflix’s challenges in Nigeria are mainly rooted in financial constraints.

“If you’re running a business in a region and you’re spending much more than you’re earning, you’d need to reconsider your approach. That’s what they’re doing,” he stated.

The comedian explained that Netflix has invested heavily in Nigeria, far surpassing the revenue it has generated in the region.

He emphasised that the platform’s struggles stem largely from the low number of subscriptions and the widespread habit of account sharing, forcing Netflix to reconsider its business model.

“For instance, despite Nigeria’s population of over 200 million people, Netflix has only around 300,000 subscriptions, which indicates a problem that needs fixing,” Makun observed.

Furthermore, he elaborated that a significant number of Nigerians access Netflix by using shared accounts instead of purchasing individual subscriptions. This contributes to the platform’s revenue challenges.

“People often share one subscription with several others, and that’s part of the issue. It’s not just about the filmmakers,” Makun concluded.

Check out more updates here.

MOVIES

Watch The Trailer For Toyin Abraham’s Upcoming Movie, “Alakada: Bad And Boujee”

Published

6 days ago

December 16, 2024

Reporter

Watch the ‘Alakada: Bad and Boujee’ Movie Trailer | fab.ng

Renowned Nollywood filmmaker and actress Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi has unveiled the official trailer for her highly anticipated December film, “Alakada: Bad and Boujee.”

Leveraging her substantial social media platform, Ajeyemi strategically announced the trailer’s release through her Instagram account.

“From the glamour of social media to real life’s grit! Alakada is about to take the wildest ride of her life!

“Buckle up for the most unpredictable action-comedy of the year!” the post said.

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A post shared by Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi (@toyin_abraham)

Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi continues her successful “Alakada” franchise with the upcoming release “Alakada: Bad and Boujee.” Further, this marks the fifth instalment in a series that has captivated Nigerian audiences since its 2009 debut.

Moreover, the franchise has consistently evolved. Previous iterations were in 2013 (“Alakada 2“), 2017 (“Alakada Reloaded“), and 2020 (“Fate of Alakada: The Party Planner“).

Throughout the series, Abraham portrays Yetunde, a young woman from a modest background who compensates for her socioeconomic insecurities by fabricating elaborate stories about her financial and social status.

Additionally, this narrative thread has been a consistent hallmark of the franchise. The movie resonates with audiences through its nuanced exploration of social dynamics.

Directed by Adebayo Tijani, the new film features a stellar ensemble cast including Abraham herself, alongside prominent actors Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, Odunlade Adekola, and Bimbo Ademoye.

Furthermore, the production leverages the collective star power of these performers to enhance the film’s appeal.

Abraham’s cinematic journey began in 2003 when she first shared the screen with veteran actress Bukky Wright. Subsequently, she has established herself as a multifaceted talent.

She not only acted in but also directed numerous Nigerian films, including “Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper,” “The Ghost and the Tout,” and “Prophetess.”

Her exceptional talent has been consistently recognised in the industry. Notably, she was nominated for the African Movie Academy Awards’ Best Supporting Actress for “Esohe” in 2018.

Furthermore, she secured the Best Actress in a Drama award at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for “Elevator Baby” in 2020 and received a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Best of Nollywood Awards for “Ebimi ni” in 2013.

Check out more updates here.

MOVIES

Jade Osiberu’s Latest Feature, “Christmas In Lagos” Premieres In Lagos

Published

6 days ago

December 16, 2024

Reporter

Christmas In Lagos: Jade Osiberu’s latest feature | fab.ng

Just when you think Lagos can’t dazzle more, it raises the bar with a red-carpet movie premiere!

Two nights ago, the city’s entertainment elite gathered for the highly anticipated premiere of Christmas in Lagos, the latest cinematic treat by the renowned Jade Osiberu. This wasn’t just another event; it was the event.

The red carpet buzzed with style and elegance. Icons like Shaffy Bello, the suave Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), and the radiant Teniola Aladese turned heads with their striking outfits.

Lagos fashion delivered with a flourish—sequins, velvets, tuxedos, and floor-length gowns dominated the scene. Every attendee brought their best to honour Osiberu’s remarkable return to the big screen.

Jade Osiberu, famed for thrillers like Brotherhood and Gangs of Lagos, took a surprising turn with Christmas in Lagos.

Moving away from guns and gang wars, this romantic comedy explores love, family, and life’s emotional complexities. Judging by the premiere’s buzz, Osiberu has once again hit the mark.

Unlike her past adrenaline-fuelled dramas, this film delivers warmth and connection. It’s a festive tale about romance, laughter, and the bittersweet moments that define relationships.

The story captures the heart of the holiday season, offering an uplifting experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

From the first scene, the production quality shines. The visuals burst with holiday cheer, showcasing Lagos in all its festive brilliance.

Every frame reflects meticulous attention to detail, from vibrant sets to authentic costumes. The result? A visual feast that immerses you in the magic of Christmas.

The soundtrack stands out too. It seamlessly blends Afrobeat rhythms with classic holiday melodies, enhancing the film’s emotional beats.

Whether it’s a light-hearted romance or a poignant family moment, the music draws you in, perfectly complementing the story.

The effort behind Christmas in Lagos is undeniable. This isn’t a rushed production; it’s a carefully crafted masterpiece. Osiberu spares no expense in delivering a movie that feels rich, polished, and heartfelt.

Looking for a film to make you laugh, cry, and embrace the spirit of Christmas? Christmas in Lagos is a must-watch.

It’s a beautiful reminder of what the holidays are truly about—love, family, and meaningful connections.

Check out more movie updates here.