Nollywood actor and producer Deyemi Okanlawon has explained the shifting dynamics in the Nigerian film industry, revealing why more filmmakers are now choosing YouTube as their preferred release platform over cinemas or streamers.
Okanlawon attributed the shift to the growing challenges of theatrical distribution for independent producers, adding that YouTube now offers a more democratic platform for filmmakers.
“Taking a film to cinema, it’s really difficult for an independent filmmaker, especially if you’re starting out. There are so many things that you’ll find as obstacles. So, it’s not really to their advantage. That’s why you find now that there are a lot of people who are serious filmmakers, but they are now gravitating towards YouTube.
“It’s very democratised. Nobody’s standing in your way. There’s no politics of, are you a popular producer? Are we giving you enough showtimes? Are you spending enough money on your marketing so that we can now decide whether your film is worthy of attention in cinemas?” he said.