Well, it might be bigoted to typecast a complete country in bad
light thanks to the indiscretions of some individuals. Each country has
its criminal elements. Fortunately, it isn't all gloom and doom from
Nigeria. Nigerian Movies are changing the countries perception globally.
Nigerian movies are one of the country's most recognizable exports
today especially to other countries across Africa. The industry has
helped to bring out the formidable though sometimes less talked
positive business drive of Nigeria. There is more to the country than
419' scams and the struggle for oil revenue at the Niger delta.
The beginning of the Nigerian movie or picture making industry can be
traced back to the 1960's round about the time many African states were
getting autonomy. However, the price of production and access to
quality equipment proved to be major obstacles at the time. Towards the
1980s, the govt. of Nigeria compounded and implemented policy that made
sure a ton more local content was on air on Nigerian TV stations versus
American content and other foreign TV productions. This was a major
step as it inspired local production to grow.
Many analysts of the Nigerian movie industry (or Nollywood as it is
sometimes known) point the turning point of the country's film making
industry to the early 90s when the film Living in Bondage' was
released. From here on out, it was uphill as a powerful distribution
network developed. The ease of availability of cheap film making
equipment gave additional momentum and before long, the industry was
booming.
Nigerian movies and the Nigerian film making industry as a whole are
estimated to generate anywhere between USD 250 million and USD 500
million each year. The number of movies produced each year range from
1,000 and 2000. Statistically, other than United States and India, no
other county has such a large film making industry. Nollywood has the
added benefit of tapping into an actors' and actresses' market that is
not as expensive when compared to the average cost of a top-level actor
or actress in Hollywood.
The demand for Nigerian movies in the continent of Africa has been
enormous and has generated a fanatic following even among non-Nigerians
across the continent. Inroads into wealthier markets like Europe and
the U. S. have not been as successful. The films mostly still appeal to
the average African resident that can relate to the localized movie
storyline.
The African market can sometimes prove daunting when it comes to
logistics. Poor infrastructure, expensive costs of communication and
widespread piracy can easily cripple even the best-planned movie
distribution network. Producers of Nigerian movies have mastered how to
best use the continent's system to their advantage and reap a tidy
profit as a result.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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