A Complete Guide to Becoming the Next Big Nollywood Producer

Becoming a producer in Nollywood isn’t just about sitting behind a desk with a fancy title; it’s about bringing stories to life, managing chaos with a smile, and sometimes even persuading your stubborn uncle to invest in your movie. Nollywood, one of the largest film industries in the world, is the land of dreams, drama, and dazzling lights, where careers are made and memes are born. If you’ve been bitten by the production bug and want to join the bustling world of Nollywood, this guide will help you step into the spotlight.

Understand What a Producer Does (Hint: It’s Everything!)

At its core, a film producer is the boss behind the scenes. As a producer, you’ll be handling everything from the budget, organizing the crew, ensuring the director doesn’t lose their mind, and sometimes even running errands. In Nollywood, you’re likely to wear many hats—scriptwriter, casting agent, location scout, and marketer, to name a few. So before you dive in, ask yourself: Am I ready for this hustle? If the answer is yes, keep reading!

Learn the Business Side of Film

While movies are art, they are also big business. Understanding budgeting, funding, and profit margins is key to success in Nollywood. You can’t just say, “I want to shoot a film” and expect it all to fall into place. To get started, consider reading books on film production, attending workshops, or enrolling in a film school. Institutions like the Del-York Creative Academy, Multi-Choice Talent Factory, and EbonyLife Creative Academy offer excellent opportunities to learn the ropes.

Build Your Network (Your Nollywood ‘Village’)

In Nollywood, who you know can be just as important as what you know. Networking is crucial to getting your first big break. Attend industry events, premieres, film festivals like AFRIFF, and engage with filmmakers on social media platforms. Rub shoulders with directors, actors, and scriptwriters—you never know who could become your collaborator or introduce you to your next project.

Start Small (Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day, Neither Was Nollywood)

Let’s be honest: you won’t start with a blockbuster featuring Nollywood superstars like Genevieve Nnaji or Richard Mofe-Damijo. Begin small with short films, documentaries, or skits. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok are great for showcasing your work on a budget and helping you build a portfolio. Use these smaller projects as stepping stones to prove your skills and build your reputation.

Secure Funding (Beg, Borrow, but Don’t Steal)

Unless you’ve secretly inherited a fortune, finding funds for your first film can be tricky. However, Nollywood offers many avenues for funding:

• Personal Savings: Yes, sacrifice that shawarma for the greater good of your dream project.
• Family and Friends: Convince your uncle that your film will be the next big thing.
• Investors: Pitch your movie with a solid business plan.
• Grants and Loans: Look out for funding initiatives from the Bank of Industry, Lagos State Film Fund, or private organizations.

Assemble a Team (Your Production Avengers)

Find a director who shares your vision, cast actors who bring your story to life, and hire a cinematographer who knows their craft. And don’t forget the most important crew member: the caterer! Hungry crew members can derail even the best-laid production plans.

Choose a Great Script

No matter how excellent your production skills are, a bad script will sink your film faster than bad lighting. Choose a compelling, relatable, and marketable script. Whether you write it yourself, hire a scriptwriter, or adapt an existing work, a strong story is the backbone of any successful film.

Navigate the Challenges (Yes, There Will Be Drama)

From power outages to diva moments and unpredictable weather, Nollywood productions come with their fair share of challenges. Keep a cool head, solve problems creatively, and always have a Plan B (and sometimes even a Plan C) to handle the chaos that will inevitably arise.

Market Your Film (Because Nobody Watches What They Don’t Know About)

Once your film is ready, it’s time to make sure people know about it. Organize a premiere, leverage social media, and partner with streaming platforms like Netflix, Showmax, or Amazon Prime. Even producers with modest budgets understand the power of good marketing.

Rinse and Repeat

Congratulations! You’ve completed your first film. Now it’s time to build on that momentum. The Nollywood grind never stops, and neither should you. Use your first project as a stepping stone to bigger and better opportunities.

Becoming a Nollywood producer is not for the faint of heart—it’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding career. It requires passion, perseverance, and the willingness to put in the work. But for those who are determined, the payoff is immense: you’ll get to tell stories that matter, connect with audiences across the globe, and perhaps make history in the process. So, are you ready to produce your first Nollywood film? The industry is waiting for the next big hit, and that could very well be your story. Go for it!