By Tadeniawo Collins reporting from TINAPA
Filmmaker, film distributor and CEO of G-Media, Gab Okoye a.k.a Gaborsky was among panelists during a session at the ongoing AFRIFF where he and others stated that Nigerian filmmakers will continue to earn little or nothing from their movies until there is a properly structured distribution framework for the film industry.
Also speaking on the topic: Demystifying Distribution in Nigeria, Kene Mkparu (CEO FilmHouse and Film One Distribution), Uwem Jacobs (CEO Metro Classic Pictures Ltd), and Chichi Nworah of Ibaka TV, all agreed that distribution is still an issue in the Nigerian film industry otherwise called Nollywood.
Speaking at the ongoing Africa International Film Festival in Calabar, Okoye said piracy is only thriving because of scarcity caused by the existing poor distribution network.
‘When we initiated Nollywood, we didn’t have a distribution network. We were doing analogue distribution with its attendant problems. We then realised that piracy was thriving on scarcity, so I decided to float a distribution chain after I had been licensed by government. Now, I have G-Media which has offices in 20 states to bridge the gap,’ he said.
On his part, Mkparu said that to an extent, cinemas can help address the issue of distribution. He however added that the movie producer must first know why and who he/she is making the film for.
According to him, ‘Because of issues with DVD and CD, cinema became important. But even at that, cinema alone is not the answer. Producers spend very little on print and advertising. You need at least N15 million for publicity but most don’t do that. Then, most producers focus on Lagos alone when there are cinemas elsewhere else in the country too.’
In her submission, Nworah stated that Ibaka TV has two platforms where it uploads movies. There is the Youtube channel where average films are uploaded and the premium platform where movies of cinema quality are shown. She therefore urged filmmakers to ensure that their works is of the highest standard for them to increase their earnings.