Nollywood producers weigh in on Netflix partnership challenges
The recent rumour of Netflix’s potential exit from the Nigerian market has sparked concern among Nollywood producers.
Although Netflix promptly refuted the claim, reaffirming its commitment to investing in Nigerian stories, producers are speaking out about their experiences and challenges working with the streaming giant.
In his reaction, Lancelot Imasuen, a prominent director and producer criticised Netflix’s third-party arrangement, calling for direct dealings between the platform and content creators.
Imasuen’s historical film, “Invasion 1897,” was one of the first 10 films acquired by Netflix in Nigeria, but he feels that the platform’s format is limiting.
“Though Netflix is a blessing to the industry, I have, however, queried the firm’s format of acquisition and working with Nigerians. I feel strongly that they concentrated on one end of the film industry.
"They should open their doors for content creators to deal with them directly. As for commissioning of works, I feel that they should continue to commission works but democratize the process so that other filmmakers can showcase their talents,” Lancelot stated.
Alex Eyengho, former president of the Association of Core Nollywood Producers (ANCOP), echoed Imasuen’s sentiments, urging Netflix to democratize its process and remove the current system of middlemen, or “aggregators.”
“Netflix should open its doors to content creators/owners, albeit without lowering their standards. The system of aggregators who are akin to umpires also participating in the game, is not working. The system is not only retrogressive but evil,” Eyengho echoed
Also, Fidelis Duker, founder of the Abuja International Film Festival, believes that the potential exit of Netflix may not have significant implications for the movie industry, as many practitioners are already operating on the YouTube platform.
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