IWIF Proffers Solutions to Boost Nollywood’s Economic Strength

The Inkblot Women In Film (IWIF) initiative has harped on the need for a body or union that focuses on the wellbeing of movie practitioners across the value chain in the Nigerian industry.

IWIF also called for a departure from the patriarchal workings of the film industry, noting that holistic change is needed for Nollywood to fully compete at a global level and attract more investment.

According to a report, the Nigerian film industry has rapidly grown into a strong economic force, comprising 1.4 percent of Nigeria’s GDP since 2013, and while there are a lot of positives, the general consensus is that more still needs to be done.

Therefore, The co-founder of Inkblot Productions and Convener of IWIF, Zulumoke Oyibo, said with the above, she hopes to achieve with the Inkblot Women In Film initiative by bringing together the country’s best creative and entrepreneurial minds to discuss the state of the industry, as well as challenges it faces, and opportunities for growth.

At the IWIF monthly meeting, the inner workings of the industry was examined and explored ways things can be made efficiently.

The June edition featured a lineup of members and associates of the group, including Oyibo; Actor and TV Host, Osas Ighodaro; Actor and Content Creator, Layole Oyatogun; Actor and Director, Belinda Ayanga; Producer, Jemila Musa; Writer and Director, Ifeanyi Chidi; Filmmaker and Lifestyle influencer, Alex Unusual; Writer/Producer, Fatimah Binta Gimsay; Managing Partner, GLG Communications, Omawumi Ogbe; Actor, Anee Icha; Media Personality/Entrepreneur, Anto Lecky; Actor/Model, Beverly Osu; Producer, Onyinye Okoroji, and Actor/ Model, Chrystabel Goddy.

Oyibo, who is also the co-founder of Inkblot Productions, noted that Nollywood doesn’t really have movie stars like other industries in other climes.

She suggested that something should be done in the industry to brand actors, market them and make them stars.

According to him, “Actors need to be invested in more. The primary selling point of the film is the face of the movie. Brand actors, mark them up and promote them to the public.”

On her own, actor and broadcaster, Layole Oyatogun, expressed deep concerns about the fact that production houses and filmmakers don’t put more efforts into their public relations and leverage the media to push their works.

She said: “How does an actor who can’t even afford to sustain themselves pay for personal branding out of his pocket? If a production house has a publicist and viable communications department, it will be easy for them to promote their talents.”

Oyatogun also revealed that “there are people in Nigeria who are ready to invest millions into film productions but producers are not sure of how they’d make their money back for them.”

Also, a producer and writer, Belinda Yanga, added that more cinemas should ensure that Nigerian movies get the showcase, placements and time slots that they deserve. She also implored that film exhibitors should encourage cinema-goers to see Nigerian movies.

“I’ve witnessed behind-the-counter attendants sometimes suggest Hollywood films over Nollywood films. They are not pushing it actively,” she said.

Another burning issue that has also come up in previous IWIF deliberations is the role unions within the industry should play in protecting the interest of film practitioners.

Star actress, Osas Ighodaro, harped on the need for the bodies in the industry to seek better welfare packages for members. “I see the structure and organisation of the union in the United States, and how they protect the actors. Coming here, there is no structure; actors do not get royalties. There should be a residual structure for actors, directors, writers and more to receive royalties for their work,” she stated.

The group said: “IWIF aims to keep driving the conversation on better access, welfare, working conditions for women, and also create a platform where data and information about the Nigerian film industry will be easily accessible. The potential impact of Nollywood on Nigeria’s economy is almost limitless, and IWIF hopes to drive the industry in the right direction to manifest this potential.”