A Nollywood film producer is someone who oversees the full process of making a film in the Nigerian film industry. Making a Nollywood film can be a great way to display your talent, creativity, and vision as a filmmaker, as well as reach a large and diverse audience around the world.
However, making a film in Nollywood is not an easy job. It takes a lot of planning, coordination, management, and problem-solving skills. As a Nollywood producer, you are responsible for many aspects of the film, from the initial idea to the final product. You have to deal with various challenges and opportunities along the way, such as budget limits, time pressure, technical issues, artistic decisions, and distribution strategies.
One of the main hurdles that you have to face as a Nollywood producer is finding the balance between creativity and commerce. Creativity is the ability to produce original and innovative ideas that show your artistic vision and style. Commerce is the ability to produce profitable and marketable goods that appeal to your target audience and goals. Both creativity and commerce are important for making a successful film in Nollywood, but they are often in conflict with each other. How do you balance them?
In this article, we will cover the responsibilities of a Nollywood film producer. We will cover the three main steps of filmmaking: pre-production, production, and post-production. We will also provide some tips and information for aspiring or novice producers who want to make their own Nollywood films. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of what it takes to be a successful Nollywood film producer and how to balance creativity and business in your filmmaking process.
Nollywood film producer and Pre-Production
Pre-production is the part where you prepare everything you need for the actual shooting of the film. It is a very important step for a film, as it can determine the quality, efficiency, and feasibility of your project. As a Nollywood film producer, you have several tasks to achieve in pre-production, such as:
Developing the concept
Come up with a clear and original idea for your film and get a script that tells your story, characters, and dialogue. Make sure that the script is good for a film format. This means it should have a strong hook, a clear framework, a concise plot, and a satisfying ending. You also have to consider the genre, tone, style, and message of your picture and how they appeal to your target audience. This is where you can unleash your creativity and show your artistic vision and style. However, you also have to keep in mind the commercial parts of your film, such as the budget, market demand, audience expectations, etc. Find a balance between creating something unique and original that reflects your style as a filmmaker. Create something realistic and viable that meets the needs and wants of your viewers.
Securing the funding and budget
Find a way to finance your film, either by using your own money, asking for grants or loans, crowdfunding, or seeking sponsors or investors. Come up with a realistic budget that covers all the expenses of your film, such as tools, cast, crew, locations, transportation, food, insurance, and contingencies.
Keep track of your spending and make sure that you do not exceed your budget. This is where you have to be more commercial than artistic. It’s important to be sensible and realistic about how much money you can raise and spend on your film.
Ensure that you are flexible and adaptable enough to change your creative ideas to fit your financial limitations. Be convincing to attract and keep your funders and fans.
Hiring the cast and crew
Find and hire the right people for your film, both in front of and behind the camera. Conduct auditions or interviews to select the best actors for the roles and discuss their contracts and fees. You also have to assemble a professional and reliable crew that can handle the technical parts of your film, such as the director, cinematographer, sound engineer, editor, production designer, makeup artist, etc. Communicate your goals and expectations to them clearly and respectfully. This is where you have to combine creativity and commerce again. Choose people who can bring out the best of your script and enhance your artistic vision and style. You also have to choose people who can work within your budget and meet your goals and standards. Choose people who can work well with you and with each other and create a positive and productive working environment.
Scouting the locations and getting the permits
Find and secure the best places to shoot your film, according to your script and budget. Scout for potential locations that fit your story and aesthetic preferences, and check their availability and accessibility. You also have to receive permits or permissions from the owners or authorities of the locations and pay any fees or charges that may apply. Make sure that your places are safe and legal for filming. This is where you have to be more commercial than artistic again. Be practical and realistic about the locations that you can access for your film. Ensure you are flexible and adaptable to change your creative ideas to fit your location limitations. Be respectful and cooperative with the people who own or run the locations that you want to use for your film.
Creating the production schedule and plan
Plan and organize the shooting of your film in a timely and efficient way. Create a production schedule that includes the dates, times, locations, scenes, actors, and crew members involved in each day of filming. You also have to create a production plan that details the equipment, props, costumes, makeup, lighting, sound, special effects, etc. that you need for each scene. Coordinate with everyone involved in your production and make sure that they are aware of their jobs and responsibilities. This is where you have to be more commercial than artistic, once again. Be organized and disciplined in handling your time and resources for your film. Ensure you’re realistic and exact in estimating how long and how much it will take to shoot each scene of your film. However, be prepared and proactive in dealing with any changes or challenges that may affect your work schedule or plan.
Nollywood film producer and Production
Production is the part where you shoot your film according to your script, schedule, and plan. It is a very difficult phase for a film, as it involves a lot of pressure, coordination, and creativity. As a Nollywood film producer, you have several tasks to complete in production, such as:
Overseeing the daily operations and logistics
Watch the smooth and efficient running of your production daily. Make sure that everything and everyone is ready and in place for each day of shooting. Check the weather, traffic, tools, props, costumes, makeup, etc. before each shoot. Plan the transportation, accommodations, catering, security, etc. for your cast and crew. This is another area where you have to be more commercial than artistic. Be organized and disciplined in handling your time and resources for your film. Ensure that you expect and are prepared for any challenges that may affect your production processes or logistics.
Managing the resources and expenses
Manage the resources and expenses of your company carefully and responsibly. Keep track of your spending and make sure that you do not overspend or waste money. You also have to watch the usage and maintenance of your equipment and materials and make sure that they are not damaged or lost. Deal with any unexpected costs or changes that may appear during production. Be sensible and realistic about how much money you can spend on your film. Be flexible and adaptable enough to change your creative ideas to fit your financial limitations.
Ensuring the quality and safety standards
Ensure that your film meets the quality and safety standards that you have set for yourself and your team. Make sure that your film is shot with high-quality tools and techniques, and that it follows the artistic vision and direction that you have agreed upon with your director. Ensure that your film complies with the legal and ethical rules and guidelines of Nollywood, such as respecting the rights and dignity of your cast and crew, avoiding plagiarism or defamation, etc. This is where you can showcase your creativity and employ your artistic vision and style.
However, you also have to keep in mind the commercial aspects of your film, such as the budget, market demand, audience expectations, etc. Find a balance between creating something unique and original that reflects your style as a filmmaker and creating something realistic and viable that meets the needs and wants of your viewers.
Solving any problems or issues that arise
Solve any problems or issues that may arise during production quickly and effectively. Be prepared for any contingencies or emergencies that may occur, such as bad weather, equipment failure, actor illness, site cancellation, etc. Be open and adaptable to any changes or challenges that may affect your production. You also have to be calm and confident in handling any conflicts or disputes that may occur among your cast and team. Use your imagination and innovation to find solutions or alternatives for any problems or issues that may arise during production. Use your commerce and negotiation skills to settle any conflicts or disputes that may arise during production.
Communicating with the director and other stakeholders
Speak with the director and other stakeholders in your film regularly and clearly. Update them on the progress and status of your work, and report any problems or issues that may need their attention or approval. Listen to their feedback and ideas, and incorporate them into your production if necessary. Keep a good relationship with them and collaborate with them throughout the production. This is another instance where the combination of creativity and commerce comes in again. Respect and support the creative vision and direction of your director, and help him or her achieve his or her goals. You also have to respect and meet the commercial goals and expectations of your other stakeholders, such as funders, investors, distributors, etc.
Nollywood film producer and Post-Production
Post-production is the phase where you finalize and polish your film after the shooting is done. It is a very opportunity-filled phase for a film, as it includes a lot of creativity, innovation, and optimization. As a Nollywood film producer, you have several tasks to achieve in post-production, such as:
Supervising the editing and sound design
Supervise the editing and sound design of your film and make sure that they match your vision and standards. Work with your editor and sound designer to pick the best shots, arrange them in a coherent and engaging sequence, and add transitions, effects, titles, credits, etc. You also have to work with them to make the soundtrack, mix the dialogue, music, and sound effects, adjust the volume, tone, and quality, etc. This is where you can put in your creativity and show your artistic vision and style. Work with your editor and sound designer to enhance the mood, pace, and impact of your film. Experiment with different editing and sound methods to create a unique and original style for your film.
Reviewing the final cut and giving feedback
Review the final cut of your film and give feedback to your editor and sound artist. Check if your picture meets the technical and artistic standards that you have set for yourself and your team. Ensure that your film has no errors or glitches, that it tells your story and message clearly and effectively, that it captures the attention and emotion of your audience, etc. Make any revisions or corrections that may be needed before accepting the final cut. Ensure that you are happy with the final cut of your film as a creative product that reflects your voice as a filmmaker. Also, make sure you are satisfied with the end cut of your film as a commercial product that meets the needs and wants of your potential viewers.
Arranging the distribution and marketing strategies
It’s your responsibility to arrange the distribution and marketing strategies for your film, ensuring that they reach your target audience and goals. Decide how and where you want to share your film, such as on online platforms, TV channels, cinemas, etc. Decide how and when you want to sell your film, such as social media, websites, blogs, podcasts, posters, trailers, etc. Build a distribution and marketing plan that outlines your objectives, strategies, tactics, budget, timeline, etc. This is where you have to be more commercial than artistic. Be clever and smart about how you can reach and attract your target group and achieve your goals. Ensure that you are informed and responsive to market trends and demands for your genre, style, theme, message, etc. Be innovative and successful in creating and delivering your marketing materials and messages.
Submitting the film to events and competitions
Consider sending your film to festivals and competitions that are important and suitable for your genre, style, theme, message, etc. Study and select the best festivals and competitions for your film, such as local, national, regional, or international ones. You should prepare and submit the necessary materials for each festival or competition, such as application forms, fees, copies of your film, press kits, etc.
Follow up with them and wait for their replies. This is where you can release your creativity again. Showcase your skill, creativity, and vision as a filmmaker, and compete with other filmmakers from different backgrounds and viewpoints. Also, use this chance to network with other filmmakers, critics, audiences, event organizers, judges, etc., and learn from their feedback and experiences.
Evaluating the results and feedback
Analyze the results and feedback of your film after its distribution and marketing. Measure the performance and effect of your film based on various indicators, such as views, ratings, reviews, comments, shares, likes, awards, nominations, etc. Collect and examine the feedback from different sources, such as audiences, critics, peers, festival organizers, judges, etc. Use the results and comments to improve your skills and knowledge as a Nollywood producer of a film. Again, you would combine your creativity and commerce here. Be proud of the results and feedback of your film as a creative product that shows your artistic vision and style. Also, be proud of the results and comments of your film as a commercial product that appeals to your target audience and goals.
Final words
We hope this article has given you a better idea of what it takes to be a successful Nollywood producer of a film, and how to balance creativity and commerce in your filmmaking process. If you are interested in becoming a Nollywood film producer, we urge you to pursue your passion and follow your dreams. You have the potential to make amazing films that can entertain, educate, inspire, and empower your audience. The potential to make profitable films that can support your career and goals is also something you have. You just need to combine your creative and business skills, and you will be on your way to success.
Thank you for reading this post. We hope you liked it and learned something from it. If you have questions, please email us. We would love to hear from you.