Lights, camera, action! The Nigerian entertainment scene has seen an incredible rise in streaming services over the past decade, and it's been quite the show! With the power of the internet and a plethora of online video content at their fingertips, Nigerians are flocking to streaming services for their dose of entertainment. But hey, while it may seem like all fun and games, there's a downside to this digital revolution, especially for our talented filmmakers.

So, what exactly are these streaming services? Well, they're like your ticket to accessing media content online without the hassle of downloads. Whether it's binging on TV shows, movies, or grooving to your favorite tunes, these platforms have got you covered. I'm talking about big names like Irokotv, Netflix, Showmax, and Amazon Prime, making waves in the Nigerian market. It's safe to say that traditional cinema and television viewing have taken a backseat while online streaming steals the spotlight.

Now, let's talk perks. With streaming services, you've got a treasure trove of shows that might have been off-limits on pricey television subscriptions. Oh, and the cherry on top? You can enjoy them anytime, anywhere, on any device! It's like having your own personal cinema on the go, all at a pocket-friendly price. No wonder more and more folks are jumping on the streaming bandwagon.

But, my dear readers, as we peel back the layers, we uncover a different side of the story. You see, this surge in streaming services has dealt a blow to our beloved filmmakers. Lights, camera, and a hefty dose of reality! Let's dive into the negative impact that has left our filmmakers feeling a little blue.

The rise of streaming services in Nigeria has undoubtedly changed the way people consume entertainment content. With the likes of Irokotv, Netflix, Showmax, and Amazon Prime making significant marks in the Nigerian market, it is safe to say there has been a shift from traditional cinema and television viewing to online streaming.

With streaming services, you have access to a variety of shows that you might not have been able to watch on paid television because of the high subscription rate. You can watch anywhere you are without restrictions on different devices. It provides a convenient and affordable way for viewers to access a wide range of content.

The perceived benefits are the reason why more and more people have shifted their viewing habits to online platforms. While these streaming services have provided new avenues for filmmakers to distribute their content, potentially reach a wider audience, and made money. It has also impacted negatively on the filmmakers in Nigeria.

The Negative Impact of Streaming Services on Film Makers

One of the ways streaming services negatively impact filmmakers is through the devaluation of content. With the easy accessibility of content on these platforms, consumers have become accustomed to paying low subscription fees, which are often not enough to cover the production cost of the content. As a result, filmmakers are often forced to produce content with lower budgets, which can negatively impact the quality of the final product.

Another impact of streaming services on the Nigerian film industry is the difficulty in monetizing content. With the proliferation of illegal streaming websites and social media platforms, many consumers opt to watch content for free rather than paying subscription fees. This makes it difficult for filmmakers to monetize their content, which can ultimately lead to a decline in the industry. The issue here is while the filmmakers are paid by the known and legal streaming services in Nigeria, the illegal ones are having a field day and raking in tonnes of money with no one to regulate their services.

Furthermore, the rise of streaming services has led to a decrease in the demand for physical media such as DVDs and Blu-rays. As a result, filmmakers are losing out on the revenue generated from the sale of these physical media formats. This is particularly problematic in Nigeria where piracy is rampant, and filmmakers rely on the sale of physical media to recoup their investments.

Finally, the rise of streaming services has also led to increased competition in the industry. With a plethora of content available to consumers, filmmakers are forced to compete with international productions, which often have larger budgets and more resources. This can make it difficult for Nigerian filmmakers to create content that can compete and stand out in the crowded market.

The Future of Film Makers in Nigeria

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) which is a professional body of filmmakers, actors, and actresses that aims to promote and protect the interest of its members, should as a matter of urgency seek ways to clamp down on illegal streaming services and piracy.

These activities are two of the biggest threats to the entertainment industry in Nigeria. They should work with the government to strengthen laws that protect their intellectual property.

They could also monitor online platforms that offer streaming services, making sure they have the proper licenses and agreements in place to distribute content. This will ensure they are operating legally.

One potential way to curb piracy will be to engage with stakeholders in the entertainment industry, including directors and distributors to develop new business models that make it more difficult for pirates to profit from their activities.

The stakeholders and policymakers should also be engaged so as to create a more supportive environment for Nigerian filmmakers. This could involve lobbying for tax incentives, funding opportunities, and other measures that can help to salvage the industry.

Another solution that can be explored is to partner with streaming services to create more opportunities for its members. This could involve working with platforms like Netflix, show max or amazon prime to produce original content that showcases the talent of Nigerian actors and filmmakers.

While streaming services have undoubtedly provided a new avenue for filmmakers to distribute their content and reach a wider audience, they have also impacted the industry negatively. The devaluation of content, difficulty in monetizing content, decrease demand for physical media, and increased competition are all factors that have negatively impacted filmmakers in Nigeria.

The actor’s guild of Nigeria can play a key role in helping its members navigate this changing landscape and making sure their interest is protected. This will enable filmmakers to thrive in the new era of film distribution.