Impact of Covid-19 on Nollywood

Abstract

Prior to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic and the attendant lockdown that grounded activities in all spheres of life globally, the Nigerian film industry  christened ‘Nollywood’ was gradually overcoming the hydra-headed problem of piracy through revival of cinema culture. This is evidenced in reversal to  exhibition in cinema halls like celluloid film days before the production into home videos. Closely aligned to this is the evolution of digital streaming  platforms (DSP) to checkmate activities of fraudulent marketers and distributors. However, these new strategies of exhibition, distribution and marketing  that is making filmmakers to smile to the bank was disrupted by the sudden shutdown of economic activities to stem the tidal wave of corona virus  ravaging the world. Subsequently, to mitigate the spread of the pandemic which has had devastating effects on arts, culture and entertainment sector  including the film industry lockdown (otherwise known as sit-at-home policy) was introduced. This was characterized in truncating of film sets, and  postponement of ongoing and planned shoots with attendant financial losses. Despite these setbacks, Covid-19 also presented opportunities for the  filmmakers to channel their creativity to alternative sources of production, distribution and exhibition. These are typified in film production targeted at  online distribution and exhibition. This article examines the adversities and opportunities induced by the Covid-19, using documentary method of data  collection and globalisation as theoretical framework. Among other findings, downturn of return on investment (ROI) for filmmakers during the lockdown  forced them to intensify the usage of DSP that commenced before the pandemic for distribution and exhibition as the appetite of Nigerian DSP  subscribers surges.