How Much Does it Cost to Produce a Nollywood Movie?

When it comes to movie production, one of the questions usually asked is “How much does it cost to produce a Nollywood movie?” 

Trust me, this is a great question because the cost of producing a movie varies from one country to another. Also, depending on the type of production, the budget can vary significantly. 

So, it’s important for you to research and know what it will cost to produce a movie in Nigeria before embarking on it. Because the cost of producing movies in the country, like ours can vary significantly. 

Although Nigeria does not yet have a production-wide budgeting system for film-making, expenses still need to be taken into account.

To help you, in this blog post you’ll learn the costs of producing a movie in Nigeria and other tips to help you plan your budget accordingly.

How Much Does It Cost to Produce a Nollywood Movie

Nollywood caters to a diverse audience, and film budgets reflect that. Here’s a breakdown of the cost:

1. Low-budget movies (₦1.2 million – ₦10 million): Adept filmmakers can craft compelling stories on a shoestring budget. These movies, often aimed for straight-to-TV or online release, rely on creative storytelling, strong performances, and resourceful use of locations. Think minimal sets, smaller casts, and efficient shooting schedules.
2. Mid-tier cinema films (₦30 million – ₦50 million): This is the sweet spot for many Nollywood productions. These films boast higher production value, featuring more elaborate sets, recognizable actors, and potentially even special effects. They target theatrical releases and often find a loyal audience among fans seeking a quality cinematic experience.
3. High-budget (₦50 million+): Welcome to the big leagues!  These films pull out all the stops, boasting expansive sets, A-list actors, elaborate costumes, and sometimes even international locations.  Think of them as the blockbusters of Nollywood, vying for major box office success and critical acclaim.

Cost of Producing a Movie in Nigeria

Pre-production stage

• Script fees: Many filmmakers choose to hire writers for the purpose of writing the script for their movie. This cost will vary depending on the length and complexity of the script as well as the experience of the writer.
• Location costs: The cost of shooting a movie in Nigeria depends heavily on the location. Some locations are more expensive than others. Locations such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are particularly expensive due to their high demand. If a production requires locations outside of these main cities, there are other locations available at lower costs. Additionally, if a production plans to shoot outside of Nigeria, the cost of travel and lodging must be factored into the budget.
• Cast & crew: They are another major expense. Having an experienced and competent cast and crew are essential to having a good quality movie. You will need to pay the cast and crew members for their services, as well as provide them with food and transportation. 
• Equipment costs: Filmmakers need to acquire cameras, lights, sound equipment, and other tools of the trade in order to properly create their film. 
• Insurance: To protect themselves and their production, it’s advised to get insurance cover. This cost will vary depending on the type and amount of coverage required. 

Production stage

Production refers to the part of the process in which footage is recorded. This is what most people imagine when they think of a film being made —

actors on sets, cameras rolling, etc. The production phase is also known as principal photography. The goal of principal photography is obviously to record all required shots.

Depending on the scale of the production, the crew starts with a camera operator, a producer/director and assistant. Other crew additions include second cameras, make-up artists, sound recordists and more. 

Anyone who has worked for a good and experienced production company will know their role and will make it all look easy. The production crew may have one day to shoot a lot of footage, or that there would only be one shot at a time and filming a particular scene or interview would need to be perfect.

Welfare and the well-being of the cast and crew can influence mood, tiredness, alertness and awareness. So take care of them by providing the necessary things to make them comfortable.

Post-production stage

The post-production phase of film production is just as important as the filming phase and this generally costs about 25-35% of the total budget and there may also be additional costs associated with marketing, advertising, and distributing the movie once it is finished.

The post-production phase involves tasks such as editing, color correction, sound mixing, and special effects. The most common post-production costs are as follows:

Editing costs

Editing involves assembling the footage shot during production into a cohesive story. This task is usually completed by a professional editor and can cost thousands of dollars depending on the length and complexity of the movie.

Color correction

During the post-production process, filmmakers may need to use color correction to adjust the color balance of their film. This process can be completed using software and typically costs a few hundred dollars.

Sound mixing

A professional sound mixer is typically hired to mix the sound recorded during production. This can cost hundreds of dollars or more depending on the length and complexity of the movie.

Read Also: How Big is the Nigerian Film Industry?

Special effects

Special effects are often used in film to create a certain look or atmosphere. The cost of creating these effects can vary greatly depending on the type and complexity of the effects needed.

Music and sound effects

Music and sound effects are used to enhance the overall atmosphere and story of the film. The cost of licensing music and sound effects can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the complexity and length of the film. 

Advertising costs

This will help promote the film and build awareness for its release. Advertising costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the type and complexity of the ad campaign.

Distribution costs

Filmmakers must also cover distribution costs in order to get the movie into theaters and for sale on video platforms. These costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the number of platforms the movie will be released on.

Promotion costs

Promotion costs can include things like posters, flyers, and other materials used to promote the movie. These costs can vary depending on the type and quantity of promotional materials needed. 

Conclusion

The cost of producing a movie in Nigeria can vary greatly, depending on the size and scope of the production. It is important for you to do your research and know the typical costs associated with movie making in Nigeria before you embark on a project.

By understanding these costs and planning ahead, you can help ensure that your production is successful and runs on budget, additionally shooting a movie in Nigeria can be a fun, rewarding, and cost-effective experience for you.