Nollywood actor and filmmaker Deyemi Okanlawon has explained why many Nigerian filmmakers are opting for YouTube releases over traditional cinemas.
Speaking on Rubbin’ Minds, he said cinemas have become hostile terrain for independent producers.
“It’s democratic on YouTube—no gatekeepers, no politics. Cinemas? It’s about who you know and how much you spend on marketing,” he said.
Even after grossing over ₦130 million from a cinema release, Okanlawon said his profit margin was thin. “After cinema cuts, taxes, and logistics, I barely broke even,” he added.
He also revealed he took a break in 2019 to learn the business side of filmmaking, eventually rising to acting CEO at Silverbird.