How Nigerian filmmakers mismanaged Netflix funds – Basketmouth

Comedian-turned-filmmaker Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth, has accused some Nollywood producers of diverting funds provided by global streaming platforms like Netflix for personal luxury.

In a recent interview on Arise TV, the 46-year-old claimed that these actions have undermined the streaming giant’s efforts to boost the Nigerian film industry.

According to him, many producers used only a fraction of allocated budgets for actual filmmaking while spending the rest on extravagant lifestyles.

“When the streaming platforms came in, they provided significant funding to producers. But these producers would take the $1.5 million or whatever they’re given and use about 10 per cent to make the movie. The rest? Houses, cars, and personal expenses. I can’t call names, but they know themselves,” Basketmouth alleged.

He further expressed frustration over producers who exploited Netflix’s attempt to ensure transparency by paying actors directly, claiming some demanded actors return half of their earnings.

“I’m not generalising, but most of them—70 per cent or more—misuse these funds. When the platforms noticed, they started paying actors directly. But even then, these producers would go behind the scenes and demand that actors return half of their pay.

“When you cut corners like this, the result is obvious. That’s why some of our epic movies look like stage plays. The horses? They’re lean and coughing!”

Basketmouth’s comments come amidst reports of Netflix halting movie acquisitions and funding in Nigeria from November 2024.

However, Netflix denied the claims, reaffirming its commitment to Nigerian content.

The allegations follow a trend set by Amazon Prime Video, which made a similar move nearly two years ago.

Basketmouth, who recently released his debut feature film A Ghetto Love Story, also emphasised the need for producers to prioritise production quality over personal gains.

The film, starring Akah Nnani, Beverly Osu, Patience Ozokwor, and Chioma Chukwuka, grossed N51 million across Nigeria and Ghana, with N22.3 million earned during its opening weekend.