Exclusive: The Audience Has the Power”: Esther Akapo on Producing Films for Nollywood
Esther Akapo is a Nigerian film producer and director with extensive practical experience in feature film production and directing. She currently works with Uche Jombo Studios, where she has produced over 40 feature-length films and directed more than 12 projects. IMDB
Her expertise includes story development, script breakdown, budgeting, production planning, casting, crew coordination, on-set management, and post-production. Esther previously lectured in Film Production and Directing at EkoCity Polytechnic, where she combined classroom teaching with practical, real-set experience. Her approach to filmmaking is grounded in clear planning, people management, and efficient production delivery.
The Interview
Hello Esther
Hello Black Film Wire
Thank you for giving us your time for this interview and It is a pleasure to have you join us for this conversation
It’s my pleasure
1. Tell us, how has this year been for you in general and as a Filmmaker
This year has been good so far. The challenges are learning curves to being better so I count them as blessings.
2. What drew you to producing in the first place, and what made you decide to build a career around it?
I started off in the industry as a script supervisor. Then I got the rare privilege of being 1 out of 20 participants of the Multichoice talent factory academy, where I learned everything about filmmaking in theory and in practical. And I also discovered myself and my people management skills. Even if I panic, I still have a solution at the end of the day. I know how to get people to do what I want and it has worked for me so far.
3. You have worked on projects associated with Uche Jombo. What have those experiences taught you about what it takes to build a film that can actually survive in the Nigerian market?
I have learned that as much as I have the type of stories I want to tell, the audience also has a way they want to receive the stories. Over the years, I have come to understand that we are in the business of pleasing our audience while finding that purpose in our passion which is storytelling.
4. What do people misunderstand most about the work of a film producer in Nigeria?
It is just to put everybody together. It’s not so much of a big deal. When producing, it is a lot of work, especially in an industry like nollywood where we don’t have the budget to employ all the assisted hands. I have had to do the job of a casting director, line producer, accountant, location scout, crew hire, negotiations and even cast chaperon. Like I said earlier it is the business of managing people to be happy enough to get the best possible results from them.
5. For people outside the industry, what does a Nigerian film producer actually do from the moment a story is approved to the moment audiences watch it?
From the moment a story is approved, we have to finalise casting alongside crew hire. Setup table reads and production meetings. Location recce, meeting upon meetings with the different departments, making sure everyone is in sync with the general vision of the story. Then we move into production proper where we execute all those plans we have been discussing in preproduction. Then post production, previews, advice production and assist in distribution when needed.
6. What has producing taught you about the Nigerian film industry that you could not have learned from simply watching films?
A lot of things. I have learned survival skills on set that have helped me in my everyday life. I have met strangers who have turned into family. I have learned a whole lot.
7. Do you think young filmmakers need film school, or can practical experience and mentorship be enough?
Film school cannot be ruled out, because I for one learned a whole lot from film school. But if there’s no opportunity to attend one, learning on the job has always been the most toured route into filmmaking in Nigeria. Provided the passion is there, the mind is open to receive and a good mentor has been identified, anyone can succeed in the industry with or without film school training.
8. What are the biggest challenges facing producers in Nigeria right now?
Budget constraint. Inaccessibility to external grants and funding. There are no proper regulations and policy control protecting us and our craft.
9. What advice would you give young creatives about negotiating fees, contracts, credits, and ownership?
This one is very dicey. This is a principle that has worked for me but I have friends and colleagues who totally disagree, but let me share regardless. It’s not always about the money. Sometimes it could be a favour, networking, connection or a great story, but make sure whatever it is the working terms are clear and straightforward. Either formal contracts or written messages, always have agreements documented. Your credit is as good as your payment, make sure you are very consistent with the name you want to build your brand around.
10. Who currently has the most power in Nollywood, the storyteller, the financier, the platform, or the audience?
|The audience o. Those people, no matter how touching your story is, if they don’t watch it you can’t make your money back.|
11. YouTube has become a major home for Nollywood. Do you think the platform is democratizing Nigerian filmmaking, or is it contributing to the watering down of Nollywood?
Hmmmm, this one is heavy o. I reserve my comment.
12. As a woman working in Nigerian film production, have you encountered barriers that you think are specific to women in the industry
Well, I understand I am in a somewhat male dominated society, not even the industry alone. So I am always ready for them, I see their moves ahead and stop them before they hinder me.
13. Have you had to navigate parts of the industry differently from your male colleagues?
Not exactly o, like I said I move with understanding and I am always ready to deflate their ego.
14. There is a lot of talk about the growth of Nollywood, but how sustainable is the industry for the crew members who are behind the magic on our screens
Hmmmmmm. The crew are doing a lot of work, but very few roles are recognised and all the spotlight goes to the cast. That is a global thing not a nollywood problem and it has been so ever since. So, I’ll say that doesn’t stop the industry from being sustainable. Keep your credits intact and you’ll be fine, do your job diligently, strive for growth.
15. What is one change you would make to the way Nigerian films are produced if you had the power to make it happen tomorrow?
There is no rule book to produce, so there’s nothing I will universally change. I have a structure I have built that works for me and so do my other colleagues.
16. What’s one personal belief or life mantra you carry with you through every stage; on set, in business, and at home?
Eventually at the end of the day, everything will fall into place. If you die panicking, you’ll rob yourself of that peace that comes at the end of the chaos.
17. Two things, majority do not know about Esther Akapo
I like being by myself but my job constantly puts me in the midst of people.
I am a big dreamer.
Thank you so much, Esther, for taking the time to have this conversation with Black Film Wire. We truly appreciate you sharing your journey, thoughts, and experiences with us. It was a pleasure hearing your perspective, and we’re grateful to have had you
Thank you so much Black Film wire.
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