DSTV EXPANDS AFRICA MAGIC NOLLYWOOD CHANNELS BUT WHAT DO FILM MAKERS GAIN

Nollywood actors Uche Jombo & Desmond Elliot pose for AFMAG publicity 

You may have heard recently that DSTV, the continent’s most popular television network expanded its AFRICA MAGIC stations from 2 to 5 stations.  AFMAG is the DSTV channel that airs mostly Nollywood related content.  With the changes, the company has decided to put all African related content on AFMAG stations instead of splitting them between MNET and AFMAG.  Simply stated, Nollywood films, Studio 53, Jara, Jacob’s Cross, Tinsel, Big Brother are now under one big umbrella.  Good move on the part of DSTV,  after all, Nollywood was the catalyst for creating all these other shows mentioned.  On a lighter note, the changes should turn down a few stuck up noses at Tinsel’s acting camp.


So do the changes signify changes in producer’s potential incomes?

Nollywood producers selling movies to DSTV’s Africa Magic often have to sell their films at bargain basement prices ranging anywhere from a low of $500 to $3,000 for higher end movies. These figures have always been a source of acrimony between DSTV and content sellers.

Some of the producers feel cheated especially since they feel that Nollywood has primarily driven the growth of the company across Africa.  Other producers believe that DSTV has contributed to the disposal nature of Nollywood content.  The argument is that the low fees paid for content encourages poor quality products which is why you will not readily see films from quality producers such as Tunde Kelani, Leila Djansi, Kunle Afolayan, Chineze Anyaene and the rest of them.

Producers state that the typical contract is for a period not less than 2 years (smarter producers have started asking for 6 months to a year contracts). The adhesive contracts entitles DSTV to air the films on any of their platforms as many times as they deem fit. In fact, we understand that unbeknownst to less savvy producers, DSTV often obtains 3rd party contracts rights from them as well.  This means that they can sell the rights to third parties and may be even reap bigger benefits than the paid for.  This has come as a nasty surprise to many producers who usually do not involve lawyers in their deals, and are too ignorant to understand the ramifications of their actions. 

Check out this link http://www.balancingact-africa.com/news/broadcast/issue-no114/distribution/thema-tv-acquires-ri/bc

BBA Amplified winner 2011 Karen Igho poses

So what is Nollywood to expect from DSTV now that business seems to be booming?  Believe me, if business were bad, DSTV would not be expanding the number of channels dedicated to an industry.  So far, some producers have reported being offered anywhere between $6,000 to $10,000 for their films. These prices are apparently attracting more producers like Emem Isong, Vivian Ejike and Shirley Frimpong. Their films are currently in heavy rotation on Channel AfMag128. Viewers are already complaining that the programming is monotonous.  DSTV may have to up the fees to get new Nollywood producers to sell to them or maybe develop a “PAY PER VIEW” platform for those who spend millions making films to recoup their money.