Nigerian filmmaker Chima Okoroji, popularly known as Chimex, has voiced concern over what he describes as a major power shift in Nollywood, where actor-producers now dominate the industry.
Okoroji explained that the growing influence of actors who have transitioned into producing films has drastically changed the balance of power within Nigeria’s movie industry.
“There are two types of producers in Nollywood: producers and actor-producers,” he said. “The latter, created by viewers who have made them stars, wield significant influence over producers. As a result, producers are often at the mercy of actor-producers, who dictate how productions should be run.”
According to him, many of these actor-producers not only produce their own movies but also finance projects for fellow actors, leaving traditional producers sidelined and struggling to keep up.
“After keeping producers waiting for months, actor-producers often develop a dismissive attitude towards them. Consequently, many producers have been forced out of the market,” Okoroji added.
He noted that while some traditional producers have attempted to introduce new talents, audiences’ strong preference for familiar faces makes it difficult for fresh entrants to thrive.
As a survival strategy, some producers have started appearing in their own films, hoping to build personal brands and stay relevant in the fast-evolving Nollywood space.
Okoroji’s remarks underscore the ongoing transformation within the industry, one driven by stardom, social influence, and the changing economics of film production in Nigeria.
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