Renowned Nigerian comedian and filmmaker Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has provided insights into Netflix’s approach to the Nigerian entertainment market, dispelling rumors of the streaming giant’s complete exit.
Speaking exclusively in an interview with Nollywood on Radio, AY addressed the recent speculation surrounding Netflix’s operations in Nigeria, which emerged after Victor Ohai, President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, announced potential changes in the platform’s movie acquisition strategy at the Zuma Film Festival in Abuja.
AY emphatically stated that Netflix is not abandoning the Nigerian market, but rather re-evaluating its business strategy.
“I had a meeting with Netflix recently, and it was never mentioned that they are opting out of business in this part of the world,” he revealed.
The comedian highlighted a critical challenge facing the streaming platform: a significant disparity between Nigeria’s massive population and its Netflix subscriptions.
With over 200 million Nigerians, the platform currently registers only approximately 300,000 subscriptions, indicating substantial potential for growth.
“The truth is if you are doing business in a particular region and you are not making money but spending much more than you are making, you would want to re-strategise,” AY explained.
He pointed out that the issue extends beyond filmmakers and encompasses broader consumer behavior.
One primary concern AY identified is the widespread practice of subscription sharing.
“You would see a person with a Netflix subscription sharing with several people, so that’s the problem. It is not just about the filmmakers,” he emphasized.
The context of these discussions follows recent controversial statements by comedian Bright ‘Basketmouth’ Okpocha, who alleged mismanagement of funds by Nollywood producers working with global streaming platforms.
While addressing the Netflix situation, AY also discussed his latest film project, “The Waiter,” which premiered recently and is scheduled for cinema release on 20 December across Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia.
The film features a star-studded cast including Shaffy Bello, Regina Daniels, Deyemi Okanlawon, Rahama Sadau, Williams Uchemba, and Toke Makinwa.
The movie promises a thrilling narrative centered around a waiter caught in a hotel invasion, potentially offering audiences an engaging cinematic experience that reflects the dynamic storytelling characteristic of contemporary Nollywood productions.
