Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has criticised Nollywood producers turning to YouTube as an alternative streaming platform.
Speaking in a recent interview with former Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun, Afolayan argued that YouTube can never be on the same level as Netflix and Prime in terms of movie streaming.
He, however, admitted that YouTube is a good starting point for beginners and producers who do not have the resources and leverage to put their films on streaming giants such as Netflix and Prime or even in cinemas.
“Nollywood producers rushing to YouTube is not the way to go. YouTube can never give you what Netflix and Prime would give you. However, it is the most flexible. It is for everyone. It is like a starting point. If you don’t have the strength to negotiate or access to the big players, you open an account and put your movie there. If people watch, you get your money,” he explained.
Afolayan argued that the reason producers are embracing YouTube is because of the current high dollar-to-naira exchange rate.
He predicted that Nollywood producers would abandon YouTube if the dollar-to-naira exchange rate crashed.
“Nigerian filmmakers are rushing to YouTube because of the dollar exchange rate. At ₦1,400 to $1, they celebrate 1 million views because it can bring in about $10,000. But if the dollar falls to ₦200, everyone will run away from YouTube. I pray the dollar-to-naira exchange rate comes down,” he added.