Jade Osiberu Nollywood royalties debate as filmmaker highlights risks, urges actors to consider full industry value chain

Nigerian filmmaker and director Jade Osiberu has called for a more balanced and realistic approach to the ongoing debate on royalties for actors in the Nollywood industry, stressing the need to consider the full value chain of filmmaking.

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Speaking via her X handle, Jade Osiberu highlighted the financial risks involved in film production, noting that conversations around royalties must reflect the realities faced by producers and investors.

The Jade Osiberu Nollywood royalties debate intervention comes amid increasing calls for structured compensation systems for actors in the industry.

In a pointed remark laced with sarcasm, she suggested that if royalties are to be enforced without balance, actors and crew members should also share in covering production losses when films underperform.

“I think the association should also implement a law that when a producer makes a loss on a project, all the actors and crew come together to contribute,” she said, adding that contributions could be based on roles and seniority.

However, Jade Osiberu clarified that the suggestion was not literal but intended to draw attention to the complexity of the issue and the need for nuance in industry discussions.

She noted that she has previously offered backend deals to actors and encouraged them to invest in film projects as a way of sharing both risks and rewards.

The Jade Osiberu Nollywood royalties debate stance underscores the tension between creative labour and financial investment in an industry still developing its structural framework.

According to the filmmaker, many actors are often reluctant to invest in projects due to uncertainty around profitability, despite calls for long-term earnings through royalties.

“I get that everyone wants to look out for themselves, but filmmaking is one of the most capital-intensive art forms,” she said.

She added that any stakeholder focused solely on earnings without understanding the broader ecosystem must take time to learn the dynamics of the industry.

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Industry observers say her comments introduce a critical perspective to the royalties conversation, emphasising shared responsibility and a sustainable model for growth.