Breaking Down The Nollywood Movie Budget: How Much Do Nollywood Crews Make?

Disclaimer: The following is a general estimate based on industry trends and can vary significantly depending on various factors such as production scale, experience level, and negotiation.

Ever wondered how the budget of a Nollywood movie is distributed? Let's dive into the numbers. For a typical $60,000 Nollywood film with a 12-day shoot in Nigeria, here's a breakdown of potential earnings for different roles.

The Cast: The Faces of the Film The cast, undoubtedly the most visible part of a film, plays a crucial role. However, not everyone gets a slice of the big pie.

The Big Players: Cast and Crew Salaries

While the allure of the silver screen is undeniable, the reality of Nollywood finances is often quite different from the glitz and glamour. Here's a breakdown of average salaries for key roles in a $60,000 Nollywood production:

Cast

Lead Actor: $4,000 - $7,000
Supporting Lead: $2,000 - $4,000
Main Cast: $1,000 - $2,000 per actor
Extras: $50 - $100 per day

Crew

Director: $5,000 - $8,000
Producer: $6,000 - $10,000
Director of Photography (DOP): $3,000 - $5,000
Production Manager: $2,000 - $3,000
Sound Engineer: $1,500 - $2,500
Gaffer: $1,000 - $1,500
Camera Assistant: $800 - $1,200
Makeup Artist: $1,000 - $1,500
Wardrobe Designer: $1,000 - $1,500
Set and Prop Workers: $800 - $1,200 per person
Location Driver: $600 - $1,000
Script Supervisor: $800 - $1,200
Production Assistant: $400 - $800
Editor: $2,000 - $3,000

Behind the Scenes: Other Costs

Apart from salaries, a significant chunk of the budget goes into:

Story and Screenplay: $1,000 - $2,000 each
Continuity: $500 - $1,000
Welfare (food, drinks): $1,000 - $2,000
Accommodation: $3,000 - $5,000
Location Rentals: $3,000 - $5,000
Vehicle Rental: $1,000 - $2,000
Camera and Equipment Rental: $3,000 - $5,000

Who Earns the Most?

Typically, the producer or the lead actor commands the highest salary. However, it's essential to remember that the producer often invests their own money into the film, so their 'salary' might be a return on investment rather than a direct payment.

The Bigger Picture

While these figures provide a starting point, it's crucial to understand that Nollywood is a diverse industry with varying production scales. Some films operate on much smaller budgets, while others can be significantly higher. Additionally, bargaining power, experience, and the film's potential success can dramatically influence earnings.

Would you like to know more about how to break into the Nollywood industry or how to finance a Nollywood film? Let me know in the comments below. ♥