Even though a few Ghanaian movie producers are making efforts to tap into the growing popularity of producing films for YouTube and the benefits that come with it, progress remains slow compared to other African movie industries, such as Nigeria’s Nollywood.
While Nollywood continues to dominate the African YouTube movie space with soaring numbers in streams, subscriptions and revenue, Ghana’s presence on the platform remains minimal, with only a handful of producers attracting modest viewership and earnings.
Actress and producer Xandy Kamel, who has been steadily producing movies for YouTube, believes she knows exactly why Ghana’s film industry has yet to thrive on the platform.
Xandy Kamel did not mince words as she blamed greed and lack of support from within the industry as major stumbling blocks.
According to her, many Ghanaian actors and industry professionals are reluctant to support YouTube productions, often making it difficult for producers to even assemble a cast.
She lamented that local actors sometimes quote exorbitant and unreasonable fees, creating unnecessary barriers for filmmakers trying to work within the typically tight budgets of YouTube productions.
“Making movies for YouTube is really difficult in Ghana because even industry persons are not willing to support. If you approach someone to even join your cast, the amount they quote is so huge that you end up questioning how much you are even going to make after putting all the production costs into consideration.
“When I decided to work on my recent movie, Unseen Beauty, my own people were not supportive. They asked for the script when I approached them. After going through it, they quoted huge amounts as their charges.
“They go like, ‘I’m not a YouTuber, but because of you, I’ll do a YouTube job. Just give me GH₵10,000 or GH₵12,000.’” They demand so much for about five or seven scenes. That is why I ended up casting Nigerian actors. They are very considerate.
“If our own people continue like this, how are we going to gain traction on YouTube when it’s now the main route our counterparts elsewhere are taking to grow their industry?” she questioned.
The actress stressed that Ghana’s film industry must take a cue from Nollywood, where collaboration is a driving force behind its YouTube success.
“We need to borrow a page from Nollywood’s book. One key lesson is the power of collaboration. When our producers, directors and other stakeholders come together, pool resources and work towards creating bigger, higher-quality productions, that’s when we’ll start to see real growth and recognition.
“By adopting this approach, I’m confident we can elevate our industry to new heights. It’s time for us to stop working in silos and start building something greater together. With collective effort and a shared vision, I believe Ghana’s film industry can achieve significant strides and gain the popularity it deserves,” she said.
Xandy Kamel’s latest YouTube project, Unseen Beauty, is currently streaming, with over 100,000 views.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
