In a recent episode of the BTS Reality podcast, Nollywood actress and producer Sandra Okunzuwa declared that YouTube filmmakers are now offering higher pay to actors than traditional cinema productions. She emphasized that the days of low compensation in Nigeria’s movie industry, particularly on digital platforms, are over.
According to Okunzuwa, some actors are commanding fees as high as N5 million for just four days of shooting on YouTube projects. “The notion that actors are poorly paid is outdated—at least when it comes to online content,” she stated.
She explained that while cinema and Netflix may have once dominated, YouTube has emerged as a lucrative avenue where talent is well rewarded. “Actors on YouTube are earning top dollar. Some charge between N4 million and N5 million for a four-day shoot, which is more than what you’d get from a cinema movie,” she added.
Her comments highlight a shifting dynamic in Nollywood, where digital platforms like YouTube are increasingly becoming major players, offering competitive compensation that challenges traditional film models. This trend suggests that the intersection of streaming and independent production is reshaping how Nigerian actors are valued.