Amazon To Collaborate Nigerian Creators For African Contents Targetted At Global Audience

Global content production and distribution platform Amazon Studios said it plans to collaborate with Nigerian filmmakers and content creators to produce African contents that will be distributed to a global audience.

Amazon’s International Head of Local Originals James Farrell and Chief Marketing Officer for Prime Video and Amazon studios Ukonwa Kuzi-Orizu Ojo made the disclosure in an interview with The Guardian in Lagos.

Farrell said the Amazon team is excited to be in Nigeria and “start figuring out how we start producing Nigerian content for Amazon globally. I knew I was going to meet some ambitious and creative people.”

He explained that Amazon will be considering content acquisition using three data points of the population of those willing to watch their content, the unique approach to presenting the content and assessment of content performance.

Ukonwa noted that Amazon is aware of the rich taste that Nigeria has for contents and how they are well sought after globally. She stated that Amazon will be leveraging partnership and collaboration with local creators to produce quality content.

“We didn’t get dressed up for nothing! We know that Nigerian customers love global originals but the game-changer for us is to actually come here and partner with creators from here to create amazing content,” Ukonwa told The Guardian.

“It is not just for the Nigerian market but for our over 200 million Prime members all over the world who love great movies wherever they come from, who love great TV shows no matter where they come from in 240 countries.

“Our ambition for Nigerian creators is beyond Nigeria, it’s to take beautiful culture of Nigeria to expose it to as many people as possible.

She stated that Amazon’s choice of Nigeria for the content acquisition came from a place of genuine love and passion for Nigerian content, saying Nigerians and Africans can count on Amazon to prioritise quality over quantity in content production.

Farrell urged Nigerian creators to “think big – let’s make good movies and really great shows. Let’s do it as you want to write it. Don’t censor yourself before I’ve even had a chance to see it.”

Both Amazon executives were in Nigeria as speakers for the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), an annual showcase of the world of filmmaking, which took place in Lagos, Nigeria from November 7 to 13.

The annual event witnesses the participation of local and international actors, directors, film critics, buyers, distributors, visual artists, film students, and equipment manufacturers.

Ukonwa said Amazon Studio’s partnership with 2022 AFRIFF is a testament to their commitment to support and promote great content from the African continent.