Veteran Nollywood actress and producer, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has called for comprehensive structural reforms in Nigeria's film industry. The star, who boasts over three decades of experience in Nollywood, expressed her concerns via Instagram on Saturday.

Drawing comparisons between her experiences in Hollywood and Nollywood, Jalade-Ekeinde highlighted significant disparities, particularly regarding royalty payments for actors.

Hollywood vs. Nollywood: The Royalty Gap

The actress revealed that despite participating in just two test projects during her four years in Hollywood, she receives monthly residual payments. To substantiate her claim, she shared an image of an envelope from SAG-AFTRA, the American union representing film and media professionals.

"Just four years in Hollywood. Two test projects, monthly residuals," she stated in her post.

In stark contrast, Jalade-Ekeinde lamented that her extensive portfolio of over 310 projects throughout her 30-year career in Nollywood has yielded no residual payments whatsoever.

Her post concluded with the hashtags "#NollywoodNeedsStructure" and "#UnlearntoRelearn," emphasizing the urgent need for industry-wide reform and a shift in mindset among stakeholders.

Implications for Nigerian Actors

Jalade-Ekeinde's observations highlight a critical issue affecting Nigerian actors' financial sustainability. While their Hollywood counterparts continue earning from past work through residual payments, Nollywood performers typically receive one-time payments regardless of how successful or widely distributed their films become.

This structural deficiency has long-term implications for actors' financial security, particularly as they age or face periods of reduced work opportunities.

As one of Nigeria's most internationally recognized actresses, Jalade-Ekeinde's perspective carries significant weight. Her dual experience in both industries provides a unique vantage point from which to advocate for positive change in Nollywood's business practices.

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