How much does an average Nollywood actor earn per movie?

Nollywood was and is still a starlight for many Nigerians and even non-Nigerians. The Nigerian film industry has long set the pace, engaging many households and unleashing premium entertainment. It is impressive how a bunch of talented people come together to get the old and young glued to their screens - that is the magic of Nollywood. This is to say that it is well-deserving if Nollywood actors/actresses earn a fortune. But, do they really earn a fortune? Read on.

Are nollywood actors getting enough value for their work?

Taking the most recent movies as example, Funke Akindele, popularly known as Jenifa is an exceptional Nigerian film actress. One of her recent movies, Battle on Buka street, hit a domestic gross of 480 million naira in 3 weeks of release. The duration of this intriguing record is the fastest of any Nollywood movie. When Omo-ghetto was released in 2022, Funke experienced a boom of about 636 million naira for the masterpiece movie. The case is the same with other movies launched by the five-star actress. 

There are many other thriving and successful actors/actresses in the Nollywood industry and they include:

• Richard Mofe Damijo
• Sola Sobowale
• Osita Iheme
• Chinedu Ikediheme
• Omoni Oboli
• Deyemi Okanlawon
• Kate Henshaw
• Mercy Johnson
• Kunle Remi
• Adunni Ade
• Bimbo Ademoye
• Beverly Naya
• Adesuwa Etomi
• Efe Iwara
• Etim Effiong
• Iyabo Ojo
• Mercy Aigbe
• Wale Ojo
• Odunlade Adekola
• Adedimeji Abdulateef and many others

The Pay Per Movie

Usually, there is no fixed amount for remuneration. The pay for Nollywood actors depends on their level of experience and the project they are working on. However, reports suggest that many Nollywood actors are paid on a per-project basis and may earn anywhere from a few thousand to a few hundred thousand Nigerian naira for their work. Switching to the very good part, veteran actors earn more, which implies some millions of naira. Another factor that influences how actors are paid is the popularity and negotiation skills of the actors. Actors and actresses are categorized into the "A" and "B" list and they are paid according to their categories.

• A list actors - Movie stars (NGN 1,000,000 - NGN 2,5000,000)
• B list actors - Upcoming stars (NGN 400,000 - NGN 800,000)

Can you make more out of acting?

The answer is yes. If you are going to be a newbie in the nollywood industry, one way to smash your way through the market is to have an unusual talent. You need to bring something spectacular and exceptional to the table. This is one way to grow into the profession and pull through. While holding on to your talent, you can also take acting classes and workshops to improve your craft. 

Conclusion 

Nollywood is an industry for only the "Patient and Persistent." You will earn what you should and do well like other star actors/actresses but you have to put in the work and be consistent with it. You can get halfway and decide that you are not getting what you should, but remember that the market is a very competitive one. This is why you should fuel your determination and work harder to earn as sumptuously as you should.