Jade Osiberu Addresses Actors' Lifetime Royalty Demands in Nollywood
Renowned Nollywood filmmaker Jade Osiberu has publicly responded to the growing industry movement advocating for lifetime royalty payments for Nigerian actors, presenting a perspective that has ignited significant debate among stakeholders. Her comments come directly after a formal plea was made to the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) to consider implementing a policy ensuring actors receive ongoing financial compensation from films they appear in throughout their lifetimes.
Osiberu's Sarcastic Proposal on Financial Responsibility
Reacting to the royalty discussion, Osiberu took to her X account, formerly known as Twitter, and introduced a provocative condition that shifted the conversation toward mutual financial accountability. "I agree jare," she stated, "I think the association should also implement a law that when a producer makes losses on a project, all the actors and crew come together to contribute to cover the losses incurred."
She elaborated with a detailed suggestion: "Maybe for actors, you can contribute by how many scenes you featured in so the leads pay the most and then day players and extras pay the least. For crew, it can be by seniority." Osiberu later clarified that this initial remark was made sarcastically, emphasizing that the royalty conversation requires nuanced understanding and comprehensive awareness of how the film industry operates behind the scenes.
Exploring Alternative Compensation Structures
Osiberu explained that she has personally been among producers actively exploring alternative compensation models beyond traditional upfront payments. These innovative approaches include:
- Offering actors backend deals tied to project profitability
- Providing opportunities for cast and crew to invest directly in film projects
- Creating systems where stakeholders share both rewards and responsibilities
According to the filmmaker, such strategies aim to build a more sustainable ecosystem where all participants benefit from successful projects while understanding the inherent risks of film production.
The Reality of Filmmaking Economics
Osiberu stressed that discussions about lifetime royalties must reflect the actual economic realities of Nollywood. She pointed out that filmmaking remains one of the most capital-intensive art forms, particularly within an industry still developing its infrastructure and financial systems. "While individuals naturally seek to protect their own interests," she noted, "any stakeholder focused solely on earning without understanding the broader value chain risks overlooking the complexities of the business."
The filmmaker urged industry players to better educate themselves about how the entire film ecosystem functions, from pre-production financing through distribution and revenue sharing. Her response highlights a fundamental concern among producers: the substantial financial risks they shoulder during production without any guarantee of profitability.
Balancing Actor Advocacy with Producer Realities
While actors advocate for continued earnings after a film's release, producers often bear the brunt of production costs and financial uncertainties. Osiberu's position suggests that any movement toward implementing lifetime royalty systems should simultaneously address how potential losses are managed and distributed among all participants.
Jade Osiberu, 40, brings over a decade of experience in Nollywood to this discussion, having built a reputation for delivering commercially successful projects that resonate with both local and international audiences. Her filmography includes notable works such as:
- Isoken (2017)
- Sugar Rush (2019)
- Brotherhood (2022)
- Gangs of Lagos (2023)
Beyond the current royalty debate, Osiberu has positioned herself as a key industry player known for creating films that maintain strong storytelling rooted in Nigerian cultural realities while achieving commercial success. Her comments reflect broader tensions within Nollywood as it evolves toward more structured compensation models while navigating the financial challenges of film production in a developing market.
