The Silent Struggle of Nollywood Screenwriters: Who Gets Credit for the Story? By Kolapo Mustapha
The Silent Struggle of Nollywood Screenwriters: Who Gets Credit for the Story? By Kolapo Mustapha
In Nollywood, the battle for recognition extends beyond the screen—it happens behind the scenes, in the writing rooms, and in contract negotiations that often never take place. One of the most common yet overlooked issues in the industry is the denial of proper credit to screenwriters, particularly when they develop stories from scratch.
Many writers find themselves in a frustrating cycle: they are brought in to develop a producer’s vague idea—sometimes nothing more than a title or a loose concept—only to craft a compelling story with fleshed-out characters, conflicts, and dialogue. Yet, when the final credits roll, the producer is often listed as the sole creator of the story, while the writer is credited only for the screenplay.
The Unspoken Reality of Nollywood Writing Contracts
The ideal solution to this issue is simple: contracts. A well-drafted contract should clearly outline a writer’s contributions and ensure proper credit. However, the reality in Nollywood is far from ideal.
Established screenwriters with a track record can demand contracts and get them. But what about newcomers—those looking for their first major screen credit? Can they insist on contracts before a producer even agrees to read their script? More often than not, they can’t. They are expected to “prove themselves” before they can negotiate fair terms, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
This problem is compounded by Nollywood’s lack of a strong, enforceable guild system. Unlike in Hollywood, where the Writers Guild of America (WGA) ensures fair compensation and credit distribution, Nollywood operates in a fragmented system where most producers are self-made and largely unregulated. Many of them feel no obligation to follow a standardized process for crediting writers.
Can a Guild That Offers No Help Hold Anyone Accountable?
This raises a critical question: if the industry lacks a structured system that protects writers, can it really hold producers accountable? The absence of strong enforcement mechanisms means that credit disputes are left to individual negotiations, which often favor the producer.
Until Nollywood establishes a more formal structure that ensures fair treatment of writers, the industry will continue to be harsh on aspiring talents. But there is a way forward.
The Power of Collective Action
Every time an established writer demands proper credit, they aren’t just advocating for themselves; they are setting a precedent that benefits the next generation of screenwriters. If fairness becomes the norm among top industry players, producers will be forced to change their approach.
At the heart of this issue, however, is something deeper: individual conscience. Ethical producers recognize that the creative industry thrives on fairness. Those who intentionally sideline writers for the sake of control or ego are harming not just individual careers but Nollywood’s storytelling culture as a whole.
Final Thoughts: A Call for Change
The fight for fair recognition in Nollywood isn’t just about contracts—it’s about values. Until the industry prioritizes fairness and respect for intellectual contributions, talented writers will continue to be overshadowed by a system that favors power over principle.
The question remains: will Nollywood’s producers choose fairness, or will they keep perpetuating a culture that stifles the very voices shaping its future?
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