By Ayo Onikoyi

Filmmaker Joke Lawal has shed light on the evolving dynamics of producing films within the Yoruba arm of Nollywood, particularly for the fast-growing YouTube audience, where distribution models and production realities continue to shift.
Speaking on her experiences, Lawal identified the daily payment structure for actors as one of the key issues confronting producers in the YouTube film space. According to her, while the model is widely practiced, it requires thoughtful reconsideration to ensure sustainability for both filmmakers and performers.
“Paying actors per day for a YouTube film is something we really need to work on in this sector,” she said. “I will not like to mention names and I’m not saying it’s bad, but we should be considerate.”
Her comments reflect broader conversations within Nollywood, where the surge in YouTube distribution has created new opportunities for filmmakers, while also introducing cost-management challenges tied to tighter budgets and faster production timelines.
Despite these concerns, Lawal expressed optimism about the resilience of practitioners in the Yoruba film space, commending the dedication and professionalism that continue to drive the sector forward amid changing industry economics.
Lawal’s latest project, Enemy Within, adds to her growing body of work tailored for contemporary audiences. She previously produced Honeymoon in 2018 and Omowonuola in 2021, steadily building a reputation for delivering relatable, socially grounded stories.
As YouTube continues to redefine content consumption patterns in Nigeria, filmmakers like Lawal are increasingly adapting their production strategies to meet audience demand while navigating financial and structural constraints. Industry observers note that her approach underscores a broader shift toward digital-first storytelling, where films serve not only as entertainment but also as reflections of everyday societal realities.