By Nwafor Sunday

Award-winning Nollywood editor Valentine Chukwuma has offered insight into the filmmaking process, saying every successful movie passes through three distinct stages—planning, shooting and post-production.

Chukwuma, whose editing credits include Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Battle on Buka Street and A Tribe Called Judah, said understanding these phases is essential to appreciating the work that goes into producing quality films.

Speaking on the creative process behind filmmaking, he said many people assume a movie is made during production, whereas the real work begins long before cameras start rolling and continues after filming ends.

“There are three phases to making a movie. You write and plan the movie, you shoot the movie, and then you make the movie,” he said.

According to him, the first phase—writing and planning—lays the foundation for the entire production.

“The writing and planning stage is where the foundation is built. If the story is not strong, no amount of editing can fully fix it,” Chukwuma said.

He explained that script development, casting, location scouting and budgeting are critical aspects of pre-production, particularly in Nigeria, where filmmakers often work within limited budgets and tight production schedules.

Chukwuma described the second phase, principal photography, as the stage where actors and directors bring the script to life, but stressed that filming only provides the raw materials for the finished product.

“What you shoot is raw material. It’s like cooking ingredients—you still have to combine them properly before serving,” he said.

He noted that despite challenges such as long working hours, difficult locations and logistical constraints, Nollywood continues to produce films that resonate with audiences both at home and abroad.

The editor, however, said the final stage—post-production—is where a film truly comes together.

According to him, editing, sound design, colour grading and final assembly shape the emotional impact and overall quality of a movie.

“Editing is where you decide how the audience will feel. A scene can be funny, emotional, or even confusing depending on how it is cut,” he said.

Chukwuma said the increasing global recognition of Nollywood has made high-quality post-production more important than ever, as filmmakers compete for audiences on streaming platforms and in international markets.

He added that understanding the three phases of filmmaking would help viewers appreciate the creative and technical decisions behind every scene.

“When you watch a movie, you’re seeing the result of many decisions—from the script to the final edit,” he said.

Chukwuma, who has received nominations at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), said the growing recognition of editors and other technical professionals reflects the evolution of Nollywood into a more globally competitive industry.

He called for greater investment in every stage of filmmaking, particularly in training and technology for post-production, to sustain the industry’s growth and improve the quality of Nigerian films.