On December 19, 2024, Circuits held an intimate press conference ahead of the launch of its streaming platform on Friday, December 20.
As ingrained in the DNA of these events, the day started with the tepid arrival of actors, producers, distributors, and cinema operators till its build-up into a crowd. Cocktails paired with drinks were excessive. Animated discussions were held by enthusiastic filmmakers. The event officially started when Chioma Onyenwe, Vice President of Circuits and Head of Content handled the microphone.
Circuits’ launch coincided with the much-spoken-about supposed exit of Netflix from Nigeria and the continual geo-locking of specific Nigerian titles (Femi Adebayo‘s Seven Doors and Niyi Akinmolayan’s Lisabi: The Uprising are notable examples). The Nigerian-owned video-on-demand streaming platform has stepped in to provide an alternative exhibition channel for Nigerian filmmakers.
Regarding the types of films expected on the platform.
When she started speaking, Onyenwe said they are focused on distributing high-quality films to retain their targeted audience. With plans to showcase five to ten films monthly, films will be available for a 12-week window, giving viewers ample time to enjoy the films while ensuring filmmakers continue to earn. A virtual cinema, the intent is to provide an additional distribution module to the ones that already exist in the Nigerian film industry.
She mentioned that not all the films will be exclusive releases (Ruthless and Asiri Ade). Some might have gone to the cinema (The Weekend, The Uprising: Wives on Strike: 3) or have been released limitedly on another streaming platform (Seven Doors, for instance). Thus, the platform hopes to bolster the already existing module in the industry. A full list of available films can be found on their website.
On how much will the films cost
What’s the payment module? Speaking about the payment module, Onyenwe mentioned that the platform isn’t subscription-based. Rather, Circuits is adopting an already thriving renting video-on-demand module to run its operation. Prices, which are region-specific, range from $2-$4.99. Additionally, payment is based on the local currencies of each region.
Speaking on how filmmakers will make money on the platform
Onyenwe mentioned that to provide financial security for film producers, there is an unspecified payment given from the inception of the licensing. After this, revenue will be shared depending on the viewership that the film attracts during its 3-month exhibition window. Interestingly, actors will be paid a royalty from the earnings too. How this will play out isn’t explicitly clear at this moment.
Discussing Future Plans for Circuits
Onyenwe said, that though Circuits is starting with licensing and distributing Nigerian films, the long-term goal, according to the VP, is to distribute other African films globally. Expectedly, in a few months, films from neighbouring African countries will be licensed and exhibited on the platform.
Lastly, she mentioned that marketing is a shared responsibility of the Circuits team and individual filmmakers. This is possibly an indication of the need for both the filmmakers and streaming services to partner together to make sure that the platform succeeds locally and globally. And, sleuthing through social media, one can observe filmmakers eagerly proclaiming the platform already.
The event ended with the screening of Asiri Ade, one of the platform’s exclusive releases.
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