Ferdinand Ekechukwu
Months after Amazon Prime Video announced it’s undergoing a strategic shift in its international operations that will see it restructure its business plans, direct attention to focus majorly on European original contents, the streamer appears to have made a U-turn following a new slate of original Nollywood movies it recently commissioned.
Though the restructuring did not affect pre-existing content already approved or contracted, the American streaming service had ceased commissioning original content in Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa. As exclusively gathered, aside the newly commissioned movies, the platform acquired a number of exciting Nollywood titles.
Prime Video had in January 2024, downsized and reduced funding and resources allocated to Africa and the Middle East, concentrating on its European originals. By implication, the streaming platform halted new original content in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Its earlier funded original Nigerian contents include ‘Gangs of Lagos’, ‘She Must Be Obeyed’ and ‘LOL: Laugh Out Loud’, and the last, Breath of Life. As part of efforts to buoy its new slate of Nollywood contents, the recent development will see filmmaker, Jade Osiberu deliver on its two outstanding films which was part of initial deal signed with the Prime Video.
Having commenced operations in Africa in 2016 and in Nigeria in 2021, its decision was hinged on plans to make adjustments that will impact both content offerings and personnel in the African and Middle Eastern Region. It was also gathered that the platform simply wanted to get rid of ‘unproductive’ Nigerian team it had hired as part of restructuring.
