Salaries Of Actors And Actresses In Nigeria: Average Pay Per Movie

The Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, is one of the largest in the world, producing thousands of films each year. This prolific industry has garnered international recognition and continues to be a vital contributor to Nigeria's economy. A major element that draws attention to Nollywood is the star power of its actors and actresses, many of whom are household names across Africa. But how much do these stars earn per movie? The salaries of actors and actresses in Nigeria vary widely, depending on factors like experience, role in the film, and the production budget.

Salaries of A-List Actors and Actresses

The top earners in Nollywood are the A-list actors and actresses. These are the veterans and stars with widespread fame, experience, and marketability. For example, Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, two of Nollywood’s most prominent actresses, command salaries ranging between ₦2 million to ₦10 million per movie. Their earnings reflect their status as icons in the industry, as they have consistently been featured in high-grossing films and have international appeal.

In fact, Nnaji and Jalade-Ekeinde were reportedly paid around ₦5 million each for their roles in the internationally acclaimed Nollywood movie "IJE," a significant jump from the salaries they commanded earlier in their careers. Other top-earning actresses such as Mercy Johnson, Rita Dominic, and Funke Akindele earn between ₦1.5 million and ₦5 million per movie, depending on the role and the production's scale.

For male actors, the story is quite similar. Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), a veteran in the industry, is said to earn around ₦2 million per movie, while rising stars like Zubby Michael reportedly command over ₦2 million or more per role. These high salaries are often reserved for major cinematic productions or blockbuster releases, which have the budgets to pay such hefty sums.

Mid-Level and B-List Actors

B-list actors and mid-level actors, while still recognized for their talent and contribution to Nollywood, earn less compared to their A-list counterparts. Their pay per movie ranges between ₦200,000 to ₦1.5 million, depending on the project and the actor's rising popularity. For instance, Chioma Akpotha and Ini Edo, both well-established names in Nollywood but not at the very top, can earn between ₦1 million and ₦1.5 million per movie.

These actors may not yet have the same box-office draw as their more established counterparts, but they still play significant roles in Nollywood's growing catalog of films. As their fame increases, so too does their earning potential, which may eventually see them crossing over to A-list status.

Entry-Level and C-List Actors

At the bottom of the pay scale are C-list actors and newcomers to the industry. These actors are typically at the beginning of their careers and are yet to build a substantial fan base. They often earn as little as ₦25,000 to ₦50,000 per movie. For some, the opportunity to work in Nollywood is more about gaining exposure and experience than financial gain at this stage. Supporting roles and appearances in smaller-budget productions also account for the lower pay in this category.

However, these actors have the potential to rise in the industry by delivering memorable performances that catch the attention of producers and audiences alike. With time and perseverance, many can move into the mid-level category, where salaries are considerably higher.

Factors Influencing Salaries in Nollywood

The disparity in salaries among Nollywood actors and actresses is influenced by several factors, including:

• Experience and Popularity: An actor’s popularity and the length of time they have been in the industry directly impact how much they can charge per movie. Veterans and household names like Patience Ozokwor and Nkem Owoh have the experience and fan base that allow them to negotiate higher pay compared to less-established actors.
• Type of Role: Leading roles in a film typically pay significantly more than supporting or minor roles. Actors who are cast in lead roles can command salaries that are two or three times higher than those who play secondary characters.
• Production Budget: The size of the film's budget also plays a major role in determining pay. Blockbuster movies or films intended for international distribution tend to have larger budgets, which allow producers to pay higher salaries to their actors. In contrast, smaller, straight-to-DVD productions may offer lower pay to their cast.
• Endorsements and Other Ventures: While acting can be a lucrative career, many actors and actresses in Nollywood supplement their income with endorsement deals, business ventures, and social media influence. For instance, Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde have amassed fortunes not just through acting but through partnerships with major brands and personal business ventures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the salaries of actors and actresses in Nigeria’s Nollywood industry vary widely, from millions of naira for the top stars to more modest earnings for newcomers and supporting actors. The pay disparity is largely driven by factors such as experience, the size of the production budget, and the type of role played. While A-list actors like Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde can earn up to ₦10 million per movie, mid-level actors may earn between ₦200,000 and ₦1.5 million, and new actors can start as low as ₦25,000 per film. As Nollywood continues to grow and gain international recognition, these salaries are expected to rise, particularly for those at the top of the industry.