Pioneering Entertainment in Africa with Moses Babatope

In this engaging episode of the Vitrina Podcast, we sit down with Moses Babatope, the co-founder and managing director of FilmOne, a leading entertainment company in Africa. Moses discusses FilmOne’s journey, its impact on the African entertainment landscape, and its future plans.

1. Vitrina:
   Welcome, Moses! Can you start by telling us about the origins of FilmOne and the structure of the company today?

Moses Babatope:
Thank you, it’s great to be here. FilmOne began as part of the Film House Group, which includes several entities like Film House Cinemas, Film One Entertainment for distribution, Film One Studios for production, and others such as Sandbox and Filmhouse Plus, a VOD platform. We started with our first cinema in Lagos in 2012 and have grown to integrate various aspects of media production and distribution, focusing on creating a robust value chain in the African content space.

2. Vitrina:
   How has FilmOne evolved from its initial focus and what are the company’s main areas of operation today?

Moses Babatope:
Initially, we focused on theatrical distribution to meet local demand and encourage cinema attendance. Over time, we’ve expanded to become a full-fledged production studio, producing 12 to 15 films a year and achieving significant box office success. We also handle theatrical distribution for major studios like Disney, Warner Brothers, and Sony in West Africa and collaborate with platforms like Netflix and Prime Video for non-theatrical distribution.

3. Vitrina:
   With the expansion into TV and series production, what is FilmOne’s approach to this segment?

Moses Babatope:
While our primary focus remains on theatrical films, we are also developing high-quality TV series. We have a dedicated team for creative development, physical production, and post-production, ensuring that we maintain high standards across all projects. Our aim is to produce premium series that resonate both locally and internationally.

4. Vitrina:
   What partnerships and collaborations does FilmOne engage in to enhance its production capabilities?

Moses Babatope:
We collaborate extensively with both local and international partners to ensure high-quality post-production services that meet our standards and timelines. While most of our post-production is done locally, we occasionally work with partners in Europe and East Africa for specialized services. These collaborations are crucial for maintaining the quality and global appeal of our content.

5. Vitrina:
   Given the challenges of 2023, how did FilmOne and the Nigerian market in general fare in terms of production and box office performance?

Moses Babatope:
2023 was a record year for production in Nigeria, with an increase in films and content driven by social media and monetization platforms like YouTube. Despite challenges from the Hollywood strikes, the year ended strongly with significant local box office success, demonstrating the robustness and potential of the Nigerian cinema market.

6. Vitrina:
   Looking at international content trends, how is FilmOne positioning itself in terms of language and genre diversity?

Moses Babatope:
We focus primarily on English and well-made indigenous language films for cinema, aiming to meet the high-quality expectations of our audience. On streaming platforms, however, there is a strong demand for diverse international content, including Korean, Spanish, and French films and series, which also perform well.

7. Vitrina:
   What types of Nigerian content are proving to be successful internationally, and what genres are filmmakers focusing on?

Moses Babatope:
Epics showcasing rich Nigerian culture and history are gaining international interest, alongside animated features like Disney’s ‘Iwájú.’ Additionally, genres such as drama, comedy, and crime thrillers resonate well both locally and internationally, with stories that highlight Nigerian societal themes and narratives.

8. Vitrina:
   As co-production becomes a more prevalent strategy, is FilmOne exploring international co-productions? What types of projects are you interested in?

Moses Babatope:
Absolutely, we are very open to international co-productions and have already collaborated on projects with partners from the UK and the Netherlands. We are particularly interested in stories that can portray Nigerian and African culture authentically and attractively to a global audience. This includes a variety of genres from epic narratives to intimate dramas and complex thrillers.

In conclusion, Moses Babatope shares an insightful overview of FilmOne’s strategic growth, its adaptations to market changes, and its future ambitions in the global entertainment landscape. His vision for FilmOne not only highlights the company’s commitment to quality and innovation but also underscores the potential of African cinema to make a significant impact on the global stage.