10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Working On My First Set
By Barbara Babarinsa, Head of Production, FilmOne Studios My first experience on a film set was as a Production Assistant (PA) on a TV commercial. Since then, I’ve grown into a full-fledged producer, and while I don’t have regrets, I’ve gained insights over time that would have helped me better navigate that first experience. Below are ten key lessons I believe every first timer should know before stepping onto a film set. 1. Know the Story Before your first day, read the script thoroughly. Understand the plot, the tone, and the message. Know the key characters and familiarize yourself with the cast and crew. This helps you stay present and engaged and prevents you from looking lost or disconnected when anyone, especially a cast member or senior crew, asks questions about the production. 2. Offer Value No matter your role, always seek to fill a gap or solve a problem. Don’t just wait to be told what to do observe, identify needs, and take initiative. Value isn’t always in the title; it’s in what you contribute. 3. Be Skilled in the Role You Were Hired For Whether you’re a PA, camera assistant, makeup artist, or script supervisor, know your job well. When you’re competent, people respect your presence. If you’re not confident or knowledgeable, you may become a target for dismissal, disrespect, or being overlooked. Master your craft respect follows skill. 4. Stay Curious and Observant You must always learn. Observe everything and how departments work, how problems are solved, how people communicate. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; curiosity shows commitment and is often the first step to growth in the film industry. 5. Be Prepared Anything Can Happen As a producer, one of the most critical skills I’ve developed is crisis management. Film sets are dynamic environments. Delays, weather, technical failures, actor issues, anything can happen. You need to stay calm under pressure, think quickly, and rely on your team. 6. Build Strong Team Relationships Production is never a solo effort. You must earn the trust of your crew. When a crisis hits, the strength of your working relationships often determines how quickly problems are solved. Treat people with respect crew loyalty is built, not demanded. 7. Vet Accommodation and Feeding Early Logistics can make or break a production. Always ensure that cast and crew accommodation is clean, safe, and ready, and that food service is reliable and appropriate. Nothing causes disruption like tired, hungry, or uncomfortable people. 8. Lock Locations Properly Ensure that all locations are legally and clearly secured. There should be no room for confusion between the person who rented it to you and other stakeholders. Always get written agreements, confirm access rights, and do a final reconfirmation before shoot day. 9. Self Development is Key Always keep improving yourself. Attend trainings, ask for feedback, and take notes on set. The film industry rewards those who evolve. Being a generalist in the early stages helps too and understanding multiple departments gives you an edge as you grow. 10. Always Be Ready In production, readiness is everything. From knowing where gear is kept, to being physically and mentally prepared for long hours, your ability to anticipate needs and stay one step ahead sets you apart.
How Technology Is Changing Cinema In West Africa: Digital Ticketing, Real-Time Analytics, and How Data Is Driving Audience Growth
By Faith Kure, Product Manager, Filmhouse Group Over the past decade, technology has transformed the way we live, work, and connect. The cinema industry in West Africa is undergoing its own tech-powered evolution. From digital ticketing to real-time analytics and audience-focused data strategies, the way we experience and operate cinemas is changing fast – and for the better. At Filmhouse Group, we have seen these shifts up close. It has been exciting to watch how technology is not only helping us modernize our operations but also reimagine how we engage with our audiences through these key shifts. Digital Ticketing: More Than Just Convenience Gone are the days of long queues and printed tickets. Today, digital ticketing has made the cinema experience faster, smoother, and more accessible whether you are booking through our website, or a third-party platform. But the benefits go far beyond convenience. Digital platforms open new engagement channels enabling us to send timely push notifications, run targeted promotions, and offer exclusive online discounts. For us, it also means better crowd management, improved resource planning, and a seamless customer journey from start to finish. What is also exciting is how digital ticketing, combined with flexible payment options and integration with local payment providers, meets customers right where they are. Whether it is bank cards or mobile money, we are building a system that works for everyone and enhances the overall experience. Real-Time Analytics: Smarter Decisions, Faster Real-time data is changing the game. It gives us a clear picture of how audiences are engaging, what is selling, where, and when. We can identify trends, spot problems early, and respond proactively. For instance, if a film is doing exceptionally well in one location, we can add more showtimes immediately. If another title needs a marketing push, we know exactly where to focus our efforts. We are no longer relying on guesswork; we are making informed, strategic decisions that benefit both our business and our customers. This agility becomes even more important during big releases, where real-time insights help us forecast demand and streamline operations across multiple sites. Data That Drives Growth and Loyalty The power of data goes beyond operations. It is helping us build stronger, longer-lasting relationships with our audiences. We are using insights to better understand customer preferences, what genres resonate with Gen Zs in Lagos, when families typically visit, and which locations are best for Nollywood premieres. These insights allow us to personalize promotions, tailor communication, and deliver experiences that truly connect. And when you personalize the experience, loyalty follows. Whether it is recommending the right film, offering exclusive rewards, or sending timely reminders, we are using data to create moments that matter and that drive real business outcomes. It is smart marketing that boosts ROI and lays the foundation for long-term growth. Enhancing the Food & Drinks Experience Let us not forget a key part of the cinema outing food and drinks. Technology is helping us elevate this, too. With pre-ordering options at the point of ticket purchase, data-led menu decisions, and seasonal or genre-based bundles, we are making it easier (and more fun) for guests to enjoy their favourites without long wait times. We are also using customer preferences to experiment with new offerings that match the evolving tastes of our audience. It is about delivering value in every part of the cinema journey, not just what is on screen. Technology is no longer a “nice to have.” It is the backbone of how we operate, grow, and serve our audiences better. In a region like West Africa, where the love for cinema continues to grow, innovation is key to staying relevant and responsive. At Filmhouse, we are proud to be leading this shift. For us, it is not about replacing the magic of cinema, it’s about enhancing it. Making it more accessible, more personalized, and ultimately, more powerful. The future of cinema in West Africa? It’s digital. It’s data driven. And it’s deeply human.
The Hidden Psychology Behind the Filmhouse Concession Stand!
By Victoria Ushebi, Public Relations And Communications Manager, Filmhouse Group The eyes are the window to the soul, and we’d argue that your cinema snack order is just as telling. At Filmhouse Cinemas, thousands of moviegoers pass through our doors every week. They come for the stories, the heroes, heartbreaks, plot twists, and unexpected laughs, but before they settle into the dim comfort of rows or the plush privacy of The Cube, they make a small but very telling decision: What to eat. Popcorn or Shawarma? Chicken or waffles? Hot dog or just bottled water? As it turns out, this isn’t only about taste: in leisure settings, where we’re emotionally relaxed and sensory input is heightened, food choices become a mirror of who we are. So, with a little psychological insight, a dash of cinema culture, and years of experience watching movie lovers in their natural habitat, we present the Filmhouse Snack Personality Guide and a look into what your go-to cinema snack reveals about you. The Shawarma Fiend The Sensory Explorer | The Risk Taker | The No-Napkin Rebel Ordering shawarma in the dark says one thing loud and clear: you’re not afraid to get messy in pursuit of flavor. You’re spontaneous, adventurous, and probably the one convincing your group to try that obscure festival film instead of the blockbuster. You value strong leads, strong seasoning, and strong opinions. Your world is big, bold, and definitely not mild. Movie match: Thrillers, political dramas, plot-twisting mysteries Behavioral type: Emotional high-sensation seeker You probably: Sit back and whisper “this is about to get wild” 10 minutes into every movie… The Chicken & Chips Loyalist The Comfort Architect | The Balanced Thinker | The Strategic Escapist You appreciate structure. You like your emotions well-fed, your stories well-paced, and your fries extra crispy. You order chicken and chips because it’s trustworthy, delicious, and doesn’t let you down, just like your taste in movies. You’re likely the designated planner for your group. You enjoy stories with arcs you can track and characters who grow. You don’t chase chaos; you curate calm spaces. Movie match: Romcoms, biopics, feel-good & uplifting dramas Behavioral type: Logical nurturer with emotional depth You probably: Finish your snack before the second act and are already planning your next visit The Hot Dog Devotee The Minimalist | The Time Optimizer | The Focused Viewer Your logic: minimal mess, maximum satisfaction. You’re not at the cinema to indulge; you just want to see your movie and leave. The hot dog is an efficient, one-handed, no-fuss companion. You probably showed up exactly 10 minutes before showtime and picked the center seat, somewhere in the topmost row. You enjoy crisp storytelling and dislike distractions. You’ll tolerate a plot twist, as long as it doesn’t try too hard. You prefer stories that respect your intelligence and use every minute well. Movie match: Spy thrillers, courtroom dramas, tech-driven documentaries Behavioral type: Practical realist with an eye for nuance You probably: Silently judge anyone opening a loud snack mid-dialogue The Waffle & Ice Cream Dreamer The Empath | The Romantic | The Sentimentalist You didn’t come to the cinema to snack; you came to feel and indulge in the experience. Waffles and ice cream is a commitment to softness, and you wear it proudly. You’re drawn to stories that make you weep, wonder, and whisper “wow” under your breath. You rewatch your favorite films, know the full score of La La Land, and believe movies are art. If someone breaks your heart, you process it in the dark, with a bucket of vanilla ice cream, and an equally emotional playlist. Movie match: Coming-of-age stories, musicals, nostalgic epics, romance Behavioral type: Emotionally tuned-in dreamer You probably: Cry when the credits roll, even on the third rewatch The Popcorn Traditionalist The Purist | The Observer | The Culture Keeper You’re not here to snack. You’re here to witness. You choose popcorn because it’s part of the ritual. The rustle of the bag – it’s part of the movie culture. You’re fiercely loyal to good cinema. You champion underdogs. You notice when dialogue is dubbed well, and lighting is intentional. You’re the one who stays for the credits, and we love you for it. Movie match: Historical films, A24-style dramas, literary adaptations, fictional world comics like Superman… Behavioral type: Discerning thinker with a taste for craft You probably: Recommend films like they’re books and remember directors’ names We know the magic of the cinema is beyond the story on screen; It’s in the seat you choose the friend you bring, and the snack that finds you. So, whether you’re a popcorn purist, a waffle romantic, or a shawarma thrill-seeker, there’s room for you, and your kravings here.
The Future of Nollywood: Our Stories, Our Growth, Our Time
By Aramide Pearce, Public Relations And Communications Executive, Filmhouse Group The Nigerian film industry also known as Nollywood has come a long way from the days of the ’90s when stars like Genevieve Nnaji, Stella Damasus, Eucharia Anunobi, Segun Arinze, and Ramsey Nouah were the names everyone knew, to now, when our industry is the third-largest film industry in the world. It has been a journey full of creativity and resilience. We still remember how quickly films were made back then, with whatever resources were on hand. Things have changed a lot since then our stories have gotten richer, production quality has improved, and streaming platforms investing in Nigerian content have finally put us on the global map. That growth is amazing, but it also brings new challenges and opportunities for all of us in the industry. So, if you are a filmmaker or creative trying to navigate Nollywood’s future, here are some tips to help you stay ahead and thrive: 1. Use Digital Platforms to Your Advantage Streaming services like Showmax are hungry for real Nigerian stories. Don’t just think of them as places to show your films. Use social media and analytics to engage your audience and grow your reach. 2. Focus on Quality Storytelling and Production Today’s viewers expect more. Better scripts, clearer sound, sharper visuals. You don’t need a huge budget to improve your film; simple things like a good microphone or editing software can make a huge difference. 3. Protect Your Work from Piracy Piracy still steals from us. Use tools like digital rights management, watermark your films, and register your work properly. Building good relationships with streaming platforms can also help keep your content safe. 4. Network Beyond the Usual Circles Collaboration will always be key. Go to film festivals, webinars, and industry events to meet new people both at home and abroad. These connections can open doors for co-productions, funding, and more distribution opportunities. 5. Keep Learning and Embrace Innovation The digital age gives us powerful tools to tell authentic, bold stories to the world. Stay up to date with things like virtual production and AI editing and keep improving your skills through workshops and courses. Yes, we still face challenges like piracy and infrastructure gaps. But Nollywood is full of resilience and creativity just like that Nigerian spirit that refuses to quit. We always find a way to make magic happen. The future of Nollywood is bright, but it’s not just the industry’s future, it’s ours too. We are excited to see where we will take it next, and we hope you are too.
Why Opening Weekend Still Matters, and How to Win It
By Victoria Ushebi, Public Relations And Communications Manager, Filmhouse Group Let’s be honest: a lot has changed in the way people watch movies. Between streaming, bootlegs, and everyone claiming they’ll “catch it later,” you’d think opening weekend doesn’t mean much anymore. But here’s the truth – it matters a lot! In the film scene, the first three days of release can make or break a title. That’s not exaggeration, it’s just how the business works. Opening weekend tells audiences whether a film is worth seeing. It tells cinemas whether to keep it on schedule or swap it out by week two. It even tells the media and investors if the film is “working” or not. You’ve probably seen it happen: one film gets all the buzz on Friday night, sells out early screenings, floods your timeline with hot takes… and suddenly it’s the only movie people are talking about. That’s not by chance, but by building momentum. And momentum starts with a smart, well-timed launch. When a film has a big opening weekend, everything around it expands. It gets better showtimes, more visibility, more press and even audiences who weren’t sure about it start paying attention – because we’re wired to want to be in the room where the excitement is happening. On the flip side, if a movie drops quietly and no one shows up? It’s hard to recover from that. Nigeria’s cinema landscape is fast paced. There’s limited screen real estate, new films every weekend, and a very vocal audience. You don’t get many second chances. So how do you win the opening weekend? Firstly, start early; get people talking weeks before your premiere. Tease your visuals, drop your trailer and make it feel like something is coming. If audiences don’t see or hear about your film at least five times before it opens, you’re already behind. That doesn’t mean just posting on Instagram; it means activating your cast, influencers, press partners, and fans. Let the hype build naturally and then press the gas. Secondly, don’t underestimate the power of timing! A great movie with poor showtimes can underperform simply because it wasn’t scheduled right. Work with the cinema to lock in your peak hours; Friday night, Saturday midday, Sunday after church. That’s when your audience is actually available to show up. Thirdly, make it feel urgent. One thing that works – especially in Nigeria, is the sense that something is hot right now. Limited screenings, sold-out premieres and the right messaging. Nobody wants to feel like they missed out, and if people think they can wait, they probably will, and this is how you lose momentum. Some recent box office wins got it right. Everybody Loves Jenifa tapped into nostalgia and community to create a billion-naira cultural moment. Iyalode owned its niche, built anticipation in the Yoruba-speaking audience, with a strong, focused first weekend. Sinners blew past expectations with the right mix of community support, conversations and PR stints. At the end of the day, the opening weekend is about perception. It’s about being the film people want to be seen watching, and owning the conversation before someone else does. And yes, films still find their audience in week three – but if it doesn’t turn heads in week one, it might not get the chance.
Filmhouse Group at Cannes 2025: Elevating African Cinema on a Global Stage
At Filmhouse Group, we believe in the power of African stories and at Cannes 2025, we witnessed firsthand how those stories continue to capture the world’s imagination. This year, FilmOne Entertainment proudly participated in Cannes, the platform designed to spotlight creatives within the global film ecosystem. Held during the renowned Cannes Film Festival, The Nollywood Conversations creates space for meaningful dialogue, global networking, and the elevation of African cinema on one of the world’s most prestigious stages. Our team, with the Nigerian International Film & TV Summit (NIFS) led and engaged in strategic industry conversations, connected with international distributors, and supported the visibility of Nigerian film in a global context. With a robust slate of Nollywood titles, upcoming co-productions, and a growing network of international collaborators, FilmOne Entertainment continues to play a leading role in shaping the next chapter of African storytelling. We were particularly proud to be part of panel discussions focused on opportunities to present our African stories for global screens areas where FilmOne Entertainment is deeply invested. Cannes also provided the opportunity to explore new partnerships that will help bring African narratives to broader audiences and strengthen the pipeline from local talent to global screens. Our presence at Cannes reaffirms our mission: to champion African voices, support local talent, and create opportunities that ensure African cinema not only thrives at home but leads on the world stage. As the conversation around representation and access continues to evolve globally, Filmhouse Group remains committed to driving visibility, growth, and innovation for Nigerian and African cinema. We are building more than films. We are building a legacy.
Sinners: How Michael B. Jordan And Ryan Coogler Are Changing The Horror Narrative
Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler are a force to be reckoned with. From Fruitvale Station, based on a true-life story, to Black Panther, our own superhero dream, and now Sinners, their newest horror-thriller masterpiece, this dynamic duo keeps proving they’re not here to play. Michael B. Jordan is a class act and Ryan Coogler is a genius. The way they move individually is powerful, but together? Unstoppable. Beyond their incredible track record, it’s the brotherhood they share that stands out: two Black men holding each other up, making waves side by side, and telling stories that reflect us, challenge us, and stay with us. Sinners follows Smoke and Stack, identical twin brothers who return to their hometown hoping for a fresh start. But instead, they face supernatural forces that bring their past, their pain, and their bond into sharp focus. It’s intense, it’s layered, and it has got that signature Jordan-Coogler touch: authentic, bold, and deeply human. But what makes Sinners different from your typical horror film is how it leans into the why behind the fear. Horror, at its best, is never just about jump scares or gore, it is about metaphor. It is about the monsters we carry, the traumas we bury, and the truths we run from. The film draws on the classic vampire style and is interwoven with history set in the Jim Crow era of the 1930s with powerful music and one detail stands out: vampires must always be invited in. It’s such a small rule, but it speaks volumes. Historically, it’s a symbol of consent, vulnerability, and the dangers of opening ourselves to the unknown. In Sinners, this idea transforms what happens when the thing you let in isn’t just supernatural, but something you’ve been running from all your life? This reimagining isn’t just clever it’s powerful. Especially in a genre that has often sidelined Black characters or portrayed them in a negative light. Jordan and Coogler flip that script. They centre Blackness, complexity, and kinship. They show that horror can be personal, poetic and spiritual all at once. Since its release in West Africa less than two weeks ago, Sinners has earned over ₦300 million and counting an extraordinary feat for any film, but especially for one in the horror genre. Horror has traditionally been underrepresented at African box offices, often considered niche or too culturally specific. But Sinners is different. It proves there’s an appetite for elevated, Black-led horror that resonates with us. Compared to other horror titles released in the region, Sinners is already outperforming expectations both in revenue and resonance. It’s not just selling tickets; it’s starting conversations. And that’s the power of storytelling when it’s done with heart, purpose, and vision. Jordan and Coogler are changing the game. Their films aren’t just visually stunning they are emotionally rich. They create space for complexity. For Black men to be soft and strong. For community, for struggle, for love, and for resilience. They’re shifting the culture, opening doors, and reminding us all that when we own our narratives and collaborate with those who see us, we create magic. Sinners isn’t just another film. It’s a statement. And once again, Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler are leading the charge. As Kendrick Lamar would say ‘’ I am a sinner who’s probably gonna sin again Lord forgive me, Lord forgive me for things I don’t understand.’’
Cinema Snacks 101: The Best Bites For The Big Screen
Where It All Began What’s a movie at the cinema without popcorn? It’s been a staple since the introduction of sound movies in 1927, and here we are, 98 years later, still enjoying it during every movie. Popcorn is affordable, smells irresistible, and of course, is easy to eat. Popcorn and cinema go together and complete every movie moment. The Worst Cinema Snacks As much as there are a ton of delicious foods out there, some just aren’t cut out for the cinema experience. For example, ribs. Sure, they’re mouth-watering, but they’re a mess with that sticky sauce that’s impossible to manage in the dark. Then there’s stew. It’s flavorful and comforting, but with the strong spices and potential for spills, it’s not exactly ideal for a movie theater. And let’s not forget pasta. They are fun to eat, but the sauce can splatter and create chaos—and no one wants to deal with that during a movie. The Best Cinema Snacks Luckily, there are plenty of snacks that are just as tasty as popcorn but won’t create a mess or make a scene. Here are five movie snacks that are easy to enjoy without the hassle: Enjoy Kravings By Filmhouse If you’re looking to upgrade your movie experience, check out Kravings by Filmhouse for the best movie snacks now available in all our cinemas in Nigeria. Also, you can order our delicious movie snacks on Glovo and Chowdeck. We’ve got shawarmas, hot dogs, chicken and chips, parfaits, slushies, ice cream, and more to make your cinema snack game stronger than ever. Next time you’re at the cinema, treat yourself to something new!
Home Screens vs Giant Screens: Can Streaming Platforms Compete with IMAX?
By Aramide Pearce, Public Relations And Communications Executive, Filmhouse Group As a movie lover, you probably enjoy the convenience of watching your favourite movies from home. But can it compare to the immersive experience of watching movies on the big screen? Here are the pros and cons of watching movies on streaming platforms compared to watching them on the IMAX screen. To Stream Or Not To Stream? The variety of movies and series available on streaming platforms make them a premium choice for entertainment in Nigeria. Compared to the limited number of movies available on IMAX screens, streaming platforms are a better choice for the variety they provide. Additionally, for movie enthusiasts with busy schedules, it’s the most convenient option for quick entertainment. Considering the affordable subscription plans for streaming platforms here in Nigeria, you may agree that you’ll get more value for your money when you watch movies online. Compared to the price of one movie ticket, these platforms win this round in affordability. However, IMAX cinemas offer a social experience that brings movie lovers together to share their thoughts and reactions on movies. There is still a case for watching movies in cinemas, especially those with IMAX screens. With IMAX, you get to watch movies exactly the way the filmmakers intended. “With IMAX, you get to watch movies exactly the way the filmmakers intended.” Why IMAX is Better Than Streaming Platforms for Movie Lovers IMAX films offer: What’s Showing On IMAX This Month Captain America: Brave New World Experience action like never before as Sam Wilson faces new threats and political turmoil as he forges his legacy as Captain America. Showing on IMAX screens in Lagos this February 14th. Where To Experience The IMAX Screen In Lagos Planning a movie night? Head to one of our IMAX screen cinemas for an unforgettable movie experience!