Nollywood is a shining jewel of Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Its movies captivate millions, telling stories that reflect our culture, struggles, and dreams. Yet, while actors and directors often get the spotlight, there is a whole world behind the scenes that rarely gets told — the lives of the film set workers who make these movies possible.
These unsung heroes are the backbone of Nollywood. From the lighting crew who battle unpredictable electricity, to the makeup artists working long hours to get every detail right, their work is often tough, underpaid, and overlooked. Many film sets are stretched thin financially, leaving these workers to juggle multiple roles just to keep the production running.
Take the grip, for example — the person responsible for moving heavy equipment or building sets. They often work in harsh conditions under the hot sun or late into the night. Yet, their contribution shapes the very environment where stories come alive. Or the boom operators, holding heavy microphones above actors for hours, sometimes missing meals or breaks to capture clear sound.
What makes their stories even more compelling is the passion they carry. Despite low wages and little recognition, many are driven by a love for cinema and a hope that Nollywood will grow into a world-class industry. Some have been working on film sets for over a decade, quietly perfecting their craft and dreaming of a better future for themselves and the industry.
However, the lack of formal training opportunities and proper working conditions remains a major hurdle. Unlike actors who enjoy fame and fan support, crew members struggle to access healthcare, fair pay, or even basic safety gear. This gap needs urgent attention from producers, government, and industry bodies if Nollywood is to sustain its global rise.
Highlighting these untold stories is more than giving credit where it’s due. It’s about recognising the sweat and sacrifice that go into every frame we see on screen. It’s about valuing the teamwork behind the glamour and understanding that cinema is a shared effort.
As viewers, we should demand better treatment for these workers. Producers should commit to fair wages and safer working conditions. Training programmes must be expanded to include all film roles, not just the actors. With these changes, Nollywood can not only tell great stories on screen but also build a truly supportive environment behind it.
The next time you watch a Nollywood film, spare a thought for the countless hands that shaped it. Behind the glitz and glamour lies a hardworking army of film set workers, whose untold stories deserve to be heard loud and clear. They are Nollywood’s true foundation — and it’s time we gave them the recognition they richly deserve.
