Ola Cardoso: How Creative Problem-Solving Can Triumph Over Budget Limitations in Filmmaking

Ola Cardoso, the talented Nigerian filmmaker behind “Suky”, has proven that great productions don’t always need a huge budget. Despite financial constraints, Cardoso’s resourceful approach to filmmaking allowed him to bring his vision to life with a budget of just 135 million naira.

In an exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter, Cardoso shares the challenges he faced while making “Suky” and offers advice to aspiring filmmakers on how to manage production costs without compromising creativity.

“I’ve always loved the idea of visuals—how they can bring emotions, ideas, and worlds to life in ways that words alone sometimes can’t,” Cardoso says. His recent film was shaped by both personal inspiration and the collaborative effort of a passionate team. Though the process was challenging, Cardoso reflects that it was ultimately a deeply rewarding experience.

“Suky”, played by James Damilare, is a young man who becomes an orphan after his father’s death. Years later, he finds himself in Aja Prison, under the harsh rule of Marshal (Olarotimi Fakunle). As Suky seeks vengeance for his father’s death, he must navigate the violence and challenges of prison life, ultimately training to become the head fighter in a Dembe competition. The film explores his journey of survival, vengeance, and self-discovery.

Despite its compelling narrative, producing “Suky” was fraught with financial obstacles, especially in a location where the team had no prior connections. One major challenge was securing a large number of background actors, or extras, while sticking to the tight budget.

As a former music video director, Cardoso understands the crucial role budget management plays in bridging creative ambitions with financial realities. He stresses the importance of having a financial advisor or accountant on the team from the outset of production.

“Having a financial advisor or accountant on your team is crucial before, during, and after production,” he explains. “They help avoid costly mistakes, maximize returns, and ensure the project’s financial health from start to finish. Without one, productions risk overspending, facing legal issues, or missing out on opportunities for tax savings and profit optimization.”

Cardoso’s key takeaway from producing “Suky” was learning to prioritize value over money and focusing on smart investments and cost-effective solutions. “What I learned from “Suky” is to surround myself with passionate, resourceful collaborators who see obstacles as opportunities,” he says. “In Nollywood, scarcity breeds innovation, and that’s a superpower. We may not have Hollywood’s multimillion-dollar budgets, but we’re experts at stretching limited resources to create cinematic magic.”

Looking ahead, Cardoso is excited to explore new creative projects and share his filmmaking knowledge through mentorship. “Stay true to yourself and manage your resources wisely,” he advises. “Filmmaking can be unpredictable, so it’s important to budget carefully, prioritize essential expenses, and avoid overstretching financially. Seek funding, partnerships, and grants, but always ensure sustainability. Invest in projects that align with your vision and financial capacity.”

With his work on “Suky”, Cardoso continues to prove that creative filmmaking, even on a budget, can deliver compelling and memorable results.