Nigerian Film Studio Launches Anthology Series on Amazon Prime, Eyes Global Market

A new Nigeria and U.S. based film-production company, Sunroof Studios, released its first anthology series “The Deity in the Dark and Other Stories” on Amazon Prime Video on October 1, 2024.

The series, comprising three interconnected short films, marks the startup’s entry into the global streaming market.

The anthology series, titled “The Deity in the Dark and Other Stories”, includes three interconnected short films:” A Loop of Fate”, directed by Tunde Anjorin; “The Garden of Healing”, directed by Ozor Uche; and The Deity in the Dark, Part One. The films were written and produced by Richard Spiropoulos

According to Sunroof Studios’ co-founder Richard Spiropoulos, a two-time Emmy-winning producer who’s worked extensively with several of the world’s top broadcasting networks including CNN, Fox, Bloomberg, NBC and Paramount, Sunroof Studios selected the anthology format to address the financial challenges facing independent Nigerian filmmakers.

“Most Nigerian filmmakers in the game today are not going to raise 100 million or 150 million Naira. Their sweet spot is between five and 20 million, including funding from family, friends, and sponsors,” Spiropoulos explained during an exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter.

The studio’s approach represents a departure from traditional Nollywood production methods. Instead of pursuing feature-length films, Sunroof Studios produces shorter, interconnected narratives that can be packaged together. This strategy allows for lower production costs while maintaining quality standards that appeal to international audiences.

Prior to its streaming release, films from the anthology garnered international recognition on the festival circuit. ‘Garden of Healing’ won Best Short Film at a Madrid film festival and for Best Child Actor in Birmingham. ‘A Loop of Fate’ and ‘Garden of Healing’ were also featured this year at screenings and festivals in several major cities including Paris, New York, Dubai, Los Angeles, and the upcoming African Film Festival in Atlanta.

Looking ahead, the studio is currently starting production on its second anthology series.  The new project will include two additional stories, “A Baby from Beyond” and “By Father, By Force” alongside “The Deity in the Dark, Part Two.” Production is expected to conclude in 2025.

Sunroof Studios’ business model specifically addresses the current economic challenges in Nigeria. “While we’re waiting for exchange rates to improve, we have to look outside Nigeria to see how we can create in Naira and earn in Forex,” Spiropoulos noted. It aims to showcase independent filmmakers on the continent and in the diaspora looking to produce content that appeals to both domestic and international markets within limited budgets.

The startup has also established itself in the Nigerian film community. In January 2023 it hosted the inaugural ‘Indieview Film and Food Festival’ and in February 2024, Sunroof Studios hosted a major screening event where they presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to veteran actor Wale Ojo for his contributions to short films.

The studio’s focus extends beyond production to include industry development. “We are amassing a network of international producers looking to share new monetization techniques in this genre that can benefit aspiring African filmmakers,” Spiropoulos said. Their model emphasizes the importance of creating content that can appeal to diverse audiences, from local Nigerian viewers to international streaming platforms.

Sunroof Studios plans to include two feature length movies for production and theatrical release, potentially opening additional revenue streams. The studio is currently in negotiations with major networks regarding distribution of its second anthology in Nigeria.

As the Nigerian film industry continues to evolve, Sunroof Studios’ approach offers a potential blueprint for independent filmmakers seeking to reach global audiences while working within local budget constraints. The success or failure of their model could have significant implications on the short film industry and independent movie production in Nigeria.