Richard Spiropoulos on Sunroof Studios’ Vision and the Future of Nigerian Cinema

Sunroof Studios first captured the public’s attention with the release of its anthology series “The Deity in the Dark and Other Stories” on Amazon Prime Video in October 2024.

The series, consisting of three interconnected short films, marked a bold departure from Nollywood’s traditional production methods.

Prior to its streaming debut, the anthology garnered accolades on the international film festival circuit, including wins at festivals in Madrid and the UK and selections for prestigious events in Paris, New York, and Los Angeles.

Yet, as Spiropoulos reveals, these achievements are only the beginning of a broader vision for Nigerian cinema.

Early Inspiration and Foundation

For Richard, “cinema has always been my first love,” he shares, reflecting on his journey into filmmaking. “I’ve always been a film fanatic. I’ve spent countless hours dissecting screenplays and memorizing iconic movie lines.” However, his transition from being an ardent fan to a filmmaker was not instantaneous. As a writer based in the United States, Spiropoulos often found himself immersed in stories – both those he wrote and those he consumed. This duality, as he describes it, created a deep appreciation for storytelling as both an escapism and a reflection of reality.

The pivotal moment came when Spiropoulos co-founded an independent film platform aimed at spotlighting emerging filmmakers. “We built a platform to give independent filmmakers recognition not just in Nigeria and Africa but also internationally,” he recounts. This endeavor, while rewarding, illuminated a gap in the industry: the need for affordable, high-quality storytelling. “If I was going to make an impact, I had to lead by example,” he says.

A Turning Point: From Passion to Practice

Richard’s realization came when he decided to lead by example. “If you’re going to encourage people to follow your vision on how to market their product, the first thing you have to do is make sure they can see not only the path you’ve plotted but that it’s actually working,” he further explained.

This realization spurred him to write and produce short films, culminating in the creation of Sunroof Studios. The anthology format, as Spiropoulos explains, was born out of necessity. “Short films are a viable vehicle for independent filmmakers because of their affordability,” he notes. The studio’s strategy involves bundling these films into cohesive anthologies, making them more marketable while showcasing the versatility of Nigerian storytellers.

This philosophy drove him to produce his first three films, using them as proof of concept for the monetization strategies he advocated.

Richard’s journey into filmmaking was not just about creating art but about mastering the entire ecosystem—from financing and production to distribution. “I found out over the process of making these films that I’d fallen deeply in love with it,” he admitted. The experience of seeing his vision brought to life on screen became an addiction, sparking an obsession to continually improve and innovate.

Championing Short Films

One of Richard’s notable contributions to the industry is his advocacy for short films as a viable medium for storytelling. In a financial climate where resources are scarce, short films offer an affordable yet impactful way for filmmakers to showcase their creativity. “If you can tell your story as imaginatively as possible in a shorter period and as completely as possible, given financial constraints, by all means, go ahead,” he advised.

However, he emphasizes that while short films are a stepping stone, the ultimate goal remains feature-length projects. “The beauty of a feature film is the ability to flesh out your story, nuance your characters, and bring the audience deeper into the plot,” he noted. For Richard, short films are not just a format but a strategic entry point into the larger world of cinema.

Drawing Inspiration from Global Cinemas

Richard’s vision for Nigerian cinema is heavily influenced by the success of global industries like South Korea’s. “South Korea has raised the bar when it comes to international storytelling,” he remarked, highlighting their bold narratives and departure from conventional Hollywood endings. However, he is quick to clarify that his studio, Sunroof Studios, is not merely imitating these models but learning from them.

“There are examples to take from South Korean storytelling, Bollywood, and even Mexican cinema,” he explained. Each of these industries has found ways to merge cultural authenticity with global appeal, a balance Richard believes Nigerian cinema must strive for. “Why can’t Nigerian storytelling get to the extent where it’s being watched on the same level as these stories from all over the world?” he questioned.

A  Blueprint for Independent Filmmaking

Sunroof Studios’ approach represents a paradigm shift for Nollywood. By focusing on anthologies, the studio addresses the financial constraints that often hinder Nigerian filmmakers. “Most Nigerian filmmakers operate within budgets of five to 25 million Naira,” Spiropoulos explains. “Our model shows that quality storytelling is possible within these limits.”

The studio’s business strategy also includes leveraging international platforms to “earn in Forex while creating in Naira.” This approach is yielding results, with Sunroof Studios gaining traction on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and drawing interest from global distributors. Looking ahead, the studio plans to expand its portfolio with new projects, including a second anthology, part two of “The Deity in the Dark” and two feature length action-romance films.

Bridging the Gap: Local Stories, Global Appeal

At the heart of Richard’s philosophy is a critical question: Why would someone outside Nigeria want to watch a Nigerian film? He believes the answer lies in universal themes and high-quality production. “Strip down culture and ethnicity, and ask yourself why anyone—Turkish, Asian, American, Indian, or British—would watch this film,” he advised.

To achieve this, Richard plans to test new boundaries with subtitling especially in Pidgin or local dialects and locations showcasing Nigeria’s landscapes and cultural richness to attract global audiences.

Sunroof Studios: Leading by Example

Through Sunroof Studios, Richard is putting his philosophy into action. The studio’s projects focus on universal themes such as love, family dynamics, personal struggles, and hidden truths, all told with a distinctly Nigerian flavor. “We’re trying to make films that resonate with people living in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles, anywhere in the world,” he explained.

Richard’s approach combines innovative storytelling with meticulous production standards. By investing in better equipment, hiring skilled actors, and ensuring strong cinematography, Sunroof Studios hopes to set new benchmarks for short film and ultimately Nigerian cinema. “Our films alone won’t change the industry, but we hope they can help to raise the bar,” he said.

 The Road Ahead

Looking to the future, Richard envisions a Nigerian film industry that is both authentic and globally competitive. He believes that collaboration among filmmakers is key to achieving this vision. “There’s strength in numbers,” he stated, emphasizing the need for collective effort to raise industry standards and attract international recognition.

Richard’s journey is ongoing, fueled by his passion for storytelling and his vision for a thriving Nigerian film industry. While trends may come and go, his dedication to authenticity and quality continues to inspire filmmakers who look up to him.

Through his work, Richard is not just telling stories; he’s helping to shape the narrative of what a future for Nigerian cinema can be. And as he forges ahead, his work stands as a call to action for a new generation of storytellers to think boldly, create passionately, and share their unique visions with the world.

This conversation with Richard Spiropoulos marks the first installment of an exclusive interview series. Stay tuned for the next part.