The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has launched the first edition of its Masterclass Series aimed at equipping Nigerian filmmakers with the legal, business and production skills needed to build a more sustainable and globally competitive film industry.
The program, tagged “NFVCB Masterclass Series 1.0,” is supported by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, in collaboration with CcHub Creative Economy Ltd. and Ojis Production Studios Ltd.
Speaking at the event, NFVCB Executive Director, Dr Shaibu Husseini, said the initiative was designed to bridge knowledge gaps identified during the 2025 PAO Nigerian Digital Regulatory Conference, where stakeholders called for a practical platform to address critical industry challenges.
According to Husseini, the masterclass reflects the Board’s commitment to supporting filmmakers beyond film classification by promoting professional excellence, strengthening industry knowledge and preparing creatives for a rapidly evolving digital economy.
He said the training focuses on protecting intellectual property, building sustainable creative businesses and raising production standards across the Nigerian film industry.
Husseini also urged filmmakers to embrace continuous learning to remain competitive amid the rise of streaming platforms, artificial intelligence and changing business models.
Lead facilitator and intellectual property lawyer, Sandra Oyewole, stressed that legal and financial issues must be treated as integral parts of filmmaking if the industry is to unlock its commercial potential.
“The underbelly of filmmaking is intellectual property. It is finance. It is corporate and commercial issues. If this country wants to commercialize intellectual property and build a sustainable ecosystem, lawyers have to be in the room and part of the team,” she said.
Oyewole urged filmmakers to adopt proper contracts, maintain accurate financial records and comply with regulatory requirements to boost investor confidence, warning that piracy, poor documentation, inadequate data management and artificial intelligence pose growing legal and commercial risks.
Also speaking, intellectual property lawyer Caleb Nmeribe reminded participants that copyright protects creative works—not ideas—and stressed the need to execute written agreements before production begins.
“Ownership follows the law. The creator owns the work unless a contract provides otherwise. Agreements must be in place at the beginning, not during production or after disputes arise,” he said.
Another facilitator, Habibat Abubakar, identified weak financial records, poor intellectual property valuation and inadequate corporate governance as major factors discouraging investment in film projects.
Veteran actress and producer Joke Silva described the masterclass as a timely intervention, saying the Nigerian creative industry must move beyond discussing its challenges to implementing practical solutions.
She said professionalism, innovation and sustainability remain critical to attracting investment, securing international partnerships and ensuring long-term growth for Nigeria’s creative sector.
“Professionalism builds the trust needed for investment and international partnerships. Innovation keeps Nigerian creative output globally competitive, while sustainability ensures success benefits creators for generations,” Silva said.
