Moses Babatope, co-founder and Group Executive Director Filmhouse Cinemas, and Managing Director FilmOne Entertainment, has come a long way since he graduated from Middlesex University Business School, United Kingdom in the early 2000s.
After working in a variety of roles at the Odeon Cinemas Group, UK, he co-founded Talking Drum Entertainment Limited, a UK-based film distribution company that specialises in black film and TV content before moving back to Nigeria to co-found the FilmOne with Kene Okwuosa.
In this interview, he speaks to Eelive.ng about the implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the film industry in Nigeria and the vision of FilmOne Distribution and Production Company and Filmhouse Cinemas.
Can you quantify the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on your business?
Well, in terms of revenue, if we consider the depletion in attendance since mid-February, when news about the pandemic became more trending, all through to mid-June, the industry has approximately lost ₦5 billion, considering figures from 2019 and factoring in gross box office (GBO), retail and alternative revenues. If we say that GBO alone, accounts for 60% of that figure, and consider that we account for 30 -35 % of the region’s box office, that would bring our loss in revenue to a little over a billion naira in ticket sales alone.
There are projections that this situation would change the world permanently, how is the cinema industry in Nigeria preparing for this?
The good thing is that we are posing a united front, under the auspices of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN); we are looking at common factors that would affect the sector and the cinematic experience generally. For instance, we have outlined a guideline of precautionary measures which would ensure the safety of movie-goers POST-COVID 19. Also, there is an international disruption with the film-release schedule. So, we are working with our local movie producers and foreign studios on adjusting the schedules to soothe our realities.
There have been complaints about Film House patronizing just a select number of artistes, there were even grumblings that you monopolised the distribution of films to Netflix at some point, how do you react to this? How do you select the people you work with? What dictates the kinds of movies you accept to work on?
Firstly, I’ll have to state that cinemas do not relate directly with film producers, we do business with distributors, and I can confidently stress that Filmhouse cinemas has a very cordial relationship with all theatrical distributors in Nigeria. About Netflix, it is illogical to claim FilmOne Entertainment has monopoly of relationship with either Netflix or any other player in the industry.
We do not define or control the terms for partnerships in the sector. We only engage and do business like every other player. Having supplied Netflix with content since 2016, we have taken out time to monitor and understand the kind of films that thrive well on their platform.
If anyone thinks they are not successful, it may be a pointer to their capabilities in terms of quality or strategy. Producers and filmmakers should strive to make good films and I’m sure Netflix will consider their proposals. About FilmOne’s criteria for selections, quality of content is the most important factor.
What exactly is the vision of Film House, what is the scope of your business?
Filmhouse is a media entertainment group made up of two companies – Filmhouse Cinemas, which deals in film exhibition, and FilmOne Entertainment, which is our distribution and production arm. Our vision to lead the market by creating cinematic experiences with innovation and content that continues to entertain.
Let’s talk a bit about you Mr. Babatope, your background, what prepared you for what you are doing now? How did you get here?
Well, it’s a long story, but to cut it short; I am a native of Ilesha in Osun State. I had my primary and secondary education here in Lagos, after which I moved to the United Kingdom for my tertiary education.
It was during my education in the UK, that I began working at Odeon Cinemas; where I rose to the position of Senior Cinema Manager. In the process, I met my friend who today, has become a brother and partner – Kene Okwuosa. That relationship alongside my experience gained from working at Odeon and the private businesses I ran at that time, are very key to where you can say I am today. Most importantly, I won’t take away the grace of God.
Having dealt with Nigerian filmmakers for a while now, what advice would you want to give them on how to cope with the emerging realities?
I’ll say that prior to this time, no one has experienced what we currently face; but all I know is that in the midst of crises lies hidden opportunities. It would be profitable for every professional in the industry to think outside the box at this time, to either identify those opportunities or create them.
