Renowned Nigerian music video director, ThankGod Omori, popularly known as TG Omori, has revealed that some of his projects have commanded production budgets exceeding $100,000. Omori shared these insights during a recent interview on the Afropolitan podcast, where he delved into the complex financial aspects of music video production, particularly for projects undertaken outside Nigeria.
Understanding the Multi-Million Naira Production Costs
Omori explained that shooting music videos in international locations significantly inflates production expenses. Cities like Las Vegas and Los Angeles in the United States, for instance, incur substantial additional costs. These include mandatory insurance payments, hourly rates for crew and equipment, and the overall expense of transactions made in dollars. Such factors collectively push budgets well past the $100,000 mark for a single music video.
Interestingly, Omori noted that while a $100,000 budget could also be applied to a production within Nigeria, the financial returns for the director are often more favorable domestically. Spending a similar sum abroad, he clarified, typically yields lower profit margins because a larger portion of the budget is absorbed by extensive production and service charges.
The Secrecy Behind Filmmaking Budgets
The director highlighted a common industry practice where filmmakers and video directors are hesitant to publicly disclose project budgets. Omori explained that this reluctance stems from the subjective nature of filmmaking, where creative concepts and chosen locations dramatically influence costs. He suggested that revealing budgets could potentially deter some clients or, conversely, lead to an undervaluation of the intricate creative and technical effort involved in their art.
Leveraging Local Talent: The Artisan Advantage in Nigeria
Discussing the benefits of local production, Omori praised the affordability and skill of Nigerian artisans. He indicated that working with local manpower in Nigeria allows for the creation of elaborate production designs at comparatively lower costs, a significant advantage for budget-conscious projects. However, this cost-saving comes with its own set of demands.
Omori emphasized that while local artisans can deliver high-quality work, it requires considerable hands-on supervision and clear creative direction from the director. He candidly shared that achieving desired results often means sacrificing personal time and sleep, as directors must meticulously monitor every stage of the production process to ensure precision and quality. Despite the intensive oversight required, Omori maintains that the talent available locally, when properly guided, is capable of bringing even the most ambitious visions to life.