Nollywood actor, Kanayo O Kanayo has voiced concerns regarding the detrimental effects of the prevalent practice of intense one-day shoots among emerging actors on YouTube.
In a video shared on his Instagram page on April 19, 2024, Kanayo criticized the trend of charging exorbitant fees for single-day shoots, where actors are required to complete numerous scenes within a short timeframe.
He expressed apprehension that such demanding working conditions are negatively impacting the health of actors.
Kanayo highlighted the lack of foresight and professionalism among Nigerian actors prioritising short-term gains over sustainable practices.
He emphasized the unsustainable nature of one-day shoots, often involving unrealistic expectations and overburdening actors with excessive scenes.
Kanayo lamented that this approach not only compromises the quality of content but also jeopardizes the well-being of actors.
The veteran actor cited the unfortunate decline in the health of a respected colleague who pioneered the one-day shoot trend, attributing it to the strain imposed by such intensive filming schedules.
He urged actors to prioritize their health and cautioned against sacrificing professionalism for immediate financial gains.
Kanayo concluded stating that YouTube will soon be gone in Nigeria due to the manner it’s being used by people.
In his words:
‘’We built Nollywood, brick by brick, block by block but the guys who have besieged YouTube, the actors not the producers, do not have any sense of purpose or process to create a procedure for a lasting videography or creating content. Take, for instance, the whole irony of a one-day shoot. It is not sustainable. Some of them now make it so difficult for producers. They tell you a day shoot is N1 million or N1.5 million. It isn’t sustainable. Unfortunately, my very high-standing colleague who started this one-day shoot is unfortunately not in good health. Why? I know for everyone who gives you a job, wants it done. They pack you with enough to finish in one day. Thirty scenes, thirty-five scenes. Most of you think you are enjoying ‘I am fully booked for the next six months’ but your health…I hope you enjoy good health like those of us who started 38 years ago because what you are doing is not sustainable.
I bear you no malice. Earn all your money but the disservice you are doing to professionalism is not going to last long and the way I see it. YouTube is not going to last long in Nigeria as a platform”
