Tech is becoming a vital part of Nollywood’s next chapter. From digital casting and contract management to crew coordination, new platforms are streamlining the production process and supporting the people who power the industry.
These innovations make it easier for filmmakers to work faster, smarter, and more sustainably. Created by those within the system, these tools respond directly to the unique realities of making films in Nigeria—offering not just convenience but long-term solutions. Here are five platforms leading the charge.
The Nollywood Filmmaker
Founded by renowned director and Anthill Studios boss Niyi Akinmolayan, The Nollywood Filmmaker is a one-of-a-kind digital platform built to democratise knowledge in the Nigerian film industry. For many aspiring filmmakers, access to structured film education remains out of reach. Akinmolayan, who’s behind some of Nollywood’s most technically ambitious films like ‘The Man for the Job’ and ‘Prophetess’, created this hub to fill that gap.
The platform is marketed to first-time filmmakers who want to make their first films. Professional filmmakers are welcome too. The website gives you access to professionals from every department of filmmaking. From writing and budgeting to cinematography and post-production. You can get advice on how to make your movie dreams come true or, better still, hire talents to do it for you, all on Nollywood Filmmaker.
Rollpay Africa
Crew members and actors frequently report delayed payments, cash-based confusion, and inconsistent record-keeping. Rollpay Africa, Eric Kafui Okyerefo’s brainchild, is a fintech solution designed specifically for film and TV productions. It allows producers to manage cast and crew payments digitally, with a clear paper trail and structured approval system.
Built with Nollywood’s fast-moving ecosystem in mind, Rollpay removes the guesswork from contracts and payroll. Production managers can upload budgets, assign payments to different departments or talent, and issue alerts when approvals or disbursements are due. The system makes it easier to track who has been paid, when, and how much. It also builds trust, especially for younger or independent productions trying to maintain professionalism.
What Rollpay is really doing is helping filmmakers run productions more like businesses—and that shift could have a long-term impact on how sustainable Nollywood becomes.
The Casting Place Africa
For decades, casting in Nollywood relied heavily on open calls and informal referrals. That system worked but excluded countless talented actors who didn’t know the right people, and it made casting a game of chance instead of craft. The Casting Place Africa, founded by Tope Alake provides a structured space where filmmakers can post casting calls, scout talent, and review professional actor portfolios.
Actors on the platform go through a vetting process and are offered training opportunities to sharpen their skills. It’s more than just a database—it’s a talent development ecosystem focused on visibility, equity, and growth.
By digitising and formalising the casting process, The Casting Place Africa is raising the bar for performance quality in Nollywood. It’s also helping more diverse talent—from different regions, backgrounds, and training levels—find their way into major roles.
Draftoria
Created in partnership with The Casting Place Africa and powered by filmmaker Tope Alake, Draftoria is an AI-based tool designed for screenwriters, casting agents, and directors who need fast, clean script samples. Its primary function is to generate scene “sides”—short scripted scenes used in auditions or pitch decks—based on simple inputs like genre, mood, or scenario.
In a high-pressure, low-time industry like Nollywood, having a tool that can deliver high-quality script fragments in seconds is a serious advantage. Whether you’re running a casting session and need a neutral scene for actors to read or you’re putting together a proof-of-concept pitch for investors, Draftoria lets you skip the blank page and get straight to storytelling.
It doesn’t replace writers—it assists them. In fact, the platform is especially useful for streamlining the early stages of development and improving the casting process with scenes that are tailored for tone and performance.
Filmmaker’s Mart
Filmmaking in Nigeria often comes down to one question: who do you know? Finding a reliable crew, camera gear, or post-production expert can be an exhausting process, especially when productions move fast and referrals are scarce. Filmmaker’s Mart Founded by a team of four, including Eric Kafui Okyerefo (CEO), Victor Tobi Awotidebe (Engineering Lead), Igho Arusi Avuiroevarie (Operations Lead), and Chioma Paul-Dike (Product Lead), is tackling that problem by becoming Nollywood’s go-to marketplace for film services.
The platform connects filmmakers to verified vendors, freelancers, and production tools across Nigeria. Need a drone operator in Kano? A grip truck in Port Harcourt? A trained makeup artist for a period film in Benin? Filmmaker’s Mart helps you find them, compare rates, and hire with confidence. It’s a professional network, marketplace, and booking system all rolled into one.
Beyond services, Filmmaker’s Mart also offers an educational portal filled with articles, guides, and how-to resources for producers. It aims to reduce trial and error in production planning and give emerging filmmakers a central hub for professional support.
These five platforms reflect a growing maturity in how Nigerian filmmakers are thinking about craft, systems, and long-term success. Whether it’s paying your crew on time or casting with intention, the future of Nollywood isn’t just creative—it’s connected, smart, and built on tech.
