In a groundbreaking collaboration, Innovative Television Kontents (ITK), led by Dimbo and Karachi Atiya, and Cinemax, founded by Ope Ajayi, have announced their partnership for the distribution of the highly anticipated limited series “Money In The Game.” The 5-part series, set in modern-day Lagos, Nigeria, promises to be an engrossing drama that delves into the intriguing world of talent management in sports, with a specific focus on football.
The series revolves around two prominent sports talent management agencies locked in a fierce rivalry to sign a talented 17-year-old protege. As the competition heats up, a gripping tale unfolds, revealing the behind-the-scenes shenanigans, dirty deals, and brilliance that characterise talent management in the world of football.
“We are excited to bring ‘Money In The Game’ to the audience,” said Dimbo Atiya, the co-founder of ITK and the creator of the series. “The story not only explores the cutthroat world of sports talent management but also delves into the very essence of football’s influence in Nigeria. With the collaboration of Cinemax, we aim to deliver an impactful and gripping series that showcases the best of Nollywood storytelling.”
The collaboration between ITK and Cinemax began years ago when Ope Ajayi, the founder of Cinemax, was in charge of Genesis Cinema. Their first cinema production, “Still Falling,” was successfully distributed by Genesis Pictures in cinemas and later made its mark on Amazon Prime. This successful partnership laid the foundation for future collaborations, leading to the upcoming distribution of “Money In The Game” on streaming platforms.
“We have been closely monitoring the strides made by Nollywood in recent years,” said Ope Ajayi. “Cinemax is committed to distributing top-quality productions that showcase excellence and compelling storytelling. ‘Money In The Game’ perfectly aligns with our vision, and we believe this collaboration will further elevate Nollywood’s international presence.”
Kaahasa Zabedi, a talented writer recently relocated from the UK, played a crucial role in shaping the storyline of “Money In The Game.” Collaborating with Dimbo Atiya, Zabedi contributed her writing prowess to bring depth and authenticity to the series, making it a compelling and engaging narrative that promises to captivate audiences.
The principal photography for “Money In The Game” is scheduled to begin in September 2023. The series will be filmed in three major cities—Lagos, Jos, and the UK—under the expert guidance of acclaimed director Tom Robson. Robson’s extensive experience and expertise in cinematography are expected to infuse the series with stunning visuals and innovative storytelling techniques.
ITK’s esteemed portfolio includes the production of notable series like “The Rishantes,” which won the prestigious 2022 AMVCA Best Original Drama Series award. Other successful productions from ITK include “Halita,” “Sons of the Caliphate,” “The Plan,” “Still Falling,” and “Drawing Strength.” These previous projects have garnered critical acclaim, cementing ITK’s reputation as a powerhouse in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Cinemax, on the other hand, has already made waves as a distribution company. Within its first year of operation, Cinemax successfully distributed movies like “Brotherhood,” “Sista,” and “Strangers,” showcasing its commitment to delivering compelling and quality content to audiences.
As “Money In The Game” gears up for production, ITK and Cinemax plan to release the series on various streaming platforms, aiming to reach a global audience. With Cinemax’s stellar track record in distribution and ITK’s reputation for producing top-notch dramas, the collaboration promises to leave a lasting impact on the international entertainment landscape.
Although a specific release date has yet to be announced, the creators hope to wrap up production by early next year, followed by the series’ eagerly anticipated premiere.
“Money In The Game” aspires to redefine the narrative of Nollywood storytelling, presenting a compelling and relatable drama that resonates with audiences worldwide. As fans eagerly await the release, the collaboration between ITK and Cinemax stands as a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
