At the Creative Economy Stage of Moonshot by TechCabal, filmmaker and author Laju Iren delivered a powerful message to aspiring creatives: storytelling may change hearts, but it won’t sustain a career unless paired with business acumen. Alongside fellow filmmaker Collette Otusheso, Iren emphasized that understanding the economics of the film industry is just as vital as creativity.
Storytelling with Strategy
“I believe stories change people,” Iren said. “But if we need to do this, we must figure out the profit aspect.” She stressed that many underestimate the cost of filmmaking, despite its emotional and cultural impact. “You can have ten story ideas but only enough money for two. To overcome this, we need collaborations.”
Iren’s journey began in 2020, a time when digital tools and platforms were limited for independent creators. She credited adaptability and collaboration as key to navigating the evolving landscape.
Rethinking Film Distribution: From Private Screens to Virtual Cinemas
As producer of Loving Amanda, Iren shared her experience experimenting with alternative distribution models. Initially, she avoided cinemas due to the perception that Christian films wouldn’t perform well. Streaming platforms also offered deals that didn’t match her production costs.
Her team pivoted to private screenings, which proved logistically challenging. Eventually, they embraced a subscription-based virtual cinema model. “We paid for a platform for just one month and made the entire budget back,” she revealed. The model allowed them to bypass expensive infrastructure and retain control over their content.
Iren advised filmmakers exploring virtual cinema to focus on marketing, pre-orders, and secure payment systems. “Be intentional. Make sure your film can’t be pirated. Make payment seamless,” she said.
Building Creative Institutions: Collette Otusheso’s Vision
Joining the panel, Collette Otusheso shared her journey into filmmaking, inspired by her desire to tell stories about her Nigerian roots while living in the UK. With experience at Multichoice, Big Brother, and Tinsel, she saw firsthand how many talented individuals lacked opportunities.
To bridge that gap, Otusheso co-founded Accelerate TV, a platform designed to nurture emerging filmmakers through mentorship, training, and exposure. “We didn’t have institutions here, so we created one,” she said. “We take ideas to AFRIFF and connect talents with industry leaders like Kemi Adetiba.”
Passion Meets Profitability
Both Iren and Otusheso agreed: passion alone won’t build a sustainable career. Filmmakers must learn to balance creativity with business strategy. Whether it’s mastering distribution, securing funding, or building networks, understanding the industry is essential.
Their message to emerging creatives:
“Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start where you are, collaborate wisely, and build models that work for your vision.”
