Amazon Prime Video Signs Exclusive Streaming Deal With Nigeria’s Inkblot Studios

Amazon Prime Video, the US-based streaming service owned by Amazon, has signed a multi-year licensing agreement with Inkblot Studios, the Nigerian production company, to distribute Nollywood movies. This is the first exclusive theatrical deal the streaming service is entering with an African film studio.

What this means is that Amazon Prime Video will have exclusive and worldwide distribution rights to all Inkblot’s theatrical releases from 2022.

According to Amazon Prime Video, the company will launch upcoming Inkblot films to an audience of more than 200 million members globally after theatrical release. The movies include The Set Up 2, Moms at War 2, New Money 3, Charge and Bail, Superstar, and The Blood Covenant.

Founded in 2011 by Chinaza Onuzo, Zulumoke Oyibo, and Damola Ademola, Inkblot is a production studio in Nigeria. Since its launch, it has released 16 movies in theaters so far. The production company is behind Wedding party and Wedding Party 2- the second and third highest-selling movies in the country.

“We know that Prime Video customers around the world love movies. This new deal with Inkblot Studios offers some of the best Nigerian and African movies available to customers. “Masu,” said Ayanna Ronian, Director of Content Acquisition for Prime Video and Head of Worldwide Major Studios. Licensing strategy.

“The Nigerian story is truly one of the most exciting and thrilling things in the world. The Inkblot contract will allow us to deliver great Nigerian films and post-theatrical releases in Nigeria to viewers around the world. We will also continue to build on the Prime Video catalog and the goal of delighting Prime members. “

“Inkblot Studios produces some of the largest and most creative original films in the Nigerian film industry. We have the opportunity to introduce our films to more than 200 million members of Amazon Prime Video. We believe that Nigerian films have a truly global appeal, and we are excited to work with Amazon Prime Video to provide the best entertainment in the world, “said Inkblot Studios. Co-founder Chinaza Onuzo added.

These are interesting times for the Nigerian movie industry popularly called Nollywood as streaming giants search for new markets to explore and expand their number of users.

Unsurprisingly, Nigeria whose movie industry is the biggest in Africa is getting the most attention. Netflix signed a deal with EbonyLife TV to create two original television series and several other branded films. Showmax, the South African Multichoice-owned streaming service is also doing its bit in the face of competition from Netflix and now Amazon Prime Video. It now remains Disney+ which is yet to launch in Africa to join the race in order to take a slice of the market before it’s too late. Probably in 2022?