Ghanaian actress and producer, Juliet Ibrahim, has shared her preference for uploading her movies on YouTube rather than on streaming platforms like Netflix or Prime Video. She explained that YouTube offers more flexibility compared to the strict requirements set by other platforms.
Juliet Ibrahim made these remarks during an interview at the Nigeria International Film and TV Summit held in Lekki. She pointed out that YouTube does not impose specific criteria regarding equipment, editing, lighting, or crew members, unlike Netflix or Prime Video, which have stringent standards for content submission.
In her words:
“Unlike Netflix or Prime, YouTube doesn’t demand specific criteria for equipment, editing, lighting, or crew members.”
While highlighting the benefits of YouTube, Juliet Ibrahim also acknowledged the risk of piracy associated with the platform. She discussed the challenge of content theft and the desire to maintain ownership of her films.
Juliet added:
“You see, there is something about being a filmmaker, you make your movie and you want to own your rights. There is also piracy, so even YouTube is not 100% safe because people still pirate, they would steal your content.”
She elaborated on the advantages of YouTube, noting that it provides a marketplace where filmmakers can generate revenue with less hassle compared to meeting the high standards of streaming services. According to her, streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video require a significant investment in equipment and production quality, which can be financially burdensome.
Juliet Ibrahim stated:
“However, there is a whole market on YouTube where people make quick and easy money with less stress. Without having to go buy the cinema criteria or streaming platform criteria. Before you submit to a streaming platform either Netflix or Prime, you have a list of equipment you must use.”
She further explained the logistical and financial challenges associated with meeting these standards, which she said could impact funding for projects.
Juliet also emphasized the importance of reaching audiences in the diaspora who may not have access to local cinema content. She explained that having multiple income streams is vital for filmmakers and that YouTube serves as an accessible platform for distributing content to a global audience.
She concluded:
“As a filmmaker, you want to have multiple streams of income, and there are people in diaspora who want to watch our content but cannot access our cinema content. Until we can give them good cinema content over there, we can put it on Netflix or YouTube.”
Juliet Ibrahim also mentioned that if Netflix deems the content not suitable, it could still be shared on other platforms like Showmax or YouTube. She emphasized the need to strategically consider where to place content to benefit both the filmmaker and the audience.
“If Netflix says the content is not good enough for them, we can put it on Showmax or YouTube uploads. A lot of people have different reasons but most times you have to look at it strategically and also what goes into your pocket.”