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Nigeria's "Nollywood" movie industry is less than two decades old, but it's already the third most productive in the world. Nollywood videos have become an entertainment staple – and a source of pride – for Africans everywhere. With little government support, daily power failures, no real studios, and the most rudimentary equipment, Nigerian filmmakers must be artists, entrepreneurs, and masters of making do. That describes Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen. At 37, the man known as "The Governor" has already directed more than 150 films. And every single one has been a struggle. Jon Miller's profile is part of the WORKING series from Homelands Productions.
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Piece Description
Nigeria's "Nollywood" movie industry is less than two decades old, but it's already the third most productive in the world. Nollywood videos have become an entertainment staple – and a source of pride – for Africans everywhere. With little government support, daily power failures, no real studios, and the most rudimentary equipment, Nigerian filmmakers must be artists, entrepreneurs, and masters of making do. That describes Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen. At 37, the man known as "The Governor" has already directed more than 150 films. And every single one has been a struggle. Jon Miller's profile is part of the WORKING series from Homelands Productions.
Intro and Outro
INTRO:You probably know that Bollywood has overtaken Hollywood as the top producer of movies in the world. Number three? It's Nollywood, from Nigeria. Not that you're likely to see a Nollywood flick at your local Cineplex, at least for a while. The movies -- about a thousand a year -- are shot on video and go straight to tape or DVD. The industry's less than 20 years old, but it's become HUGELY popular across Africa. Jon Miller traveled to Lagos [LAY-gos] to meet one of Nollywood's most successful directors. His profile is part of the WORKING series from Homelands Productions.
OUTRO:That was Jon Miller reporting. WORKING is produced by Homelands Productions in collaboration with Marketplace Radio. To see pictures and hear audio, go to working.homelands.org. While you're there, you can also tell the world what you think about YOUR job.
Additional Credits
WORKING is a collaboration between Homelands Productions and Marketplace Radio. Major funding comes from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.


