Entering the world of screenwriting in Nigeria can be exciting—but also confusing. Between balancing creativity with market demands and navigating the peculiarities of Nollywood, many new writers find themselves stumbling. Unfortunately, some of these stumbles turn into habits that damage their careers before they even begin. Whether you’re writing your first screenplay or already have a few under your belt, understanding these common pitfalls can save you years of frustration.
Here are five major mistakes new Nigerian screenwriters make—and how you can avoid them:
1. Writing Without Understanding the Nigerian Market
Many first-time writers in Nigeria create scripts that are brilliant on paper but have no place in Nollywood’s current landscape. They imitate Western formats without localizing the content, creating stories that feel out of touch with Nigerian audiences.
Why It’s a Mistake:
The Nigerian film industry has its unique rhythm, language, culture, and market expectations. While global storytelling techniques are universal, your script must reflect the world Nigerians live in.
How to Avoid It:
Study successful Nigerian films—both mainstream and indie. Observe what kinds of stories get made and why. Watch films across languages (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, English) and pay attention to dialogue, pacing, cultural references, and character archetypes. If you’re writing for the Nigerian market, your story must speak to the Nigerian reality.
2. Overloading the Script with Dialogue Instead of Visual Storytelling
New screenwriters often treat their scripts like novels. Pages are crammed with dialogue, characters endlessly explain things, and scenes lack physical action or visual depth.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Film is a visual medium. If your characters are always talking and not doing, the story becomes flat. Dialogue should reveal character or move the plot—not serve as an excuse to narrate everything.
How to Avoid It:
Think in pictures. Ask yourself: What would the audience see if this scene had no sound? Use action lines wisely. Replace speeches with gestures, expressions, and interactions. Watch scenes from strong visual directors like Kunle Afolayan or Jade Osiberu and study how much they say with silence.
3. Neglecting Proper Script Formatting
Many Nigerian writers submit scripts in Microsoft Word documents, PDFs with non-standard layouts, or use fonts and styles that scream “amateur.” Worse still, they don’t divide scenes properly or indicate transitions correctly.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Improper formatting makes your script hard to read and sends a signal to producers that you’re not serious. It shows that you haven’t taken the time to learn the industry’s basic standards.
How to Avoid It:
Use industry-standard screenwriting software like Final Draft, Celtx, WriterDuet, or even Trelby (which is free). Learn the basics of scene headings, action lines, dialogue blocks, and transitions. A properly formatted script not only looks professional—it shows respect for the craft.
4. Writing Without a Plan or Structure
Many Nigerian writers start writing with just a “hot idea” in their heads. They dive into scenes without understanding structure, pacing, or character arcs. The result? A disorganized story that loses steam halfway through.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Even the most spontaneous story needs a blueprint. Without structure, your story will wander, your characters will lack growth, and the emotional beats will feel random.
How to Avoid It:
Learn the basics of screenplay structure—whether it’s the three-act structure, Save The Cat beats, or any other framework. Outline your script before writing. Know your major turning points, character motivations, and how the story ends. Structure doesn’t kill creativity; it sharpens it.
5. Failing to Collaborate and Take Feedback
Many new screenwriters operate in isolation. They write in secret, fear criticism, and only show their scripts when they believe it’s “perfect.” When they do get feedback, they take it personally.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Film is a collaborative art. Scripts go through multiple rewrites—often shaped by producers, directors, and editors. If you can’t take feedback or work with others, you won’t survive in the industry.
How to Avoid It:
Find a writing community. Join screenwriting groups (online or local), attend film workshops, or share your work with trusted mentors. Learn to accept constructive criticism and separate your ego from your script. Remember: your first draft is just the beginning.
In Conclusion…
Becoming a successful screenwriter in Nigeria requires more than just talent. It demands discipline, humility, awareness of your audience, and a willingness to learn the craft. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you place yourself miles ahead of most beginners.
No one writes a perfect script on their first try. But if you’re committed to growing, refining your skills, and understanding the industry, there’s a space for your voice in Nollywood.
Keep writing. Keep learning. And most importantly, tell stories only you can tell.
Written by Igbo Clifford Chimaizuobi — Nigerian screenwriter, filmmaker, and co-founder of Julob Entertainment.
Very good read, thank you for sharing Clifford.