Writing a screenplay that sells in Nigeria isn’t just about crafting a great story — it’s about understanding the market, mastering structure, and tailoring your script to Nollywood’s unique expectations. If you’re a screenwriter dreaming of seeing your name in movie credits, or just starting out and wondering how to write a Nigerian screenplay that actually sells, this guide is for you.
Let’s break it down — from the spark of an idea to the final script that a producer can’t ignore.
1. Know the Nigerian Market Like the Back of Your Hand
Before you even write “FADE IN,” ask yourself: What do Nigerian audiences want?
Nollywood is the second-largest film industry in the world by volume. We produce thousands of films annually, but only a handful stand out. These successful films understand culture, emotion, and entertainment in a Nigerian context. Comedy, family drama, romance, traditional folklore, and gritty real-life struggles dominate.
For example:
- King of Boys tapped into politics and power.
- Living in Bondage explored spirituality and consequences.
- Shanty Town married crime and glamour with authentic street language.
A screenplay that sells must reflect what Nigerians care about — from village taboos to city hustle, from heartbreak to betrayal, and from tradition to modern clashes.
2. Craft a Logline That Hooks
Your logline is your screenplay’s first impression — make it count. It should describe your story in one or two sentences, clearly laying out the main conflict, protagonist, and stakes.
Example:
A desperate Lagos mechanic discovers a suitcase filled with money, only to realize it belongs to a ruthless politician’s assassin.
This single sentence should already spark interest. If it sounds boring, the script likely is too. Producers don’t read full scripts unless the logline sells the idea.
3. Structure: Use the 3-Act Format with a Nigerian Twist
You don’t need to reinvent structure. The classic 3-act format works beautifully — but adapt it to the Nigerian storytelling rhythm.
Act 1: The Setup
Introduce your characters and their world. By page 10, we should know what they want and what’s standing in their way.
Act 2: The Conflict
Everything falls apart. Keep the pressure high. Include emotional beats Nigerians relate to — family rejection, betrayal by a friend, loss of reputation.
Act 3: The Resolution
Your character must grow or pay the price. Whether it’s a happy ending (Omo Ghetto) or a tragic one (Rattlesnake), let it land with emotional weight.
4. Dialogue: Real, Raw, and Relevant
Nothing kills a Nigerian script faster than stiff, foreign-sounding dialogue.
Your characters should speak like Nigerians, not Americans. That doesn’t mean you throw in pidgin every second line — it means you capture the rhythm, attitude, and proverbs that bring authenticity.
Wrong: “I am going to teach you a lesson you’ll never forget.”
Right: “You go learn today. I swear, you go remember this beating till you die.”
Also, understand code-switching. Many Nigerians speak a blend of English, pidgin, and native languages depending on the setting, age, and mood.
5. Characters That Feel Real
Avoid cardboard characters. Your villain shouldn’t be evil just because he wears black. Your hero shouldn’t be perfect either. Think of how Nigerian society shapes us:
- A woman might refuse love because of tribal barriers.
- A pastor may be hiding a criminal past.
- A young man might join a cult to gain power in a rigged system.
Build layered characters that reflect the contradictions of our reality.
6. Themes That Hit Hard
Themes are the heart of your story. Don’t just entertain — say something.
Strong Nollywood films explore:
- Greed and its consequences (Living in Bondage)
- Power and corruption (King of Boys)
- Love vs tradition (Aníkúlápó)
- Gender roles and inequality (Lionheart)
You don’t need to preach. Just let your story reveal something deeper about Nigeria — and the world.
7. Scenes That Move the Story
Every scene must serve a purpose: advance the plot, reveal character, or raise stakes.
If your scene doesn’t do one of these three things — cut it.
A typical Nollywood screenplay is around 90–110 pages. Every page should earn its place.
Quick tip: Start scenes late, end them early. Don’t show us the whole conversation — drop us right into the drama.
8. Format Like a Professional
Don’t give producers headaches with poorly formatted scripts. Use standard screenplay formatting:
- Courier 12pt font.
- Scene headings: INT. CHURCH – NIGHT
- No directing (leave out camera angles unless necessary).
- One page ≈ one minute of screen time.
Use free tools like WriterDuet, Celtx, or Arc Studio Pro to write professionally.
9. Local, But Global
While your story is Nigerian, make sure it’s cinematically global. Think of how The Black Book, Elesin Oba, or Blood Sisters made global audiences care.
This means:
- Universal themes (loss, ambition, revenge)
- Strong visuals
- Sharp pacing
- Avoiding clichés unless you’re subverting them
A screenplay that can be shot in Lagos and still make sense in Berlin or Nairobi is a winner.
10. Build a Network — and Pitch Smartly
Even the best screenplay won’t sell itself. You must pitch it.
- Join screenwriter forums and WhatsApp groups.
- Attend Nollywood events and film festivals.
- Follow and DM directors and producers (politely).
- Create a 1-page treatment and a solid pitch deck.
When someone asks, “What’s your story about?” don’t stammer. Pitch it in 30 seconds like your life depends on it.
Final Thoughts: Writing to Sell vs Writing for Soul
Yes, write to sell — but don’t sell your soul.
Write stories that you care about. Write with intent and authenticity. When you do that, your screenplay won’t just sell — it’ll matter.
And in Nollywood, that’s what really makes the difference.
Do you have a screenplay idea and want feedback? Or are you stuck on your second act? Let’s connect — I’m building a space for Nigerian screenwriters like you.
📩 Reach out via [email protected].
Your story deserves to be seen. Now go write it.
Written by Igbo Clifford Chimaizuobi, Nigerian screenwriter, filmmaker, and co-founder of Julob Entertainment. Clifford writes powerful African stories with global appeal.
