Film producer and Chief Executive Officer of Kofas Media, Kofi Asamoah, has described YouTube as a lifeline for independent filmmakers, stressing that the platform provides “everyday money” in ways traditional distribution channels in Ghana cannot.
Speaking on Starr Showbiz with Feeling Daddy on Starr 103.5 FM on Saturday, September 13, the filmmaker explained that with the near collapse of Ghana’s film distribution networks, YouTube and other digital platforms have become viable starting points for producers who self-finance their work.
According to him, many independent producers, unlike bigger names with pre-arranged distributors, do not have the luxury of waiting for international buyers or networks. Putting content on YouTube, he noted, can generate comparable returns to selling to TV networks or even global platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, but with full control and direct access to audiences.
“And believe me, there is a lot of money on YouTube. So much so that it probably will be more attractive to produce films just for the streaming platforms.” He
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He added that every producer, targets two things. “You want to get your content seen, your film seen and appreciated. And you want to make money out of it, so you can make the next film. So what really is the point? The point is to get the film out there and to make money off it.”
Kofi Asamoah further argued that piracy, often cited as a threat to streaming platforms, has existed since the days of VHS, CDs and DVDs, and will always be an issue wherever films hold commercial value. For him, the real concern is whether producers can get value for their investments.
He also pointed out that cinemas, while important, cannot always sustain filmmakers since audiences are limited to venue capacity and revenue is split with operators. By contrast, YouTube offers potentially millions of views across borders, giving filmmakers long-term value.
“If I put a content on YouTube and I have 400,000 views, that’s 400,000 people watching my content… Can I fill the cinemas with 400,000 people even in a year?” He asked, adding that while he is happy to have films on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, but he wants something that gives “everyday money”.
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“I want something that will give me everyday money. Everyday money. And that’s what YouTube is. Every time anybody watches, you still make money out of it,” Asamoah emphasized.
He called on producers to embrace the digital shift and treat platforms like YouTube not as a last resort, but as a legitimate distribution model capable of sustaining livelihoods.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
