Titilola Ajayi says Nollywood storytelling is increasingly shaped by speed, digital platforms and audience demand

Actress and filmmaker Titilola Ajayi has expressed concern over the evolving style of storytelling in Nollywood, saying the industry is increasingly prioritising speed and digital performance over depth.

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Speaking in an interview with Sunday Scoop, Ajayi said producers were largely responding to audience demand and the growing influence of new media platforms.

According to her, the current production culture rewards fast-paced and easily consumable content because of the financial benefits attached to online visibility and streaming numbers.

“Nollywood is prioritising speed over depth in storytelling, but one wouldn’t blame producers. They are dancing to the audience’s tune and taking advantage of new media,” Ajayi said.

The actress noted that films with engaging content often generate rapid views and stronger commercial returns, making digital success a powerful factor in production decisions.

“It’s also a game of numbers, so one has to understand the direction the industry is going,” she added.

Ajayi explained that the pressure to produce quickly for digital audiences can affect how richly characters are developed and how layered storylines become.

“In reality, stories are often designed to be quicker to produce and easier to consume, especially with the rise of digital platforms.

That sometimes affects how deeply characters are explored or how layered a storyline can be, but it is the balance the industry is currently working with,” she said.

Speaking on the challenges faced by female filmmakers, Ajayi argued that career limitations were not entirely caused by the industry itself.

She suggested that personal choices and support systems often play a major role in determining how far women progress in filmmaking careers.

“I wouldn’t really say that is Nollywood’s issue. It might come down to one or two choices female filmmakers themselves have made, such as marriage choices or individual differences,” she said.

Ajayi added that intentionality, focus and supportive relationships could help female filmmakers thrive despite industry pressures.

“But if you are intentional about your career, ignore the noise, and perhaps have an understanding partner, then the sky becomes the starting point,” she added.

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Her remarks come at a time when Nollywood continues to experience rapid growth on streaming platforms, with producers increasingly embracing shorter production cycles and digitally driven content strategies.