By Sunday Ani, Lagos
Prime Video has announced an exclusive three-year deal with a leading Nigerian filmmaker, Jade Osiberu.
The three-year deal with Osiberu, who is the creator of film and series hits like Sugar Rush, Isoken, and Gidi Up, as well as an upcoming Amazon Original movie, Gangs of Lagos, will include the creation of original scripted TV and movie concepts, produced by her production company, Greoh Studios.
The deal comes as Gangs of Lagos takes part in an exclusive preview screening at the Toronto International Film Festival for press and tastemakers. The movie is set to launch as the first Nigerian Original exclusively on Prime Video later in the year.
“I am overjoyed with this collaboration, and already feel like I’m part of the Prime Video and Amazon Studios family,” Osiberu said.
Also, the head of African and Middle East Originals, Prime Video and Amazon Studio, Ned Mitchell, said:
“It will be an absolute pleasure to introduce Prime Video audiences to the most exciting talent and storylines Nigeria has to offer, and I’m looking forward to continuing to help elevate Nigerian stories on a global scale.
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“Collaborating with visionary and respected talent is foundational to delivering a curated and elevated slate of Originals for our local audiences in Nigeria.
“It is a joy to announce our collaboration with Jáde Osiberu in a deal that is the first of its kind for us in Africa. We are constantly delighted by Osiberu’s talent for weaving her visual magic and voice into heart-stopping storytelling and characters that sear into our memories, and together we will create authentically African hits for our Prime Video customers worldwide.
Also speaking, the head of Nigerian Originals, Prime Video and Amazon Studios, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said: “At Prime Video, we are looking forward to working with original voices, to tell authentic stories that offer a local point of view and connect with our audiences, wherever they may be.
“Jáde Osiberu is an exceptional and compelling storyteller, and over the last few years, she has delivered stories with a unique flavour and fresh point of view. We are thrilled to be able to bring these stories and more to Prime Video audiences at home and abroad.”
The deal follows similar international agreements with talent such as Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag), Steve McQueen (Small Axe), Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs Maisel), Donald Glover (Mr & Ms Smith), and Jenny Han (The Summer I Turned Pretty).
The news comes after Prime Video recently announced its increased investment in Nigeria with its first two Nigerian Originals, Gangs of Lagos and Last One Laughing Naija, starring Basketmouth.
Osiberu is represented by Range Media Partners.