Ghanaian Filmmakers Told to Boost Revenue via Digital Platforms

Ghanaian filmmakers need to pivot from traditional television broadcasting to digital distribution platforms to build sustainable businesses and increase revenue, according to award-winning documentary filmmaker George Bosompim.

Digital platforms offer better long-term earning potential.

Bosompim argued that television should no longer be the primary destination for local films, noting that online systems now provide better opportunities to monetize work and reach global audiences.

Speaking to GNA Entertainment, he said the rapid growth of streaming services has fundamentally changed how films are distributed and monetized, giving African creators greater control over their intellectual property.

Rather than relying on television stations which often offer limited financial returns, he encouraged producers to negotiate digital distribution agreements that generate recurring revenue while expanding international visibility.

“Today, there are a lot of digital channels where you can put your work. I’m not even suggesting that people should put their productions on television. It is the last place you should take your film because they are not paying and they are not commissioning people to produce films,” he said.

His reasoning is simple: if broadcasters do not pay for commissions, creators should not waste their time pitching to them when they can secure a digital distribution contract online.

Bosompim called for broader reforms to improve the commercial viability of the sector.

He said stronger systems for royalties, insurance and intellectual property protection are essential to ensuring filmmakers continue earning from their productions long after release.

Bosompim also welcomed the government’s recently announced GH¢20 million Creative Arts Fund, urging authorities to administer the programme transparently and prioritize projects capable of competing on the international stage.

He said Ghana should invest in high-quality productions with the potential to earn recognition at prestigious global awards, including the Academy Awards (Oscars).

According to Bosompim, filmmakers aiming for international recognition must familiarise themselves with award eligibility rules before production begins rather than after completing their films.

“Some of our people decide to finish the film before reading the regulations, or they do not read the regulations at all. It doesn’t work like that. We have to be intentional about these things in order to progress,” he said.

The filmmaker also encouraged emerging producers to seek mentorship and collaboration instead of trying to manage every aspect of filmmaking independently.

He said successful productions depend on specialised expertise across scriptwriting, pre-production, production and post-production, adding that young filmmakers need to learn from experienced professionals to avoid costly mistakes early in their careers.

George Bosompim believes Ghana’s film industry can generate significantly more value by adopting digital distribution, strengthening industry structures and investing in internationally competitive productions.