Nigerian music video director ThankGod Omori, popularly known as TG Omori, has revealed that some music videos he has worked on cost more than $100,000 to produce.
The award-winning director made the disclosure while discussing music video production budgets during an interview on the Afropolitan Podcast.
According to Omori, the cost of producing a major music video can rise significantly when the project is filmed outside Nigeria.
Why Overseas Productions Cost More
TG Omori explained that shooting music videos in foreign locations comes with several additional expenses.
He said production companies may have to pay for different services in dollars, while location and other production requirements can quickly increase the overall budget.
The director noted that some projects can go well beyond the $100,000 mark.
When asked specifically whether a single music video could cost more than $100,000, Omori confirmed that this happens in many cases.
Location Can Change the Budget
The director pointed to cities such as Los Angeles and Las Vegas as examples of places where production costs can become particularly high.
Filming outside Nigeria can involve expenses that are less significant during local productions, including insurance, equipment, crew and location-related charges.
These costs can add up quickly when a production requires several days of filming and a large team.
Nigerian Productions Can Be More Cost-Effective
Despite the high budgets associated with some international shoots, Omori said Nigerian productions can offer a different financial equation.
He explained that Nigeria has skilled workers and local artisans who can handle different aspects of a production at comparatively lower costs.
For filmmakers working in Lagos, access to local crews and production resources can therefore make it possible to create ambitious projects without facing all the expenses associated with shooting abroad.
The Work Behind Big Music Videos
Music videos featuring Nigerian stars often involve much more than simply filming an artiste performing a song.
Depending on the concept, a production can require elaborate sets, costumes, dancers, locations, special effects, equipment and a large crew.
For international shoots, transportation, accommodation and local production arrangements can add further expenses.
Omori’s comments provide a glimpse into the financial side of an industry that audiences usually only see after the finished video is released.
TG Omori’s Career in Music Videos
TG Omori has become one of Nigeria’s prominent music video directors, working with several major artistes during his career.
His work has helped shape the visual style of numerous Afrobeats and Nigerian music releases.
His latest comments highlight the scale of investment that can go into producing high-profile music videos and why the final cost can vary significantly depending on the concept and location.
For artists and record labels, the decision to shoot locally or abroad can therefore have a major effect on the overall production budget.