By Our Reporter
Nollywood actress Scarlet Gomez has criticised what she described as widespread exploitation of actors, directors and crew members in the Nigerian film industry, accusing some producers of subjecting creative professionals to harsh working conditions without adequate compensation or welfare.
Gomez, in a lengthy statement shared on her Instagram page on Thursday, November 12, lamented that many film industry workers are forced to work excessively long hours, sometimes until 6 a.m., only to resume duties a few hours later.
She said the situation has left many actors and crew members physically exhausted, poorly treated and financially vulnerable despite their contributions to the success of film productions.
According to the actress, some workers are denied proper meals, decent accommodation and safe sleeping arrangements, while others reportedly fall ill on set, risk their lives and wait for months without receiving their salaries.
She described the situation as an unfortunate reality behind Nollywood’s glamorous public image, questioning why basic workers’ rights have become difficult to demand in the industry.
Gomez also alleged that professionals who complain about poor working conditions risk losing future opportunities, as some producers threaten not to engage them in subsequent projects.
She said such workers are often labelled difficult, unprofessional or arrogant, while some are allegedly blacklisted, bullied or subjected to damaging rumours for speaking out.
The actress further expressed concern over the lack of solidarity among creative professionals, accusing some colleagues of abandoning those who raise concerns in a bid to maintain favour with influential industry figures.
She also condemned the practice of secretly reducing professional fees to secure acting or production jobs, arguing that such behaviour undermines collective bargaining and worsens conditions for everyone.
Reflecting on the experiences of older industry professionals who endured similar treatment, Gomez questioned whether their sacrifices had translated into better opportunities or financial security.
She observed that many who remained silent and tolerated exploitation are still struggling, while some beneficiaries of their labour have accumulated wealth and acquired properties.
Gomez said she now understands why some previously friendly actors have become more guarded and cautious in their dealings within the industry.
However, she maintained that she would not allow the prevailing conditions to change her character, insisting that she would remain respectful, kind and willing to speak honestly about injustice.
The actress also commended producers who continue to pay workers fairly, provide decent accommodation and welfare, and treat cast and crew members with dignity.
She stressed that fair remuneration and adequate working conditions are basic rights rather than privileges that producers should offer as favours.
Calling for greater unity among creative professionals, Gomez urged actors, directors and other industry workers to stop undermining colleagues who speak against exploitation.
She also appealed to producers and other industry stakeholders to recognise that workers have personal lives and responsibilities beyond film sets.
“The film ends, the cameras stop rolling, but people still have to live with how you treated them,” she stated.
Gomez concluded by questioning how much longer creative professionals would continue to endure poor working conditions in silence.
In her accompanying caption, she wrote: “Every masterpiece has its price, but no work of art should demand that its creators become the sacrifice.”