The Nigerian movie industry has attracted significant ratings of late that it is now being rated number three in the world behind Hollywood and Bollywood (India).

Without a doubt, the actors and actresses are enjoying the limelight and have become celebrities by virtue of the consistent exposure to the media. There are, however, a different class of people in the industry, whose contribution remains important.

This set of people have put in so much into the movie business in Nigeria, forcing one to wonder what would have been the face of Nollywood without their input. Life and Beat chronicles the profile of some of the notable movie makers in Nigeria

Tunde Kelani

If you call him a legend in Nollywood, you will not be far from the truth as Tunde Kelani has certainly made an impact in key areas others are afraid to venture into.

His contribution cuts across Yoruba and the English movies and the veteran has gone a long way to make sure he dishes out award-winning movies.

With movies like The White Handkerchief, Twins of the Rain Forest, Saworoide, Thunderbolt, A Barber’s Wisdom, Agogo Ewo, The Campus Queen, The Narrow Path, Abeni, Arugba and many other hits, Kelani is certainly one movie maker who is sure-footed.

Jeta Amata

Coming from a family of movie makers, Jeta Amata has certainly been able to uphold the legacy of the Amata dynasty.

Amata came into the industry at a young age, but he didn’t allow this to deter him from registering a strong presence in the movie industry.

With high-budget movies like Amazing Grace and the much-talked about Black Gold, Amata is aiming to write his name in gold.

Lancelot Odua-Imasuen

Many actors and actresses in contemporary times surely owe their prominence to Lancelot Odua-Imasuen. Inarguably, he made them what they are through his movies.

Known for making hit movies, The Guv’nor, as Imasuen is also called, started as a production manager before he grew to become a household movie director.

Imasuen has directed dozens of movies, including Sisters Love, Issakaba, Games Men Play, Official Romance and Emotional Crack.

Tchidi Chikere

He can’t be rated as a very good actor but certainly, Tchidi Chikere is one of the best directors in Nollywood. He has become so good at this game that most people now believe that every movie he directs must be a must-watch.

With well over 50 movies to his credit, the University of Calabar graduate also once had a stint in music.

Some of his most-talked about movies are Stronger than Pain, Hatred, Fire Dancer and Blood Sisters.

Chico Ejiro

Chico ‘Mr. Prolific’ Ejiro did not just join the movie industry. The dude has been making movies years back and has earned himself a place among the who-is-who in the industry.

The agricultural science graduate has metamorphosed into a strong pillar in the movie industry with no fewer than 80 movies to his credit. Among the movies he will be remembered for are Ashanti, Blind Love and True Romance.

Dickson Iroegbu

It doesn’t really matter if you love him or hate him. Dickson Iroegbu has certainly printed his name on the sands of time in the Nigerian movie industry.

The first AMAA best director winner, Iroegbu is a great movie maker; his Women’s Cot is still the talk of the town till date.

He, however, seems to have gone on a hiatus though last year, he came up with an idea of a docudrama, Save our Plateau. It is yet to see the light of day.

Emem Isong

Screen writer and movie producer, Emem Isong, thrilled not a few with some of her movies, Behind Closed Doors and Critical Condition. But she raised the bar when she came out with Reloaded, a movie that featured virtually all the Nollywood A-list artistes. Isong, alongside her good friends, Desmond Elliot and Uche Jombo, is making sure she overtakes the practitioners who started ahead of her.

Vivian Ejike

She doesn’t really have many movies to her credit yet, but Vivian Ejike is stepping up her game in movie making.

A former banker, Ejike came to the scene a few years back and is gradually carving a niche for herself in Nollywood.

We cannot forget in a hurry one of her best movies, Secret Scandal, which has certainly brought Ejike to the forefront.

Chineze Anyaene

Chineze Anyaene would have remained in obscurity for obvious reasons, but overnight, she has turned into a star.

Her first movie, Ije, featuring Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Genevieve Nnaji, was shot in Hollywood and has automatically transformed the young lady into a celebrity.