NFVCB

THE PROBLEM

The manual process and human factors continue to cause delays in license processing.

The current manual, paper-based film license application process in Nigeria creates a frustrating and time-consuming experience for filmmakers. This leads to long waiting times (e.g., average processing time of 2 weeks or months), complex forms, and lack of transparency, ultimately discouraging filmmakers and hindering the growth of the Nigerian film industry.

Additionally, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) struggles to meet its annual quota due to the inefficiencies of the current process. With internet penetration in Nigeria reaching 38%. The Stakeholders started wondering how they could use the internet to streamline the process, improve user experience, and speed up the process, making it easier for filmmakers and even those abroad to support the flourishing film industry.

THE GOAL
Why digitize the process?

• Digitize the NFVCB licensing and film classification services to streamline the process for filmmakers.

• Increase efficiency and reduce application processing time to expedite the licensing process.

• Improve transparency and communication by implementing automated processes and online tracking.

• Encourage more investment and participation in the Nigerian film industry by simplifying the licensing process.

  
  

RESEARCH

User Interviews

Conducted in-depth interviews with filmmakers, industry stakeholders, and NFVCB officials to understand pain points, preferences, and challenges faced during the licensing process. Insights gathered included frustrations with lengthy processing times, confusion over requirements, and a desire for greater transparency and communication.

The Directors initially proposed transforming the existing paper-based application into an accessible online platform, making it simpler for users and encouraging Nigerians abroad to contribute to the film industry.

However, to create a more comprehensive and lasting solution, we engaged in direct conversations with filmmakers, industry stakeholders, and NFVCB officials to understand pain points, preferences, and challenges faced during the licensing process. Insights gathered included frustrations with lengthy processing times, confusion over requirements, the human element involved, and a desire for greater transparency and communication.

HYPOTHESIS

The NFVCB E-Portal initiative was grounded in several hypotheses

By creating an online portal, the project aimed to reduce application processing time from 2 weeks to 2/4 days, a 55% improvement that would free up filmmakers' time and resources for creative work. This efficiency gain was expected to lead to a 20% increase in applications received in the first year, fostering the growth of the industry. Additionally, a 15% increase in film production was projected due to faster approvals and reduced barriers to entry.

These results could attract additional investment to the Nigerian film industry, making it more competitive and attractive to local and international stakeholders.
This would not only make it easier for Nigerian filmmakers to contribute to the industry but also encourage more investors to participate and help propel the industry to greater heights. The NFVCB E-Portal project was a crucial step towards making the Nigerian film industry more competitive and attractive to local and international stakeholders.

USERS PROFILE
Now it was time to think about who we were designing for.

Drawing from the existing data from NFCVB and our research data, we categorized them into three user profiles based on their goals and tasks.
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‍1. Users
Individual |  Producer  |   Distributor | Exhibitor / Personal Assistant

Tasks performed:
– Apply for Distributor, Exhibitor & Exhibition premises License.
– Film Censorship, Ratings, and Title Search.

2. Staff
Admin | Distribution | Censorship | Exhibitor | Accounting | Liberian

Tasks performed:
– Examine applications for discrepancies and return them to clients for revision.
– Approve applications, then forward them to the director for final approval.
- Visit Exhibition premises and Approve/Reject license requests accordingly.
- Access all transaction history.

3. Director
Admin | Distribution Director | Censorship Director | Exhibition Director

Tasks performed:
– Examine applications for discrepancies, read comments from staff, and give final approval.
– Sign original copies of Licenses and upload as requested.

ONBOARDING

To create a digitized version of the existing form, we decided to prompt users to upload all the information they will need for various types of applications during sign-up. To reduce the unnecessary time spent on verification, we integrated CAC verification and NIBSS API to verify users once they enter their company's RC number, BVN, and Passport Number.

ITERATION 1

After the first iteration of the login/sign-up page, we proceeded to test it with the users to validate some of the metrics we set regarding the maximum amount of time spent to complete a particular process. We observed users surpassing that set time during the sign-up process alone. Additionally, several questions were asked, such as, 'What if I don't have all my documents ready? Can I save the progress?'

To create a solution that suits our users perfectly, we reviewed the form and moved some of the complicated processes, like the uploading of documents, till after the user has successfully signed up. This adjustment aimed to achieve the set metrics and create an easy onboarding process and tailored solutions.

ITERATION 2

DASHBOARD

If we want to encourage users to use this portal and encourage smooth communication, all classes of user profiles should be able to get a glimpse of all their applications and whatever request they have pending immediately upon log in.

Users and staff, upon logging into the dashboard, can view all the pending applications and their respective stages, as well as the pending information they need to fill in their profile.

Licenses Application

Unlike the previous method of having to submit all documents over and over again, we added a tab for Company documents thus saving the users the stress of having to upload the same documents repeatedly. Now, users can simply upload them to their profile once, and they'll be automatically displayed each time they apply for a new license.

Application Approval - Staff

Using my experience with previous platforms employed in banking, I employ a methodology that prioritizes transparency and ensures the timely processing of all applications. Once a user submits their application, it is automatically sent to the head of each relevant department, who then assigns it to the most suitable staff member based on expertise and availability.

The same application process is also applicable to the staff. Once they are assigned to a particular task, they can either approve or reject the application for any reason. However, due to the foolproof method we introduced, where most of the documents have been uploaded and verified, the chances of getting an application rejected, unlike the old paper method, are slim.

They can then approve and send it to the director for final approval. Additionally, they have the option to add comments to keep the director informed of any relevant information.

After this, the Director can either approve or reject the application for the staff to rework. Following a proper review, the director can proceed to approve and assign a certificate number.

OUTCOME

The NFVCB E-Portal project successfully digitized the licensing and film classification services, leading to a 75% reduction in processing time (from 2 weeks to 2/3 hours) and a 20% increase in applications processed in the first year. The platform provides real-time application tracking and feedback mechanisms, significantly improving transparency and communication for filmmakers. This streamlined process and improved user experience have contributed to the growth of the Nigerian film industry, with a 10% increase in film production. Additionally, the platform generated over N100,000,000 million naira in revenue for NFVCB through online application fees.

CHALLENGES

As we conclude the NFVCB E-Services Portal project, it's essential to reflect on our entire journey throughout this project, including the challenges we faced.

• One of the major challenges we encountered during the project was getting all the stakeholders together for interviews or user testing was also a tedious process. Most of the time, we had to travel to different locations just to have one-on-one time with them.

  
  

• General acceptance by the staff was a significant challenge, as most of them were accustomed to the previous techniques and had difficulty adapting to the new technology. As a result, we had to experiment with various methods to encourage open adoption among the staff and ensure a smooth transition. We organized training sessions and seminars to help the staff and stakeholders get started, and following the beta testing, we provided them with a guidebook and videos for reference.

  
  

FUTURE STEPS

Proper Data Visualization for the Accountant

In the future, we plan to enhance the accountant's dashboard by providing them with proper data visualization tools.

Trailer and Artist Channel

Building on the success of the trailer submission feature for movies, we have conceived the idea of creating a local IMDb-style website for Nollywood. This platform will allow the uploading of movie trailers along with actor and actress biographical data, information about distribution and exhibition companies, and an avenue for artists to connect directly with potential sponsors. Additionally, producers and directors will have the option to rent equipment for their movie productions.