Movies / News

Here are some tips and tricks to enhance your Netflix experience on your phone

If you love watching your favorite movies and series on your smartphone, here are some cool hacks to improve your mobile viewing experience on Netflix. Whether you are snuggled up in bed, or stuck in traffic, you can easily access your favorite films and series. 

  1. Get going with the Mobile N1200 Plan: If your smartphone is your world then the Mobile Plan, priced at N1200/month is a great fit for you. You can get unlimited access to all of Netflix’s content from across the world in standard definition and stream on any one screen – mobile phone or tablet- at a time.
  2. Browse other apps while watching Netflix: Got a work-mail but also don’t want to pause Blood Sisters while the plot thickens and gets exciting? You can easily play videos in the ‘picture in picture’ mode on your mobile device and multitask while your favorite stories play on Netflix in the background.
  • On Android devices – You can enable this on your phone from Privacy Protection under Settings. Click on Special App Access and turn on Picture-in-Picture.
  • On iOS devices – You can enable this on your phone by turning on Picture-in-Picture from General Settings.

    You can also resize, move, or minimize the floating window.

    3. Never miss titles that are “Coming Soon”: You can stay updated on what Netflix has in store for you by going to the ‘Coming Soon’ tab on your mobile app and get a sneak peek of the upcoming shows and movies. The tab provides the trailer and synopsis of the titles that you can keep an eye out for. What’s more? If you can’t wait to know as soon as the new season of King of Boys is out, you can also click on the ‘Remind Me’ bell icon which adds the title to your ‘My List’ and notifies you when the title premieres on Netflix.

    4. Download with Netflix: Long commute time or Wi-Fi issues in the favorite corner of your bedroom? Make your phone your theatre and watch your favorite titles

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Foreign / News

Netflix suspends service in Russia amid Ukraine invasion

Netflix has moved to suspend its streaming service in Russia following President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

According to multiple reports, the streamer announced that it would suspend all future projects, acquisitions and now all of its services in Russia in a bid to protest the war spearheaded by the country.

“Given the circumstances on the ground, we have decided to suspend our service in Russia,” a spokesperson for Netflix said in a recent interview.

Prior to the latest move, Netflix had confirmed four new Russian originals including a crime thriller series directed by Russian filmmaker Dasha Zhuk. The series which had began principal photography was put on hold.

Although relatively new in Russia (the streaming platform launched in 2016 with an estimated 1 million subscribers), the latest move joins other global corporate bodies as well as film studios who have in recent weeks moved to boycott the country amid the ongoing war.

Companies including Microsoft and Apple announced that they were suspending activities in the country even as they continue to face sanctions.

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Movies / News

Kunle Afolayan kicks off production for Game of Thrones-like epic film

Kunle Afolayan has confirmed his KAP studio’s first film project of the year.

In a recently shared Instagram post unveiling first-look images, the filmmaker revealed that production is ongoing at KAP newly acquired film village in Oyo state.

According to Afolayan, the period piece promises to leave film lovers bedazzled especially as it will explore similar themes as HBO’s hit series ‘Game of Thrones’ but with a representation of the Yoruba culture. “Imagine a movie like the game of thrones recreated in Nigeria but with a better representation of our culture. If you are a true fan of productions born out of Golden Effects Pictures and KAP Motion Pictures, then your imaginations should be running wild,” Afolayan shared on Instagram.

 

“The movie is being shot on our latest project site KAP Film Village Studio and Resort Igbojaye, Komu in Itesiwaju Local Government, Oyo State.”

The feature film (title yet to be confirmed) will see Hollywood actor Hakeem K Kazeem star alongside ‘King of Boys’ star Sola Sobowale, Bimbo Ademoye, Kunle Remi, Taiwo Hassan, Fathia Balogun, Adebayo Salami, Moji Olayiwola, Kareem Adepoju aka Babawande.

Afolayan’s latest Netflix production comes in the wake of his ‘A Naija Christmas’ which debuted on the streaming platform to impressive reviews in December.

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Movies / News

‘Amina’ becomes first Nollywood title to hit Netflix’s global top 10 list

Izu Ojukwu’s newly released film, ‘Amina’ has broken a new Netflix record. The film which premiered exclusively on the streaming platform recently became the first Nigerian film to make the global top ten list.

Confirming the feat, director Izu Ojukwu shared a video of Netflix Director of Content for Africa, Ben Amadasun making the announcement at a press briefing.

“Netflix confirms that ‘Amina’ has become the first Nigerian film to hit the Top Ten list globally on its platform,” Ojukwu wrote on Instagram. “This stunning record-setting accomplishment was made possible by the sacrifices of both cast and crew, whom one can never thank enough”.

Starring Lucy Ameh in the lead role as Amina, the film explores the rise to power of the 16th century warrior and queen.

The film which is co-produced by ‘Living In Bondage’ producer, Okey Ogunjiofor also stars Clarion Chukwurah and Ali Nuhu.

 

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Entertainment / Music / News

‘Fela Kuti was so hard’- Rap mogul Jay Z on why he included Fela’s record in the soundtrack of new Netflix movie ‘The Harder They Fall’

American rap mogul Jay Z has continued to pay tribute to Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti by including a record by the Nigerian music great in the soundtrack of a new Netflix movie ‘The Harder They Fall’.

Jay Z produced the Western, which stars Idris Elba and Regina King, among others, and curated the soundtrack.

The soundtrack highlights black music from across the world, and Fela’s record ‘Let’s Start’ from 1971 ‘Live’ album is in the project.

The record was also used in one of the trailers for the movie. Jay Z said Fela’s songs represented black people, so he included one of them in the soundtrack.

“The idea of adding those landscapes to these images is super interesting. If you think about the time when Western was super popular and was the only thing on TV, it was influencing the world,” the hip-hop mogul said in an interview at the London screening of the movie.

“So you had people in Jamaica dress up as Cowboys because these are images they had seen on TV.

“So there is actual that place that exists over Western music and we have a few of those.

“Just that juxtaposition of how art influences life and life influences culture was just interesting to us, and Fela Kuti was so hard it was just the best trailer, music of all time.

“That’s what I listen to in the house, Jeymes (Samuel)-director of the movie- as well; that’s what we listen to when we kicking it. SO we just put the things that we really love. Cause it’s magic and magic going work.”

Jay Z has always championed Fela; the rap legend was one of the sponsors and producers of ‘Fela!’ the classic musical about the Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer on the legendary Broadway.

In 2016, he added Fela’s anti-military protest anthem ‘Zombie’ in his playlist highlighting social injustice in America.

Famed for his activism, Fela pioneered Afrobeat that also gave birth to the contemporary Afrobeats.

He released so many groundbreaking records between the

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Entertainment / News

Dozens of Netflix employees stage protest over Dave Chappelle’s ‘The Closer’

Netflix staff, transgender activists and supporters recently staged a walkout outside the streamer’s Los Angeles offices over Dave Chappelle’s ‘transphobic’ jokes in his ‘The Closer’ stand-up comedy show.

The protests held on Wednesday, saw the protesters demand for inclusivity from the global streaming platform by calling for the funding of more trans and non-binary talent as well as the rejection of transphobic content.

Several videos currently making the rounds featured several Netflix stars including Jonathan Van Ness (Queer Eye), Jameela Jamil (The Good Place) who took turns addressing the demonstrators.

Prior to the protests, Netflix had reportedly released a statement in solidarity with the protesters. However, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos had released a statement saying he ‘screwed up’ for his initial comment on the heavily criticized show. He also maintained that his stance on not letting go of the show remains resolute.

Netflix and Chappelle have been embroiled in weeks long controversy over the comedy special released in October 5. The stand-up comedy star joked about Transgender people saying ‘gender is a fact’ and that LGBT people are ‘too sensitive’.

Chappelle has laughed off the backlash, recently saying: “If this is what being cancelled is about, I love it.”

Other LGBT celebrities including Elliot Page and Lilly Wachowski have also voiced their support for the protests on social media.

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Entertainment / Movies / News

‘Squid Game’ is officially Netflix’s most-watched series!

South Korean drama ‘Squid Game’ has officially broken the record as Netflix’s most-watched television series of all time. According to the streaming giant in a tweet on Tuesday, the series had hit 111 million worldwide views knocking off 2020 series ‘Bridgerton’ with its record of N82 million views.

The dystopian series premiered to instant acclaim on September 17 and has continued to the set viral trends on social platforms.

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos had earlier predicted that the show stood a ‘very good chance’ at being the platform’s most-watched show of all time, a huge feat for a non-English series.

Interestingly, the series was not always a potential hit. Show creator and director, Hwang Dong-hyuk revealed in an interview that the streaming giant first turned down the script which was originally written as a feature film.

‘Squid Game’ has remained on Netflix’s top 10 list in 94 countries and is also the first-ever Korean series to reach number one in the United States.

It is noteworthy to add that Netflix views are recorded per two minutes of view which is long enough to imply the choice was intentional.

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Entertainment / Movies / News

Watch the official trailer for Izu Ojukwu’s ‘Amina’

Netflix has premiered the official trailer for Izu Ojukwu’s long anticipated film ‘Amina’ ahead of its November premiere. Starring Lucy Ameh in the lead role alongside Clarion Chukwurah, Ali Nuhu, the feature film follows the coming of age story of the 16th century warrior queen.

The trailer which first debuted in 2017 hints on the plot which takes on Queen Amina’s personal journey through love, failures and triumphs.

News of the Izu Ojukwu directed film finally landing a public release met a warm reaction from film lovers last week. The long-awaited film was due to be released in 2017.

While no reason was given for the delay, the film’s trailer sparked positive reaction online due to its impeccable production design and picture quality.

The film was sponsored by Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BOI) and shot in 2015. Post production was reportedly done in Europe.

Watch the official Netflix trailer:

 

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Movies / News

Izu Ojukwu’s ‘Amina’ is coming to Netflix!

Netflix has acquired Izu Ojukwu’s film ‘Amina’ based on 16th century Zazzau empire warrior Queen Amina. Much to the delight of fans of the filmmaker who have long anticipated the film since its trailer debuted in 2017, it will launch on the top streaming service on November 4, 2021.

Shot in Nigeria with post-production in Europe, the historical action drama follows the coming of age story of the legendary warrior Queen.

According to Ojukwu, the period film which is an ode to strong female characters from Nigeria’s rich history, features real fight scenes that took months for the actors to master.

‘Amina’ stars Lucy Ameh in the lead role alongside Clarion Chukwurah, Ali Nuhu, Magaji Mijinyawa among others.

Meanwhile, the filmmaker recently announced auditions for his latest production, a terrorism themed drama titled ‘The Train From Kafanchan’.

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Entertainment / Movies / News

Netflix to edit ‘Squid Game’ following reports of harassment

Netflix has reportedly confirmed plans to edit scenes from its rave series ‘Squid Game’ after a woman claimed she had been harassed by prank calls.

The businesswoman from Seongju, South Korea, told newsmen that since the series premiered on the streamer, she has received thousands of calls and texts from fans asking about the horror competition.

“This is a number that I’ve been using for more than ten years, so I’m quite taken aback. There are more than 4,000 numbers that I’ve had to delete from my phone,” Kim Gil-young shared. “At first I didn’t know why, but my friend told me that my number came out in ‘Squid Game’ and that’s when I realized.”

Reports further reveal that Gil-young turned down compensation offers of up to five million won ((£3 million).

Netflix and local production company Siren Pictures confirmed on Wednesday that the phone number which appears on a mysterious invitation card given to potential players in the series will be edited. “Together with the production company, we are working to resolve this matter, including editing scenes with phone numbers where necessary,” Netflix shared in a statement.

‘Squid Game’ is interestingly set to break a major record on Netflix as the most watched series on the streamer. Last month, the frightening hyper-violent series arrived on the service to critical acclaim.

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Movies / News

‘Squid Game’ director says Netflix rejected series 10 years ago

Squid Game’ may be Netflix’s first Korean-language blockbuster to get worldwide buzz and on to becoming the streamer’s most-watched show in history, but no one wanted to make it for over a decade. Not even Netflix.

The show creator, writer and director, Hwang Dong-hyuk recently spoke to The Korean Times about the challenges he encountered in funding the blockbuster drama and how it took ten years to get a nod from Netflix.

“After about 12 years, the world has changed into a place where such peculiar, violent survival stories are actually welcomed,” Dong-hyuk shared.

Originally titled ‘Round Six’ the project got greenlighted by the streaming platform in 2019.

Dong-hyuk reportedly came up with the story in 2008 while living with his mother and grandmother but with no one interested and job scarce, he was compelled to sell his laptop for $675, thereby halting the script’s development.

The nine-episode series has garnered quite the buzz since it premiered in September. Recently it was reported that South Korea was suing Netflix owing to the streamer causing a traffic surge.

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Entertainment / Foreign / Movies / Music / News

9 Nigerian Artists featured in British tv series ‘Sex Education’ soundtrack.

In sex education’s third season, released on the 17th of September 2021, saw soundtrack contributions by several artists. Among the rock and punk rhythms of Ezra Furman and The harpoons, Afrobeat is not left out.

In the fourth and sixth episode, records by Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa savage, Skales, Fela Kuti, Davido, Burna boy, Prince Nico Mbarga, and Odunsi the engine are featured making the wedding scenes, and general Nigerian experience authentic and memorable.

1. Shake body by Skales: This is played in season three, episode three, as Eric shows off energetic dance moves in front of a front mirror.

2. Oyejo by Fela Kuti: what’s an afrobeat compilation without its pioneer. Fela Kuti’s classic ‘Oyejo’ was played in the sixth episode when Eric Effiong and his family arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, from Mordale, England.

3. Joro by Wizkid: 2019’s party jam ‘Joro’ also had its moment in episode six while Eric and his new love interest ‘Oba’ thrilled themselves till dawn.

4. Fall by Davido: Currently sitting on two hundred million views and counting, its views are expected to rise after being the opener to the exclusive wedding reception of a Nigerian wedding in a British teen drama. It was played when Eric left the reception with Oba and boarded a taxi to an undisclosed location.

5. Anybody by Burna boy: The instrumental beat of ‘Anybody’, a track included in his grammy-nominated ‘African Giant’ album, was also played at the wedding reception in episode six.

6. Sweet mother by Prince Nico Mbarga: ‘Sweet Mother’ included in a British drama proves its evergreen nature since its release in 1976. It was played in episode six while Eric prepared for the wedding in the presence of his mother.

7. Star sign (feat Runtown) by Odunsi the engine: In queer night bar, it only fits that an alte track is played; Reflecting on the liberal theme being preached. As Eric and Oba walk into the club in episode

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Entertainment / Movies / News

Kemi Adetiba disassociates self from viral comment on site illegally circulating ‘KOB’ series

Kemi Adetiba has reacted to claims that she dropped a comment on an infamous film piracy site on Tuesday.

Reacting to screenshots of a comment registered in her name on the site, Adetiba revealed she had nothing to do with the comment and had no prior knowledge of the site.

“This is not me. I don’t even know where this site is. Very disturbing,” the film director wrote on Twitter.

The comment formally believed to be Adetiba’s sparked major reaction from users of the site. Comments rolled in attacking the filmmaker, accusing her of being selfish for refusing to let fans get the series for free.

Unfortunately, links of ‘King of Boys: The Return of the King’ began circulating on social media groups barely 24 hours after it premiered on Netflix. The series released to mind-blowing reviews from fans aka the ‘KOB Army’. Following the story of Eniola Salami’s (Sola Sobowale) return to Lagos after a five-year exile, the seven-episode limited series trended for days after its August 27 release.

The piracy menace which has gone on for decades sadly does not exclude local content with international films heavily targeted.

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Movies / News

Netflix launches affordable mobile plan with New Partial Download feature

Different people have different entertainment preferences. Some want Ultra HD and the ability to stream on four screens at once. Some only watch movies and shows on their phone. Adding a mobile plan gives consumers more choice no matter what their budget or requirements

Country Currency Mobile Price Basic
Price		 Standard Price Premium Price
Nigeria NGN 1,200 2,900 3,600 4,400
Kenya KES 300 700 950 1,200
South Africa ZAR 49 99 139 169
Other SSA Countries USD 3.99 $7.99 $9.99 $11.99

Additionally, Netflix simultaneously launched the Play Partial Download a new feature allowing members with Android phones and tablets (v7.64+) to start playback of a title or episode before it has completed downloading. Netflix previously tested this feature back in July of 2020 where we found that 35% of new members & 24% of existing members played a partial download at least once. Netflix members can now watch titles that are partially downloaded through the Play Partial Download feature on Netflix.

According to research done by the streaming platform, the African market is most popular for downloading titles which means that the launch of the Play Partial Download feature is apt for the market. This feature will enable members save time because they no longer must wait more than 10 minutes for complete downloads before watching their favorite titles. Additionally, it would save cost because members across Africa, have pivoted to using offline viewing after cellular data prices have increased in markets.

Whether it’s a long flight or an extended commute, downloaded series and movies can make any moment on the go more entertaining and It’s disappointing when you realize your download never completed because of unreliable wifi or a maxed out data plan and Play Partial Download solves this problem. Once you’ve regained a strong enough connection, the feature allows you to choose to finish the download and keep watching — avoiding those surprise notices that you’ve gone over your data limits.

To access this feature from the ‘download’ menu on their mobile device or from the continue ‘watching

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Entertainment / Movies

Movie Update: Army of the Dead Directed by Zack Snyder

Army of the Dead is a 2021 American zombie heist film directed by Zack Snyder, with a screenplay by Snyder, Shay Hatten, and Joby Harold, based on an original story by Snyder.The film stars an ensemble cast consisting of Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Omari Hardwick ,Matthias Schweighöfer and more.The plot follows a group of soldiers who plan a Las Vegas casino heist amid a zombie apocalypse.

The film was announce.d in 2007, but spent several years in development hell at Warner Bros. before having the rights bought by Netflix in 2019. Snyder was announced as director, and the cast joined over the next several months. Filming began in July 2019, taking place in Los Angeles, New Mexico, and New Jersey, including at the Atlantic Club Casino Hotel; Snyder acted as his own cinematographer on the film. Chris D’Elia was originally cast in the film, but after several sexual misconduct accusations were made against him in August 2020, Tig Notaro was hired to replace his character and reshot his scenes using green screen and body doubles.

 

Army of the Dead was released in select theaters in the United States on May 14, 2021, and started streaming digitally on Netflix from May 21. The film received praise from critics for its action sequences, humor, and cast, but was criticized for its runtime and emotional tone.

 

 

 

WOULD THERE BE A aRMY OF THE DEAD 2 MOVIE ?

Kate  (Ella Purnell), though, isn’t the sole human survivor, with the next scene revealing that Vanderohe (Omari Hardwick) survived the nuclear blast. Locked inside the casino vault by Ludwig Dieter (Matthias Schweighöfer) as Zeus attacked, Vanderohe emerges from the rubble, following the nuclear strike, with two bags full of cash.

He travels to Utah, and bribes an air stewardess to let him rent a private jet bound for Mexico City. However, on the plane he starts to feel dizzy, and heads to the bathroom to clear his head.

Vanderohe realizes that he was …