News

10 common mistakes filmmakers make (and how to avoid them)

Published

2 years ago

February 6, 2024

Hey there, fellow filmmakers! As we embark on our cinematic journey, it’s incredibly valuable to tap into the experiences of those who have already navigated the twists and turns of the film industry. We reached out to a diverse group of filmmakers and asked them about the hurdles they’ve encountered and how they managed to overcome them. The insights they shared were nothing short of gold. So, here’s a treasure trove of the top 10 tips from these seasoned pros, aimed at helping you steer clear of the same filmmaking blunders. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, these nuggets of wisdom are here to light your path and keep you from stumbling over the common obstacles that can trip up filmmakers. Let’s dive in, arm ourselves with knowledge, and set our film projects aglow, all while sidestepping those pesky stumbling blocks!

Work with What You’ve Got – Don’t pen an epic crowd scene unless you know there’s a festival happening next week that you can use as a backdrop. Play to your strengths and get creative with the resources at your disposal.
You Can’t Beat Hollywood – While it’s tempting to mimic the style and gloss of big-budget blockbusters, remember that effective storytelling doesn’t always hinge on massive production values. Embrace the craft of good filmmaking, which often doesn’t come with a hefty price tag.
Push Yourself – Every film you make should be a learning experience, pushing you to achieve something you didn’t know you were capable of. Embrace the challenge and let each project expand your horizons.
Don’t Neglect the Basics – No matter how compelling your story or engaging your actors, technical flaws can still trip you up. Get to know your equipment inside out and make friends with practice.
Tell a Story Through Visual Storytelling – Before delving into filmmaking techniques, ensure your story is compelling and well-structured. The foundation of a great film lies in its narrative.
Use Experienced Cast & Crew – It’s not just about looks; proven actors bring your characters to life. Don’t let the illusion crumble by casting based solely on appearance.
Plan Your Shoot – Preparation is key, especially for low-budget productions. The less money you have, the more planning you need to do.
Avoid Clichés – While filmmaking is an art form open to interpretation, there are fundamental aspects that must be executed correctly to truly connect with your audience.
Get Your Facts Right – Attention to detail is crucial. Even seemingly small mistakes can detract from the overall impact of your film5.
Don’t Expect to Turn a Terrible Screenplay Into a Great Film – The foundation of any great film is a strong screenplay. No amount of visual flair can salvage a weak story.

Armed with these invaluable tips, let’s forge ahead with our creative endeavors, learning from the experiences of those who have gone before us. Here’s to making our mark in the world of film, all while avoiding those common stumbling blocks!

We hope these insights have provided you with a guiding light on your cinematic voyage. Should you find this information valuable and wish to further connect or seek additional guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@bolanlmedia.com or here. We stand ready to support your creative endeavors and look forward to being a part of your journey in the world of filmmaking. Here’s to your success in crafting stories that inspire and captivate audiences around the globe.

Entertainment

Jimmy Cliff, Reggae Legend and Star of ‘The Harder They Come,’ Dies at 81

Published

3 days ago

November 24, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Jimmy Cliff, the legendary Jamaican reggae pioneer and star of the iconic film “The Harder They Come,” has died at the age of 81. His family announced on November 24, 2025, that he passed away after suffering a seizure followed by pneumonia. The announcement expressed deep gratitude to his global fans for their support throughout his career, emphasizing how much he cherished his audience’s love.

Career and Legacy

Jimmy Cliff was renowned for popularizing reggae music worldwide through his soulful voice and timeless songs such as “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” and “Vietnam.” He starred as Ivanhoe “Ivan” Martin in the 1972 musical crime film “The Harder They Come,” which played a pivotal role in bringing reggae and Jamaican culture to a global audience.

Cliff’s influence extended beyond music; he was a symbol of resilience, hope, and positivity through decades of work as a musician and actor.

Recent Activities

In 2025, Jimmy Cliff announced a new album titled “Legacy,” set for release in September, along with a final world tour to mark the end of his performance career. This project was described as a tribute to reggae’s past, present, and future, featuring collaborations with global stars and emerging Jamaican talents. Despite health challenges, Cliff continued to contribute meaningfully to music and culture until the very end.

Personal and Family Acknowledgements

His wife, Latifa Chambers, shared the news of his passing on social media, highlighting the strength he drew from his fans and thanking family, friends, and collaborators who were part of his journey. She requested fans know that their support meant everything to him throughout his life and career.

Jimmy Cliff leaves behind a legacy as one of reggae’s most influential figures, who helped shape the genre’s identity and brought its message of peace and resistance to the world stage.

News

Candace Owens Says Macrons Funded Plot to Kill Her

Published

3 days ago

November 24, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Conservative commentator Candace Owens has made explosive allegations that French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron orchestrated and financed a plot to assassinate her. Owens alleges that she was alerted by a high-ranking source within the French government who revealed that the assassination was to be carried out by an elite French police unit, the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN), along with the involvement of at least one Israeli operative. According to Owens, this “joint state operation” was motivated by her outspoken coverage and conspiratorial claims about Brigitte Macron, including controversial statements questioning the First Lady’s gender identity.

Owens further claims the payments for the assassination were funneled through a secret French elite club called Club des Cent, suggesting a sophisticated and well-financed scheme. She also links this alleged plot to the assassination of her late friend Charlie Kirk in 2025, suggesting that his killer received training from France’s 13th Foreign Legion Brigade and that these events are part of a larger multi-state conspiracy.

Despite these serious accusations, Owens has not publicly shared concrete evidence, and French, Israeli, and American authorities have not confirmed any part of the story. The Macron family has previously filed defamation lawsuits against Owens over her unfounded assertions about them, highlighting a tense and ongoing feud.

Owens has vowed to provide further details, including identities and financial proof, if given the opportunity, and has called on the public and patriotic investigators to examine the matter closely. While her claims have stirred widespread attention and heated debate across social media and conservative circles, they currently remain unsubstantiated allegations amid a highly charged political and media environment.

This controversy adds a new and dramatic layer to Owens’ volatile relationship with the Macrons, marking perhaps the most sensational claim so far in her ongoing public disputes with the French presidential couple.

News

Fugees Rapper Pras Michel Sentenced to 14 Years in Campaign Scandal

Published

6 days ago

November 21, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Pras Michel, Grammy-winning rapper and founding member of the iconic group the Fugees, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for his role in a sprawling illegal campaign finance and foreign influence scheme. The sentencing was handed down on November 20, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly in Washington, D.C., following Michel’s conviction in April 2023 on charges including conspiracy, money laundering, acting as an unregistered foreign agent, and witness tampering.

At the heart of the scandal was Michel’s involvement in funneling over $120 million from fugitive Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho—known as Jho Low—into the 2012 reelection campaign of former President Barack Obama. Prosecutors detailed how Michel helped hide the origin of foreign donations through shell companies and straw donors, violating U.S. campaign finance laws that prohibit foreign contributions. Beyond the Obama campaign, Michel also engaged in illegal lobbying efforts during the Trump administration to obstruct investigations into Low’s role in the notorious 1MDB scandal, a massive Malaysian sovereign wealth fund corruption case.

Prosecutors described Michel as having “betrayed his country for financial gain,” persistently lying and manipulating government entities over nearly a decade. They advocated for a life sentence, emphasizing the severity of his offenses and the threat posed to U.S. national security. Testimonies during the high-profile trial included notable figures such as Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Michel’s defense team condemned the harsh sentence as “entirely disproportionate,” arguing that similar cases resulted in lighter penalties, and pointed out that Michel received no espionage charges—a key consideration in foreign agent prosecutions. They announced plans to appeal the verdict and sentence. Following the prison term, Michel faces three years of supervised release and forfeiture of more than $64 million tied to the illegal campaign finance activity.

Michel, who shot to fame in the 1990s as part of the Fugees alongside Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, now confronts a dramatic fall from grace that underscores the extensive consequences of illicit foreign influence in American politics. Despite this setback, his representatives remain grateful for the support received, stating that this chapter does not mark the end of his journey.

This landmark case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding U.S. elections from covert foreign interference and the serious repercussions for those who betray democratic principles for financial gain.bbc+4