Career Growth
CBS Spotlights Kevin Sengara
Kevin Sengara’s journey from indie filmmaker to rising star reached a remarkable new chapter with CBS recognizing his project, Cinching Saddles. Originally conceived as a short film, the story’s blend of humor and heartfelt narrative resonated with audiences and industry insiders alike, culminating in its transition to a potential TV series. The short film version was submitted to numerous film festivals and won Best Mockumentary Micro Film Award at the Houston Comedy Film Festival (HCFF). Sengara’s ability to craft authentic, engaging storytelling has captured the attention of a broader audience, establishing him as a talent to watch in the entertainment world.
Expressing his gratitude on Instagram, Sengara wrote, “Thank you, CBS, for an unforgettable day! This journey has been extraordinary, and I’m thrilled for what lies ahead.” His post reflects the excitement surrounding Cinching Saddles and its potential to connect with viewers on a larger scale. His words reflect both the personal and professional growth he has experienced throughout this project, acknowledging the impact it has had on his career. His excitement for the future is palpable as he looks forward to expanding the Cinching Saddles story into new formats. The recognition from CBS not only validates Sengara’s creative vision but also paves the way for future opportunities in his burgeoning career.
The journey of Cinching Saddles speaks to the power of persistence and the rewards of storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences. With the project now in the spotlight, the potential for a broader reach is immense. The recognition from CBS marks a significant turning point for Sengara, validating the work he’s done and setting the stage for the next chapter in his career.
As Cinching Saddles continues to evolve, Sengara is also looking forward to the incredible people who have joined him on this journey—both familiar faces and new collaborators. The future of the project looks bright, with even greater opportunities on the horizon.
Learn more about Kevin’s journey with Cinching Saddles at the HCFF here.
Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!
Career Growth
The Heart of a Young Champion’s Ride to Greatness
Anna McAdoo: A Rising Rodeo Star
At just 15 years old, Anna McAdoo is not merely a competitor; she’s a formidable force in the rodeo world. Hailing from Arkansas, Anna embodies the spirit of the American West and is on a relentless quest for greatness. Her journey began at the age of 4, inspired by her father, a former bareback rider. This familial legacy ignited her passion for rodeo and set her on a path toward excellence.
What truly sets Anna apart is her profound bond with her horses. Each ride is more than just competition; it’s a partnership built on trust and respect. This emotional connection fuels her drive and enhances her performance, making every moment in the arena meaningful. After years of dedicated training and countless hours spent honing her skills, Anna achieved a personal best of 2.3 seconds in breakaway roping during a local junior rodeo on December 8, 2024, clinching the round win. This victory is just one highlight in her burgeoning career, showcasing not only her talent but also the commitment that has brought her to this point.
Roselyn Omaka, the founder of Bolanle Media, spoke to Anna and asked her:
Any advice for people scared of horses? Any riding tips? … For people who are nervous with animals (of that size.. like horses)
Anna: “I would tell someone who has never been around horses to stay calm. When you trust a horse and remain calm, the horse is much more likely to stay calm and trust you in return. They are very large animals, but just like dogs and cats, they respond to how you treat them. When you approach them slowly, kindly, and without any intention to harm, while also offering rewards, a horse is more likely to connect with you on a deeper level more quickly.”
Anna’s goals are ambitious and reflect both her competitive spirit and her dedication to continuous improvement. She aspires to compete at the Thomas & Mack Center during the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), win World Champion titles in both barrel racing and breakaway roping, secure Rookie of the Year for the Arkansas Rodeo Association, and qualify for National High School Rodeo Championships. These aspirations demonstrate that she is not just focused on immediate success; she is committed to long-term achievement through hard work and perseverance.
For Anna, it’s not merely about trophies or accolades; it’s about connection and personal growth. “It’s about becoming better—both as a rider and as a person,” she asserts. This mindset positions her as a role model for young athletes everywhere, illustrating that true greatness comes from dedication and resilience over time.
Anna sees rodeo as more than just a sport; it’s an opportunity to inspire others. Her journey is about uplifting those around her while pursuing her dreams—a powerful message for today’s youth. For filmmakers, Anna McAdoo’s story offers rich material: a narrative of family legacy, the bond between humans and animals, youth empowerment, and the pursuit of athletic excellence.
In conclusion, Anna McAdoo is not just chasing glory; she’s redefining what it means to be a champion. Her journey is just beginning, but with years of training behind her and an unwavering commitment to her craft, there’s no limit to what she can achieve. Anna is poised to leave an indelible mark on the rodeo world—and beyond.
Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!
Advice
Why 20% of Us Are Always Late
Chronic lateness is a common issue that affects approximately 15-20% of individuals, particularly in professional settings. For actors and those in creative fields, the challenges of punctuality can be even more pronounced due to the unpredictable nature of their work. In fact, 62% of creative professionals report struggling with consistent punctuality. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior and implementing practical strategies can help individuals improve their time management skills and enhance their professional reputation.
Understanding the Time Challenge
Many factors contribute to chronic lateness, including poor time perception, personality traits, mental health conditions, and cultural influences. For professionals, especially those in creative industries, the stakes are high. Being late can lead to missed opportunities, damaged relationships, and a negative impact on one’s career trajectory.
Micro-Strategies for Immediate Improvement
To help actors and performance professionals tackle chronic lateness, here are some small, actionable steps that can be easily integrated into daily routines:
For Actors and Performance Professionals
- Pre-Performance Preparation Routine
- Lay Out Your Outfit: Prepare your entire outfit the night before to eliminate last-minute decisions.
- Pack Your Performance Bag: Ensure your audition or performance bag is packed at least two hours prior to leaving.
- Set Multiple Alarms: Use alarms with progressive urgency to ensure you leave on time.
- Create a Travel Buffer: Always calculate travel time with an additional 15-20 minutes as a buffer.
- Digital Time Management Hacks
- Track Your Time: Use apps like RescueTime to monitor how long tasks actually take.
- Implement the “2-Minute Rule”: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately to prevent procrastination.
- Set Location-Based Reminders: Use reminders that activate based on your location for critical appointments.
- Mental Preparation Techniques
- Practice Mindfulness: Engage in a five-minute meditation before leaving to center yourself.
- Visualize Success: Spend a moment visualizing your timely arrival at your destination.
- Reframe Punctuality: View being on time as a form of professional respect rather than an obligation.
Practical Time Optimization Strategies
- Morning Optimization
- Prepare Ahead: Get your coffee ready and lay out your outfit the night before.
- Consistent Wake-Up Time: Establish a regular wake-up time to create routine.
- Create a Morning Buffer Zone: Allow yourself an extra 20 minutes in the morning for unexpected delays.
- Travel Time Calculation
- Add Extra Time: Always add 25% more time to your estimated travel duration.
- Use GPS with Traffic Updates: Rely on real-time traffic updates to adjust your departure time accordingly.
- Have Backup Options: Know alternative transportation methods in case of delays.
Psychological Reframing
Adopting a success mindset around punctuality can significantly impact behavior:
- View being early as a form of professional self-care rather than just an obligation.
- Recognize that tardiness costs more than just minutes; it can affect relationships and opportunities.
- Understand that punctuality is a skill that can be developed over time.
Technology and Tools
- Recommended Apps
- Google Maps: For traffic prediction and navigation.
- Todoist: For effective task management and prioritization.
- Forest App: To enhance focus and track time spent on tasks.
- Professional Time Tracking
- Use digital calendars with built-in buffer times for appointments.
- Set automatic reminders for critical commitments at intervals (30/15/10 minutes prior).
- Color-code appointments by priority to visually manage your schedule.
Accountability Techniques
- Professional Accountability
- Find a “punctuality buddy” within your industry to share goals and support each other.
- Create small rewards for consistent on-time performance to reinforce positive behavior.
- Mental Health Considerations
- Acknowledge the role anxiety plays in procrastination and lateness.
- Seek professional help if time management issues significantly impact your life.
- Practice self-compassion during the improvement process; change takes time.
Statistical Motivation
Understanding the broader implications of punctuality can provide additional motivation:
- Punctual professionals are three times more likely to be considered for promotions.
- Companies lose approximately $3,600 per employee annually due to tardiness.
- Consistent punctuality improves professional reputation by up to 67%.
Final Insights
Punctuality is not merely about being on time; it’s about respect—both for oneself and for others. By implementing these micro-strategies, professionals can transform their relationship with time, reduce stress, and seize new opportunities. Remember, small, consistent changes lead to significant long-term improvements in punctuality and overall professional success.
Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!
Advice
The 1% Club: Breaking Into the Elite Circle of Sold Screenplays
Selling a screenplay as a screenwriter can be challenging, especially for newcomers to the industry. Here are some key points on how to sell a script and typical rates:
How to Sell a Screenplay
- Perfect your craft: Before attempting to sell, ensure your screenplay is polished and of professional quality. Most working screenwriters sell scripts on spec less often than in the past.
- Develop marketing materials: Create a compelling logline, synopsis, and query letter to pitch your script effectively.
- Research potential buyers: Compile a list of production companies, studios, and industry professionals who specialize in your script’s genre.
- Network and build relationships: Attend film festivals, industry events, and use social media platforms to connect with filmmakers and industry professionals.
- Consider competitions and fellowships: Placing well in reputable screenwriting competitions can help gain attention from industry insiders.
- Explore alternative routes: Some screenwriters have sold scripts without agents by responding to industry ads or placing in competitions.
Script Sale Statistics
While exact figures vary, here are some statistics to illustrate the screenwriting market:
- Success rate: Less than 1% of scripts written are ever purchased.
- First-time sales: The majority of original script sales occur through production companies rather than major studios.
- Market segments: Many scripts sell to lower-tier companies developing projects for international distributors, including direct-to-streaming and video-on-demand markets.
Typical Rates for Screenplay Sales
Rates can vary widely based on factors like the writer’s experience, the project’s budget, and the production company. Here’s a general range:
- First-time screenwriters: May earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
- Professional writers: Can receive in excess of $100,000 for a screenplay.
- WGA minimum: As of 2022, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) minimum for an original screenplay is $78,145 for a low-budget film and $151,817 for a high-budget film.
It’s important to note that these figures are not guaranteed, and many aspiring screenwriters may not sell their first script at all. The process often requires persistence, networking, and continuous improvement of one’s craft.
Key Takeaway
While it is possible to sell a screenplay without an agent, having representation significantly increases your chances of success. Industry professionals often advise focusing on building a sustainable career in screenwriting rather than fixating on selling a single script. This approach involves continuously improving your writing skills, building industry relationships, and creating a body of work that can attract attention over time.
Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!
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