Entertainment
“Cinching Saddles”: Roping in the Laughs
Published
1 week agoon
We’re thrilled to introduce Kevin Sengara and Aman Pannu, amazing screenwriters who are making waves in the industry! Their latest project, “Cinching Saddles,” has earned them a spot as a finalist for the Best Mockumentary Film Award at the Houston Comedy Film Festival. Director Kevin Sengara might be new to the world of filmmaking, but his debut project, Cinching Saddles, is already making waves. Co-directed with Aman Pannu, this mockumentary follows the amusing misadventures of Calvinder, aka Cinch, a South Asian man who adopts a fake Texas accent and wholeheartedly believes he’s a cowboy—despite his complete lack of authentic cowboy skills. The film humorously captures Cinch’s attempts to fit into the cowboy culture at a ranch in a small Canadian town, all while his family adjusts to this unexpected change in their lives.
The Unexpected Birth of Cinching Saddles
The creation of Cinching Saddles was as spontaneous as the character it follows. Originally, Sengara and Pannu had planned to shoot a different short film, but a severe weather storm kept most of their crew from making it to the set. Rather than waste the day, the two directors decided to pivot. “An hour before heading to one of my family’s ranches, we brainstormed the concept for Cinching Saddles during the car ride,” Sengara recalls. The entire film was shot in just one day, an experience that Sengara describes as both exhilarating and challenging.
Challenges and Improvisation
One of the biggest challenges of making Cinching Saddles was the lack of a script. Sengara and Pannu had to improvise every scene on the spot, pushing their creativity and adaptability to the limit. Adding to the difficulty, severe temperature drops during filming caused some microphones to fail, making it harder to capture quality audio. Despite these obstacles, the team persevered, and the end result is a film that showcases their ability to turn unexpected challenges into comedic gold.
A Newcomer to Filmmaking
Sengara may be new to filmmaking, but his fresh perspective has already made an impact. Cinching Saddles marks his first project in the film industry, a remarkable achievement for a first-time director. The film’s success at the Houston Comedy Film Festival, where it was selected as a finalist for the Best Mockumentary Micro Film Award, is a testament to the potential of this up-and-coming filmmaker.
Exciting Developments Ahead
The journey of Cinching Saddles is far from over. The film has been picked up by a production company and is currently being developed into a television series for a network in Canada. In a thrilling twist, legendary singer Bryan Adams has joined the project as the music producer, creating an incredible theme song for the series. “It’s a very exciting time for Cinching Saddles, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this journey takes us,” Sengara shares.
Connect with Kevin Sengara
Kevin Sengara is eager to connect with industry professionals for future projects and collaborations. He can be reached via email at kevinsengara@gmail.com, and on Instagram at @KSENGARA.
Looking to the Future
Though this is Sengara’s first venture into filmmaking, he’s eager to continue exploring opportunities within the industry. He’s open to connecting with distributors, agents, and anyone interested in collaborating on new projects. “This is my first rodeo, though the pun wasn’t intended!” Sengara quips, underscoring his enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
As Cinching Saddles prepares to transition from a short film to a television series, Sengara’s journey in filmmaking is just beginning. With his talent for improvisation and a knack for finding humor in the unexpected, this is certainly not the last we’ll hear from Kevin Sengara.
From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair:
“Explore the ‘Film Festival Submitter’s Handbook 2024,’ your ultimate guide to conquering the film festival circuit. Whether you’re a filmmaker or screenwriter, this essential resource provides practical strategies to navigate the competitive landscape of film festivals successfully. From crafting compelling titles, taglines, and synopses to creating impactful director’s and writer’s statements, this handbook equips you with the tools to shine in the festival circuit. Learn to develop effective marketing materials, including posters and trailers, and discover the importance of communication and presenting a professional package. With insights tailored to the evolving role of social media and marketing in the film industry, this handbook is your key to festival triumph. Get your copy now and embark on your journey to festival success!”
For film investment opportunities, please see below:
Author: Bolanle Media Staff
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Entertainment
“Her Corpse”: A Darkly Hilarious Take on True Crime
Published
1 day agoon
September 13, 2024
Congratulations to Chad Tailor and co-directors Kearsten Johansson and Abdul Mohaimen for being finalists for Best Dark Comedy Film at the Houston Comedy Film Festival (HCFF) with their film “Her Corpse.” This dark comedy takes a satirical look at our generation’s fascination with true crime and vigilante justice.
The Inspiration Behind “Her Corpse”
“Her Corpse” draws inspiration from the real-life misadventures of online amateur sleuths and their often misguided attempts at vigilante justice. The film satirizes this obsession through a narrative that juxtaposes the absurdity of its protagonists—reminiscent of characters from “Superbad,” “The Hangover,” and “Horrible Bosses”—against the backdrop of high-stakes drama.
The creative team behind the film has a rich history of collaboration. Kearsten and Abdul first met at Toronto Film School, where Kearsten cast and coached Abdul, Tyler, and Nikola (the cast of “Her Corpse”) in a memorable scene from “Superbad.” This early collaboration highlighted the natural comedic chemistry between the actors, which Abdul drew upon when writing the script. Kearsten was immediately captivated by the script’s blend of humor and gravity, reflecting on the naive enthusiasm and unintended fallout of amateur sleuthing. Chad, who has mentored Abdul throughout his filmmaking journey, also played a key role in bringing this project to life.
The Challenges of Making “Her Corpse”
Despite having a talented cast and crew, the production of “Her Corpse” faced its own set of challenges. One major hurdle was managing sound disruptions during the filming of a crucial exterior location. The team was fortunate to have a skilled sound recordist and post-sound mixer who ensured that these issues were resolved seamlessly, maintaining the film’s quality.
A Journey from Acting to Filmmaking
Kearsten, Chad, and Abdul each began their careers in acting before transitioning into filmmaking. Kearsten and Chad have been working together professionally since 2018, producing several short films and now moving into series and feature film development. “Her Corpse” marks Abdul’s first film as a behind-the-scenes contributor, and it is the first collective project for the trio, with many more to come.
What’s Next for the Team?
The team is currently in pre-production for their next short film, “Finesse,” set to begin filming this fall. Kearsten and Chad are also completing post-production on “Straw Man,” a film adaptation of Jacob Roth’s memoir about his battle with anorexia, and Chad is finalizing a short film titled “Memento Mori,” which explores the impact of Canada’s assisted suicide program on friends and family.
Connecting with the Team
For those interested in future projects or collaborations, you can connect with the production company through their website Tailored Films or via email at tailoredfilmscanada@gmail.com. Follow them on Instagram at @tailoredfilms.corp for updates. You can also reach out to the key creatives on their personal Instagram accounts:
– Kearsten Johansson
– Chad Tailor
– Abdul Mohaimen
Film Organizations
Kearsten is an active member of WebSeries Canada and Women in Film & Television (WIFT), while Chad is a member of ACTRA and the OUTActra committee in Toronto, as well as an Accredited Acting Coaches & Educators (AACE) member.
Current Status
“Her Corpse” is embarking on its film festival run, with plans to explore distribution options in the near future. The team is excited to share their work and connect with new audiences. Stay tuned for more updates and follow their journey through social media and their official website.
From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair:
“Explore the ‘Film Festival Submitter’s Handbook 2024,’ your ultimate guide to conquering the film festival circuit. Whether you’re a filmmaker or screenwriter, this essential resource provides practical strategies to navigate the competitive landscape of film festivals successfully. From crafting compelling titles, taglines, and synopses to creating impactful director’s and writer’s statements, this handbook equips you with the tools to shine in the festival circuit. Learn to develop effective marketing materials, including posters and trailers, and discover the importance of communication and presenting a professional package. With insights tailored to the evolving role of social media and marketing in the film industry, this handbook is your key to festival triumph. Get your copy now and embark on your journey to festival success!”
For film investment opportunities, please see below:
Author: Bolanle Media Staff
We’re thrilled to spotlight Joelle Marie Velez and Peter Anthony Castillo’s latest film, “Sock It To Me,” a finalist for both the Best Horror Comedy Film and Best Horror Comedy Micro Film awards at the Houston Comes Film Festival. This unique blend of comedy and thriller explores the fragility of relationships through a seemingly trivial object.
The Inspiration Behind “Sock It To Me”
Joelle’s screenplay for “Sock It To Me” was inspired by a personal, albeit humorous, experience: discovering an unfamiliar sock in her laundry. This seemingly mundane discovery prompted Joelle to explore deeper themes of suspicion and paranoia within romantic relationships. The film delves into how a simple object can disrupt a peaceful situation and reflects on the darker corners of the mind. By combining suspense, mystery, and dramatic irony with a comedic touch, Joelle crafts a story that balances camp horror with psycho-analytical depth.
The characters are inspired by real people in Joelle’s life. Her husband, who partially inspired the character Damien, is described as her greatest supporter and is very much alive and well. The character Charlie is based on a close friend and is portrayed by comedian Archy Jamjun. Damien’s therapist, portrayed by Joyce Mojica from the Chicago improv scene, contributed valuable insights into the psychological elements of the script.
The Challenges of Filmmaking
One of the significant challenges Joelle faced was managing the complex balance between comedy and suspense. This project, completed as a thesis at the Second City Film School, benefited from the guidance of experienced improvisers and comedic directors. Joelle, who transitioned into filmmaking from a career in venture capital, found the process both challenging and rewarding. Her background in finance highlighted the importance of owning one’s material and being in control of the creative process.
What’s Next for Joelle?
Joelle has been busy with various projects. She recently produced a web series with Peter Castillo, who co-directed “Sock It To Me,” and is working on a documentary with Adam Villani, the film’s director of photography. Looking ahead, Joelle is excited about a new passion project set in Colorado, inspired by old westerns and opera.
Get in Touch
For future projects or collaborations, Joelle is open to connecting on Instagram. She’s also an active member of the Chicago Independent Film Alliance, where she continues to engage with the film community.
Festival Circuit and Future Opportunities
Joelle has just begun the festival circuit for “Sock It To Me” and is eager to explore opportunities with distributors and agents. If you’re interested in reaching out, she’s excited to discuss potential collaborations and share more about her work.
Joelle’s innovative approach to blending comedy with thriller elements in “Sock It To Me” reflects her unique voice and creative vision. We look forward to seeing where her filmmaking journey takes her next.
From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair:
“Explore the ‘Film Festival Submitter’s Handbook 2024,’ your ultimate guide to conquering the film festival circuit. Whether you’re a filmmaker or screenwriter, this essential resource provides practical strategies to navigate the competitive landscape of film festivals successfully. From crafting compelling titles, taglines, and synopses to creating impactful director’s and writer’s statements, this handbook equips you with the tools to shine in the festival circuit. Learn to develop effective marketing materials, including posters and trailers, and discover the importance of communication and presenting a professional package. With insights tailored to the evolving role of social media and marketing in the film industry, this handbook is your key to festival triumph. Get your copy now and embark on your journey to festival success!”
For film investment opportunities, please see below:
Author: Bolanle Media Staff
Career Growth
Houston Comedy Film Festival: Laughter & Opportunity
Published
2 days agoon
September 12, 2024- Distribution Deals: Direct pathways to major streaming platforms and theaters through key partnerships.
- Investment Opportunities: Connect with investors seeking pre-sales opportunities for films with established actors.
- Industry Connections: Network with production companies, talent agencies, and professionals.
- Workshops & Feedback: Top acting coaches offer personalized guidance.
- Giveaways: Win filmmaking resources from various companies.
- Mentorship Programs: Established filmmakers provide guidance to selected participants.
- Stand-up to Sketch: Dark comedy to romantic comedies, and everything in between.
- Networking Opportunities
- Cutting-edge Comedy Content
- Investment & Distribution Deals
- Learning Experiences
- Vibrant Comedy Scene
Author: Bolanle Media Staff
Leadership, Legacy, and Excellence
“Her Corpse”: A Darkly Hilarious Take on True Crime
Sock It To Me: Comedy Meets Thriller
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