Advice
Current Trends in Film Production
The film industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, changing audience preferences, and innovative storytelling techniques. Here are some current trends in film production that filmmakers are tracking:
Partnership between Theaters and Streaming Services:
The collaboration between traditional theaters and streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ has become crucial for the industry’s future, especially with the impact of the pandemic on cinema attendance.
Return of Short Films:
– Short films are making a comeback, offering filmmakers a platform to showcase their work and engage audiences through platforms like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
Focus on Sustainability and Environmental Awareness
– Sustainability has become a significant focus in film production, with the industry adopting virtual production technologies to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly practices.
Advancements in Production Process
– Technological innovations such as 3D printing, previsualization, Volume Technology, and Real-Time Rendering are revolutionizing the film production process by enhancing efficiency and creativity.
Innovations in Marketing
– Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are transforming film marketing strategies, providing filmmakers with new avenues to promote their work and engage audiences.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:
– AI is being utilized across various aspects of filmmaking, including scriptwriting, casting, editing, and marketing. It offers insights into audience preferences, predicts box-office performance, and generates unique content.
– Short Films and Vertical Videos:
– With the rise of social media platforms, short films and vertical videos are gaining popularity as filmmakers adapt to new storytelling formats to cater to changing audience preferences.
These trends reflect the dynamic nature of the film industry as it embraces technological advancements, sustainability practices, diverse storytelling formats, and innovative marketing strategies to engage audiences in new and exciting ways. Filmmakers are continually adapting to these trends to stay relevant in an ever-evolving cinematic landscape.
Contact us at Bolanle Media to talk about your next project or film.
Advice
5 Reasons Why Your Phone Videos Look FLAT
Modern smartphones offer incredible video capabilities, but sometimes the footage can look flat, lacking depth and vibrancy. This article explores five practical tips to elevate your phone videos, with a focus on lighting techniques like bounce lighting and natural light, as well as using the highest quality settings available.
1. Optimize Lighting: Bounce Lighting and Natural Light
Lighting is one of the most critical factors in creating visually appealing videos. Here are two effective techniques:
- Bounce Lighting: Bounce light involves redirecting light off a surface (e.g., walls, ceilings, or reflectors) to create soft, diffused illumination. This technique avoids harsh shadows and gives your subject a natural, cinematic glow. For example, bouncing light off the ceiling turns the entire surface into a softbox, wrapping light around your subject evenly. This method works well in small spaces or when you lack expensive modifiers.
- Natural Light: Leveraging daylight is an easy and cost-effective way to enhance your videos. Position your subject facing a window or shoot during golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for flattering, warm tones. Avoid direct sunlight as it can create harsh shadows; instead, opt for diffused natural light for a balanced look.

2. Shoot in the Highest Quality Available
Always set your smartphone camera to its maximum resolution and frame rate. For example:
- Resolution: Use 4K for sharp details.
- Frame Rate: Choose 30fps for standard motion or 60fps for smoother movement.
Higher-quality settings capture more detail and color information, making post-production adjustments easier.

3. Improve Composition
A well-composed shot adds depth and interest to your videos:
- Use the rule of thirds to position your subject off-center.
- Incorporate foreground and background elements to create layers.
- Avoid cluttered backgrounds that distract from the main subject.
4. Stabilize Your Shots
Shaky footage can ruin the professional feel of your video:
- Use a tripod for static shots.
- Invest in a gimbal or stabilizer for smooth motion during handheld filming.
5. Enhance Color and Contrast in Post-Production
Even with perfect lighting and composition, flat videos may need color grading:
- Adjust contrast to add depth.
- Fine-tune saturation and vibrance to make colors pop without oversaturation.
- Use LUTs (Look-Up Tables) designed for mobile footage to achieve cinematic color profiles.
Conclusion
Flat phone videos often result from poor lighting, low-quality settings, or lack of post-production enhancements. By using techniques like bounce lighting, maximizing natural light, shooting in high resolution, stabilizing your shots, and refining colors in editing software, you can transform dull footage into vibrant, professional-looking videos.
Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
Advice
How to Create Scenes That Resonate and Spread
Creating a scene that resonates with audiences and achieves virality is a goal for many filmmakers. A perfect example of this is the iconic “Are you gay?” scene from the movie “For Colored Girls?” (2010), starring Janet Jackson. This scene, featuring a direct and unexpected question, has lived on in popular culture, sparking countless memes and discussions.
So, what are the elements that make a scene stick and spread? Let’s break down key strategies, drawing inspiration from this memorable moment:
1. Embrace Authenticity and Raw Emotion
The power of the “Are you gay?” scene lies in its raw authenticity. The question, posed by Patricia, played by Janet Jackson (IMDb), is delivered with a piercing directness that cuts through typical conversational niceties. Gavin, portrayed by Malik Yoba (IMDb), responds with palpable shock and discomfort. This genuine emotional exchange, even within a fictional context, creates a relatable and compelling moment for viewers.

2. Build Tension and Suspense
Before the pivotal question, the scene simmers with unspoken tension. The dialogue hints at underlying conflicts and secrets, creating an atmosphere of suspense. This buildup is crucial. By carefully layering tension, you amplify the impact of the key moment when it arrives. Consider using techniques such as:
- Subtext: Imply conflict through veiled language and body language.
- Pacing: Control the rhythm of the scene to heighten anticipation.
- Dramatic Irony: Let the audience know something the characters don’t.
3. The Power of the Unexpected
The “Are you gay?” question is so effective because it’s unexpected. It disrupts the flow of the conversation and catches both the character and the audience off guard. Introduce unexpected elements to jolt your audience and make your scene unforgettable. This could be a surprising plot twist, an unconventional line of dialogue, or a sudden shift in tone.
4. Relatability and Social Commentary
While the specific scenario in “For Colored Girls?” might not be universally relatable, the underlying themes of truth, identity, and relationships are. Viral scenes often tap into broader social issues or universal human experiences. By embedding your scene within a relevant social context, you increase its potential to resonate with a wider audience.
5. Visual Storytelling and Composition
While dialogue is crucial, don’t underestimate the power of visual storytelling. The framing, camera angles, and overall visual composition can significantly enhance the emotional impact of a scene.

6. Call to Action & Shareability
In today’s digital age, a scene’s potential for virality is amplified by its shareability. Create moments that are easily quotable, meme-able, or remixable. This encourages viewers to share the scene with their networks, expanding its reach exponentially.
By incorporating these elements into your filmmaking, you can increase your chances of creating scenes that not only resonate with audiences but also have the potential to spread and become cultural touchstones. For more advice and insights on filmmaking, visit Bolanlemedia.com in the advice article section.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
Advice
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Networking in the Film Industry
Networking in the film industry is essential for building relationships and advancing your career, but it’s also easy to make missteps that can harm your reputation or alienate potential collaborators. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid and tips to ensure your networking efforts are effective:

1. Being Too Pushy or Self-Centered
One of the quickest ways to ruin a connection is by aggressively pitching your projects or dominating conversations. Nobody enjoys being cornered by someone who only talks about themselves. Instead, focus on building genuine connections by asking thoughtful questions like, “What inspired you to work on [specific project]?” Show interest in their work, and let the conversation flow naturally. Networking is a two-way street—make sure you’re giving as much as you’re hoping to receive.
2. Neglecting Follow-Ups
You’ve had a great conversation with someone at a festival or event, but then… radio silence. Failing to follow up is one of the biggest missed opportunities in networking. A simple email or message thanking them for their time and referencing something specific from your conversation can make a lasting impression. For example: “It was great meeting you at [event]! I really enjoyed hearing about your approach to [topic]. Let’s stay in touch—I’d love to collaborate someday.”
3. Talking Shop Constantly
While it’s tempting to dive into discussions about your latest screenplay or directing project, obsessively talking about work can come off as transactional and boring. People want to connect on a human level first. Engage in casual conversations about shared interests, current events, or even favorite films. For instance, “What did you think of [film that screened at the festival]?” can be a great icebreaker that leads to deeper discussions.

4. Overusing Flattery
Compliments are great—when they’re genuine. But excessive flattery or trying too hard to impress someone can feel manipulative and insincere. Instead of saying, “You’re the greatest producer I’ve ever met!” try something more specific and authentic like, “I really admire how you handled [specific challenge] in your last project—it was inspiring.” People appreciate thoughtful praise over empty words.
5. Not Respecting Boundaries
Networking is about mutual respect, and that means recognizing when someone isn’t interested or needs space. Avoid interrupting conversations, monopolizing someone’s time, or following them around at an event like a shadow. If someone seems busy or disengaged, politely excuse yourself and move on—it’s better to leave on good terms than risk becoming a nuisance.

6. Forgetting Integrity
Your reputation in the film industry is everything, so always do what you say you will do. If you promise to send over your reel or introduce someone to a colleague, follow through promptly. Reliability builds trust and shows that you value others’ time and effort. Conversely, failing to deliver on promises can quickly erode relationships and harm your credibility.
7. Overlooking Peer Connections
Don’t make the mistake of focusing only on high-profile contacts while neglecting peers who are at similar stages in their careers. Many successful collaborations come from horizontal networking—connecting with fellow emerging filmmakers who share your passion and vision. These relationships often grow into long-term partnerships that benefit everyone involved.
8. Being Unprepared
Showing up unprepared—whether it’s not knowing anything about the person you’re speaking with or failing to have business cards or a polished pitch—can waste both your time and theirs. Research key attendees beforehand, prepare a concise introduction about yourself, and have links to your portfolio ready if needed.
Final Thoughts
Networking in the film industry is all about authenticity, respect, and meaningful interactions—not just handing out business cards or pitching projects nonstop. By avoiding these common mistakes—such as being overly pushy, neglecting follow-ups, or failing to respect boundaries—you can build lasting relationships that support your creative journey and open doors to exciting opportunities. Remember: networking isn’t just about what others can do for you; it’s about creating connections that benefit everyone involved!
Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
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