Advice
How to grab your audience (5 tips for storytelling)

Crafting a compelling story for a film is a fundamental aspect of filmmaking. It’s like the secret sauce that keeps the audience hooked from the opening scene to the closing credits. It’s about creating a compelling and engaging experience for the audience, using visual and auditory elements to evoke emotions and immerse them in the world of the film. From the scriptwriting stage to the final editing process, every aspect of filmmaking is dedicated to enhancing the storytelling experience. It is through storytelling that filmmakers can transport their audience to new worlds, introduce them to unique characters, and challenge their perspectives. A well-crafted story has the power to evoke emotions, spark imagination, and leave a lasting impression. It allows filmmakers to connect with their viewers on a deeper level, creating a meaningful and immersive experience. Whether it is a gripping drama, a thought-provoking documentary, or an entertaining comedy, storytelling is the key ingredient that brings a film to life and makes it resonate with its audience. It’s the art of creating compelling characters and developing a strong plot that captures the audience’s attention from the beginning and keeps them engaged.
So, let’s sprinkle in some magic and whip up a narrative that’ll captivate and resonate with our viewers, shall we? Let’s dive into the art of storytelling through filmmaking, exploring how to craft individuals that audiences can connect with, how to develop a plot that is the backbone of any compelling film, and how to use visual and auditory elements to evoke emotions and immerse the audience in the world of the film. Let’s learn how to tell a story that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact on the viewer, making them think, feel, and reflect.
Now, let’s move on to some practical tips that can help you enhance your storytelling skills in filmmaking:
- Know Your Characters – Characters are the heart of any story. Avoid stereotypes, and try to come up with characters that are original. Give your characters interesting backstories, motivations, and conflicts that drive the narrative forward.
- Develop a Strong Plot – A well-structured plot is essential for keeping the audience engaged. Avoid clichés and generic storylines. Instead, focus on creating a narrative that is both unique and thought-provoking. Weave in unexpected twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
- Embrace Visual Storytelling – Visual storytelling is a powerful tool for conveying emotions and driving the narrative forward. Use cinematography, lighting, and set design to create an immersive world that complements the story. Every visual element should serve a purpose in advancing the plot and evoking specific emotions in the audience.
- Craft Meaningful Dialogue – Dialogue is an integral part of storytelling. Every line should reveal something about the characters or advance the plot. Avoid unnecessary exposition and focus on creating dialogue that feels authentic and true to each character’s voice.
- Create a Compelling Soundtrack – Music has the power to dramatically change the feeling of your film or video. The right soundtrack can enhance emotional moments, build tension, and create a lasting impact on the audience. Choose music that complements the tone and mood of each scene, adding depth and resonance to the overall story.
As you can see, you can make your stories more interesting and keep your audience interested. These tips are really helpful for filmmakers who want to get better at telling stories and make films that people will remember. Incorporating these insights into your work can help you create movies that truly resonate with audiences, leaving a lasting impression and keeping them coming back for more. So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your filmmaking to the next level, these practical pointers are like gold dust for making your stories shine on the big screen.
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.
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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