Entertainment

Olivia Rodrigo’s Ex Zack Bia Really Doesn’t Think ‘Vampire’ Is About Him on September 18, 2023 at 4:43 pm Us Weekly

Published

1 year ago

September 18, 2023

Olivia Rodrigo, Zack Bia Getty Images(2)

Olivia Rodrigo’s ex-boyfriend Zack Bia has heard the rumors that “Vampire” is about him, but he doesn’t agree.

“I don’t think it’s really about me,” Bia, 27, told GQ in an interview published on Monday, September 18. “I think the internet just ran with it.”

Bia, who is a musician himself, went on to admit that he could see the song’s subject being a composite of him and other men in Rodrigo’s past, but he doesn’t think his split from the Disney alum was a big enough deal to merit such a scathing track. “Look, I’m in the industry so I know how a song gets made,” he explained. “We hung out, we’re both busy and we ended up not furthering our relationship. There was never any drama, you know?”

Rodrigo, 20, and Bia called it quits in August 2022 after several months of dating. “Their relationship sort of fizzled. They were casually dating but haven’t spent time together in a while,” an insider exclusively told Us Weekly at the time. “There were no issues — they both have different work schedules and different friend groups.”

The duo first sparked romance rumors in February 2022 when they were spotted hanging out at a Super Bowl party. Two months later, the pair were photographed strolling in New York City. In the snaps, Bia appeared to have his arm around Rodrigo, fueling speculation that the twosome were more than friends.

When Rodrigo dropped “Vampire” — the first single from her latest album, Guts — in June, fans immediately began wondering whether the song was about Bia. The track is about a bad breakup and includes lines like, “Six months of torture you sold as some forbidden paradise / I loved you truly, gotta laugh at the stupidity.”

Rodrigo performs onstage during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV

The song also hinted that the titular bloodsucker was older than Rodrigo: “Can’t figure out just how you do it and God knows I never will / Went for me, and not her, ’cause girls your age know better.”

While Bia doesn’t think these lines are about him, he’s a big fan of “Vampire” and is happy it’s become a hit. “The song’s so big and so awesome. Look, a heartbreak song for the summertime, it’s an undefeated formula,” he told GQ. “I think Olivia is a generational songwriter. I think she’s a generational talent. I’m always just proud of her continued accomplishments.”

Other listeners have theorized that “Vampire” isn’t about an ex-boyfriend at all and is instead about Taylor Swift. Rodrigo has long described herself as a fan of Swift, 33, and cited the superstar as an inspiration for some of her biggest hits. In July 2021, however, Swift and collaborator Jack Antonoff were given retroactive cowriting credits on Rodrigo’s song “Deja Vu,” leading to rumors that Rodrigo and Swift had fallen out. (They were also credited on “1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back,” which interpolates Swift’s song “New Year’s Day.”)

Earlier this month, however, Rodrigo said she was “very surprised” that some fans saw “Vampire” as a dig at Swift. “I mean, I never want to say who any of my songs are about,” she told The Guardian. “I’ve never done that before in my career and probably won’t. I think it’s better to not pigeonhole a song to being about this one thing.”

Olivia Rodrigo’s ex-boyfriend Zack Bia has heard the rumors that “Vampire” is about him, but he doesn’t agree. “I don’t think it’s really about me,” Bia, 27, told GQ in an interview published on Monday, September 18. “I think the internet just ran with it.” Bia, who is a musician himself, went on to admit

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Entertainment

Fun Size Cinema Showcases Chicago’s Comedic Talent

Published

20 hours ago

March 13, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Chicago, known for its rich comedy heritage, is set to celebrate its local comedic talent with the launch of Fun Size Cinema, a new screening series dedicated to showcasing short films, sketches, and other digital comedic works. The event, spearheaded by filmmaker Joelle Velez and her production company Sparkly Productions, will debut on Thursday, March 20th at 6 PM at The Revival theater in Chicago’s South Loop.

Sock it To Me- Short Film directed by Joelle Velez

A Platform for Local Comedy

Fun Size Cinema is designed as a platform for Chicago’s comedians, filmmakers, and improvisers to share their creative work with a broader audience. The series highlights the city’s comedic spirit through curated screenings of diverse content, including short films, sketch comedy, music videos, and comedic documentaries. By fostering connections and collaboration among local creatives, the event aims to build a supportive community for comedy and filmmaking in Chicago.

Joelle Velez explained her inspiration for the series during an interview with WGN News: “Chicago has such a strong comedy legacy—think Harold Ramis and Ghostbusters. We wanted to create a space where local talent could thrive without needing to move to New York or Los Angeles.” She emphasized that Fun Size Cinema offers filmmakers and performers the opportunity to showcase their work while staying rooted in Chicago’s vibrant artistic ecosystem.

Joelle Velez: A Driving Force Behind the Initiative

Joelle Velez, an award-winning filmmaker and graduate of The Second City Film School, brings her extensive experience in comedy and filmmaking to this project. Her production company Sparkly Productions partnered with The Revival theater to bring this vision to life. Velez’s own film Sock It To Me, which has garnered awards like Best Art Comedy at the Katra Film Series Comedy Film Festival, will be featured at the inaugural screening.

Velez’s career reflects her commitment to storytelling and comedy. Her previous works have been selected for over 20 film festivals worldwide, earning multiple awards. With training in improvisation, stand-up comedy, and acting, she is well-equipped to lead this initiative that celebrates Chicago’s comedic talent.

What Audiences Can Expect

The debut screening of Fun Size Cinema will feature nine short films from local creators. Unlike traditional film festivals that often prioritize dramatic or experimental works, this series focuses entirely on comedy—providing a unique space for sketch comedy and other humorous formats that are often overlooked.

Attendees can expect a movie-going experience filled with laughter and creativity. Whether you’re a filmmaker looking to network or simply a comedy enthusiast, Fun Size Cinema promises an evening of entertainment that highlights the exceptional talent within Chicago’s comedy scene.

Continuing Chicago’s Comedy Legacy

By creating opportunities for local comedians and filmmakers to showcase their work, Fun Size Cinema aims to continue Chicago’s legacy as a hub for groundbreaking comedy. As Velez stated during her interview: “There’s so much amazing stuff being made here that people don’t always get the chance to see. We want to create that stage for them.” This initiative not only celebrates Chicago’s comedic roots but also paves the way for future stars in the industry3.

For those interested in attending or learning more about Fun Size Cinema, visit The Revival theater on March 20th at 906 S. Wabash Avenue. Prepare for an evening of laughter, creativity, and community as Chicago’s comedic talent takes center stage.

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

Entertainment

Opulence Pictures Represents Manchester at SXSW: A Global Stage for Local Talent

Published

21 hours ago

March 13, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Opulence Pictures, a Manchester-based film production company, is making waves at SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas, as part of the official Greater Manchester delegation. This prestigious event, running from March 7-12, has become a global platform for the city’s burgeoning creative industries, with Opulence Pictures at the forefront of showcasing Northern England’s filmmaking potential.

Manchester’s Creative Powerhouse

Greater Manchester, led by Mayor Andy Burnham, has sent its largest and most ambitious delegation to SXSW to date.This move underscores the region’s commitment to positioning itself as a major player in the global creative landscape. Among the delegation are five innovative businesses, including Opulence Pictures, representing Manchester’s thriving creative sector.

Opulence Pictures: Bridging Hollywood and Northern England

Nika Finch, President and Film Producer of Opulence Pictures, is spearheading the company’s presence at SXSW. With offices in both Los Angeles and Manchester, Opulence Pictures is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between Hollywood and Northern England’s film industry. Finch’s participation aims to spotlight Northern England as not just a stunning filming location, but also a practical and smart choice for productions.

Showcasing Northern England’s Film Potential

At SXSW, Opulence Pictures is actively promoting the UK, particularly Northern England, as an ideal destination for film and TV production. Finch emphasizes the region’s world-class locations, top-tier crews, and new tax incentives that can significantly reduce production costs for international projects. This effort aligns with the broader goal of attracting global filmmakers to the region and showcasing how Opulence Pictures can bring creative visions to life.

A Platform for Collaboration and Growth

SXSW provides an unparalleled opportunity for networking, creativity, and innovation. For Opulence Pictures, it’s a chance to forge new partnerships that could bring more US film and TV projects to the UK. The company’s presence at the event is part of a larger initiative to establish Manchester as a significant hub for film production and creativity on the global stage.

The Broader Impact

The participation of Opulence Pictures in SXSW 2025 is more than just a business opportunity; it’s a testament to Manchester’s growing prominence in the international creative scene. As part of the UK House Northern takeover event, “North: Different by Design,” Opulence Pictures took part in a film industry panel discussion titled “Rethinking where great stories are made,” further promoting prime filming locations in Northern England.

Looking Ahead

As SXSW 2025 concludes, the impact of Opulence Pictures’ participation extends beyond the event itself. It represents a significant step in Manchester’s journey to become a global hub for film production and creative industries. With its unique blend of local talent and international connections, Opulence Pictures is well-positioned to play a crucial role in bringing more productions to Northern England, further cementing Manchester’s place on the world stage of filmmaking.

Entertainment

‘The Rivals of Amziah King’ Steals the Show at SXSW

Published

2 days ago

March 12, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Matthew McConaughey made a triumphant return to the big screen at SXSW with the world premiere of “The Rivals of Amziah King” on Monday, March 10, 2025. The film, which marks McConaughey’s first live-action role in six years, received a rare standing ovation at Austin’s Paramount Theatre.

Directed by Andrew Patterson, “The Rivals of Amziah King” is a multifaceted narrative that blends elements of crime drama, beekeeping, musical, and character-driven storytelling, set against the backdrop of rural Oklahoma. The film follows Amziah King, played by McConaughey, a charismatic beekeeper and bluegrass musician who runs the town’s top honey-making operation. When Amziah’s estranged foster daughter, Kateri (played by newcomer Angelina LookingGlass), returns to his life, they attempt to rebuild their relationship and create a family business, but face threats from ruthless rivals in the honey industry.

The film’s cast, including Kurt Russell, Cole Sprouse, Owen Teague, Scott Shepherd, Rob Morgan, Jake Horowitz, and Tony Revolori, joined McConaughey on the red carpet at SXSW. The ensemble cast brought a diverse range of characters to life, adding depth to the film’s complex narrative.

McConaughey introduced the film to the SXSW audience, praising its originality and describing it as a blend of humor, innocence, and spirit. The actor’s performance in the film showcases his musical talents, as he sings and plays instruments in several live musical numbers, which contributed to the film’s standing ovation.

In an interview, McConaughey reflected on his return to acting, highlighting the film’s unique blend of genres and his character’s journey with Kateri. “It’s a remarkable love tale,” he said, emphasizing the reconnection between Amziah and his foster daughter.

The film’s world premiere at SXSW was met with a rapturous response, with many praising its electrifying vision and invigorating music. Andrew Patterson’s bold creativity and innovative storytelling have positioned “The Rivals of Amziah King” as one of the standout films of the festival. As the festival continues, it remains to be seen how the film will fare in the competitive marketplace, but early reactions suggest it could be a significant player in the coming months.