The internet age has created a new phenomenon: instant fame. Ordinary people can transform into viral sensations overnight, amassing millions of followers and opportunities. However, this rapid ascent can be followed by an equally swift and devastating fall. This article explores the stories of three viral stars – Backpack Kid, Salt Bae, and the Island Boys – and examines how their 15 minutes of fame led to unexpected disasters.

The Backpack Kid: Overexposure and Misguided Choices

Russell Horning, known as the Backpack Kid, rose to fame in 2017 with his signature dance move, “the floss.” His appearance on Saturday Night Live alongside Katy Perry catapulted him to internet stardom. However, his downfall began with overexposure and a series of questionable decisions.

Russell accepted every interview and press opportunity, quickly becoming perceived as a one-trick pony. His attempt to branch out into music with the song “Flossen” was widely panned. The final nail in the coffin was a lawsuit against Fortnite for using the floss dance in their game, which backfired when evidence emerged that the dance predated his fame.

Despite the backlash and fading relevance, Russell seems happier today, focusing on his music and promoting a positive message. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overexposure and the importance of making sound decisions in the face of fleeting fame.

Salt Bae: From Viral Sensation to World Cup Controversy

Turkish chef Nuser Goceier, known as Salt Bae, became an internet sensation in 2017 for his dramatic salt-sprinkling technique. He capitalized on his fame by launching a global restaurant empire, but criticism grew over the outrageous prices and perceived gimmickry.

The turning point came at the 2022 World Cup when Salt Bae inserted himself into Argentina’s victory celebration, bothering players and even holding the trophy. This act of self-promotion was widely condemned, leading to a decline in his popularity and the closure of several restaurants.

While Salt Bae continues to sell overpriced food online, his story illustrates how quickly public opinion can turn when fame is prioritized over respect and authenticity.

The Island Boys: A Disgusting Downfall

The Island Boys, a duo of twin brothers, went viral in 2021 with their freestyle rap in a hot tub. Despite the initial attention, their fame quickly fizzled out. Their decision to turn down a record deal proved to be a critical error, as they failed to capitalize on their viral moment. Their story highlights the importance of making strategic choices and surrounding oneself with capable advisors when navigating the complexities of internet fame.

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

In the world of filmmaking, achieving a truly cinematic look is often considered the holy grail of visual storytelling. This comprehensive guide delves deep into the art and science of creating movie magic, offering aspiring filmmakers valuable insights and practical advice.

Understanding “Cinematic”

The term “cinematic” is more of a feeling than a precise definition. A compelling mantra to remember is: “A cinematic image is a visualized memory.” This emphasizes the subjective nature of cinematic imagery, where the image is someone else’s vision, pre-digested and crafted to be art.

Key Elements of Cinematic Imagery

1. Frame Rate and Motion Blur:
   • Tip: Use 24 frames per second with a 180° shutter angle.
   • Advice: If your camera can do 24fps, use it unless it interferes with lights or monitors. Stay as close to the 180° shutter rule as possible.

1. Sharpness and Resolution:
   • Tip: Cinematic images are in focus but not overly sharp.
   • Advice: Switch off all sharpness enhancing in camera, and avoid sharpening footage in post unless absolutely necessary. Consider reducing detail and resolution through filtration, vintage lenses, or post-production techniques.
2. The Filmmaker’s Vision:
   • Tip: The most important part of a cinematic image is “you” – the filmmaker.
   • Advice: Focus on improving your knowledge and skill set. A great filmmaker can create better images even with limited resources.

Advanced Techniques

1. Camera Selection:
   • Tip: While important, the camera is not the only factor in creating cinematic images.
   • Advice: Evaluate cameras based on technical qualities like dynamic range and resolution, but remember that skill often trumps gear.
2. Lens Choice:
   • Tip: Consider anamorphic, vintage, or spherical lenses for different effects.
   • Advice: Experiment with different lens types to find what works best for your vision. Don’t be afraid to use “imperfect” lenses for character.

1. Post-Production:
   • Tip: Color grading and other post-production techniques can enhance the cinematic look.
   • Advice: Use tools like Dehancer to emulate film stocks and reduce perceived resolution in a natural way.

Remember, while these technical aspects are important, storytelling should always be at the heart of your cinematic endeavors. The image should serve the story, not overshadow it.

By focusing on these elements and continuously honing your craft, you can elevate your filmmaking to create truly cinematic visuals that captivate audiences and bring your stories to life on screen.

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

In the world of indie filmmaking, where every dollar counts, allocating funds for film festivals might feel like setting your budget ablaze. However, this investment is crucial for your filmmaking career, and should be considered mandatory rather than optional. While it’s tempting to view festival submissions as a financial burden, savvy filmmakers understand that these events are the lifeblood of the industry, offering unparalleled networking opportunities and potential career breakthroughs.

Consider this: the person sitting next to you at a festival screening might have worked on blockbusters like “Black Panther” or collaborated with renowned directors like Spike Lee. These connections, often flying under the radar, can be invaluable to your career trajectory. People travel from all over the world to attend film festivals, creating a melting pot of talent, ideas, and opportunities. This global gathering provides a unique chance to expand your network internationally and forge relationships that could shape your future projects.

While prestigious festivals like Sundance and Cannes make headlines, it’s crucial not to overlook emerging, genre-specific, or smaller festivals like Houston Comedy Film Festival. These often offer more intimate settings conducive to meaningful connections and can be more accessible for emerging filmmakers that have projects on major platforms such as Hulu or Paramount. Small festivals provide a platform to showcase your work to a dedicated audience, connect with other indie filmmakers, gain festival experience, and build your film’s credibility. They also offer better odds of winning awards, potentially receiving grant money, and gaining recognition in the community.

When crafting your budget, consider allocating 3-5% of your total budget for festival submissions. This investment covers more than just submission fees; it includes travel costs, marketing materials, and networking events. For instance, the Palm Springs International ShortFest offers one-on-one meetings with industry professionals, allowing filmmakers to discuss their careers and projects directly with decision-makers.

The potential return on this investment is significant. Festivals can lead to distribution deals, future collaborations, brand partnerships, valuable audience feedback, and industry recognition. As Beth Barrett, artistic director for the Seattle International Film Festival, emphasizes, budgeting for festivals “should not be an afterthought, but rather a part of the overall plan”.

In conclusion, whether big or small, film festivals are not just a line item—they’re your ticket to the heart of the industry. They offer a unique blend of opportunities for exposure, networking, and career advancement that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. So, the next time you’re crafting your budget, remember: burning money never looked so promising for your filmmaking career. Embrace the festival circuit as an essential part of your journey, and you might find that the connections and opportunities gained are worth far more than the initial investment.

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