News

Would-be Twitter rival T2 adds DMs — a feature others, including Threads, don’t yet have on July 31, 2023 at 5:46 pm

Published

1 year ago

July 31, 2023

As the battle among would-be Twitter rivals continues, one of the smaller apps to via for Twitter (now X‘s) fleeing user base, T2, has added an in-demand feature that even Meta’s Threads doesn’t yet have: DMs. The company recently announced it added support for direct messages, which has been among users’ top requests, it said.

The addition differentiates T2 from buzzier Twitter competitors like Threads, Bluesky, and to some extent, Mastodon, where Direct Messages work a little differently — they are effectively just posts that have the “direct” visibility selected but are not end-to-end encrypted.

Similarly, T2’s direct messages also aren’t end-to-end encrypted, but they do at least allow users to connect more privately on the app. Of course, sensitive conversations should generally not be shared on new social media apps but on dedicated privacy apps, like Signal or even WhatsApp, which has prioritized encryption.

With the rollout of DMs on T2 on July 26th, users can now find a new link in the app’s sidebar. The company explains users can control who’s allowed to DM them via the Settings tab in T2. From here, you can choose to allow DMs from anyone on the app, only from accounts you follow, or you can turn off receiving DMs altogether.

The company said it opted not to encrypt direct messages so it can combat spam and harassment in these conversations. It even built-in nudges in DMs to automatically detect possible insults or other threatening behavior, then nudge the sender to change their message. Nudges like this can be somewhat effective. Twitter, pre-Elon Musk, had once used nudges in an attempt to get users to tone down their replies. It said that 34% of people revised their initial reply after seeing the prompt, or chose not to send the reply at all. Plus, after being prompted once, people then composed 11% fewer offensive replies in the future, on average.

T2 was founded by Twitter and Google veterans, including co-founder Sarah Oh, Twitter’s former human rights advisor, and Gabor Cselle, who had sold his prior companies to Twitter and Google. The company’s goal has been to build an alternative to Twitter that had an increased focus on trust and safety — or, as Gabor’s profile reads, “a kinder, safer public square.”

That’s an area where another Twitter rival, Bluesky, has since stumbled. The latter has been under attack for moderation missteps that saw it failing to crack down on bigotry and even allowing usernames with racial slurs to slip through in recent days.

Bluesky, however, has seen its app installed 1 million times to date, outpacing the number of invites available to its still private network. T2, meanwhile, continues to operate as a web app but is optimized for mobile screens. Its user base should reach around 15,000 by the end of the week, the company says. T2 has not yet announced any concrete plans around decentralization — meaning using a protocol like ActivityPub, which powers Mastodon, and soon Threads, or Bluesky’s AT Protocol, in order to connect with other social networks.

Currently, the team views decentralization as a major hurdle to moderation and building a lasting, stable and civil community, we understand, as users can move to other servers when they don’t want to abide by stricter moderation rules.

Advice

How to Use VFX Seamlessly in Your Film

Published

4 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

Visual effects (VFX) have revolutionized filmmaking, allowing creators to bring unimaginable worlds to life. However, integrating VFX effectively is an art that requires thoughtful planning, collaboration, and balance. This article explores how to seamlessly weave VFX into your film while maintaining visual coherence and narrative authenticity.

1. Understanding the Role of VFX in Storytelling

VFX should serve your story, not overshadow it. Before adding any effects, ask yourself: How does this enhance the narrative?

Start with the script: Identify scenes where VFX can amplify the story or solve practical challenges.
Blend reality with imagination: Use effects to complement the film’s natural elements rather than dominate them.

A strong narrative foundation ensures that VFX feels purposeful rather than a spectacle for its own sake.

2. Pre-Production: Plan, Collaborate, and Budget

Seamless VFX integration starts long before the cameras roll.

Storyboard and previs: Create detailed storyboards or previsualizations to map out the VFX sequences.
Collaborate early: Engage VFX supervisors during pre-production to align on creative and technical requirements.
Allocate resources: Budget appropriately for VFX, considering both the complexity of the effects and post-production timelines.

Proper planning ensures the effects don’t disrupt production or inflate costs unnecessarily.

3. Combining Practical Effects and VFX

Practical effects, when used in tandem with VFX, can elevate a film’s realism.

Shoot with VFX in mind: Use green screens, motion tracking, or practical props to provide a solid foundation for digital enhancements.
Hybrid techniques: Mix practical stunts or miniatures with digital elements for a more organic look.
Lighting and textures: Match the lighting and texture of practical and VFX components to ensure seamless blending.

This approach grounds the effects in reality, making them feel less artificial.

4. Post-Production: Perfecting the Integration

The magic of VFX truly happens in post-production.

Focus on continuity: Ensure consistency in lighting, shadows, and color grading to integrate effects naturally.
Polish through compositing: Layer VFX elements meticulously during compositing to avoid visual dissonance.
Iterate and refine: Review rough cuts frequently to identify areas needing improvement before finalizing.

Close collaboration between editors, VFX artists, and directors is crucial to achieve a unified aesthetic.

5. Balancing Realism and Spectacle

Striking the right balance between realism and spectacle is essential to creating immersive visuals.

Avoid overuse: Too many effects can overwhelm the audience and dilute the emotional impact.
Stay true to the genre: Tailor your VFX to fit the tone and style of the film.
Test audience reactions: Screen early cuts to gauge whether the effects enhance or distract from the story.

A restrained yet impactful use of VFX ensures that the audience remains engaged with the narrative.

Conclusion

Seamless VFX integration is both a technical and creative endeavor. By planning thoroughly, collaborating with experts, and prioritizing the story, filmmakers can harness the power of VFX to craft unforgettable cinematic experiences. Remember, the best effects are the ones that audiences don’t notice—they simply feel.

Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!

Entertainment

Houston’s “How To” Film Conference Recap

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

Overview

The Houston’s “How To” Film Conference, held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, was a resounding success, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and aspiring creatives in the heart of Houston, TX. The one-day event provided a wealth of insights, networking opportunities, and valuable lessons for attendees.

L-R: Founder of Bolanlemedia.com, Director of Houston Comedy Film Festival, Roselyn Omaka & Executive Producer, Director, Writer, Creator, Courtney Glaude

Key Highlights

Workshops

The conference kicked off with a series of one-on-one workshops, where industry experts shared their knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, including networking strategies, the casting process, securing funding, and effective distribution and marketing tactics.

L-R: Roselyn Omaka, an event attendee & Antoinetta Stallings, VP. of Unscripted Programming at Tyler Perry Studios

Networking

The networking session was a resounding success, as attendees had the opportunity to connect with the BLCK Market, a vibrant community of industry professionals. This lively gathering fostered new relationships, collaborative possibilities, and a sense of camaraderie among the diverse group of filmmakers.

Panels and Q&A

The panel discussions were a highlight of the event, with industry experts providing invaluable insights on navigating the complexities of the film industry. Attendees gained practical advice on securing funding, securing distribution for independent films, and successfully navigating the casting process.

Special Guest Interview

The conference culminated with a special guest interview featuring Antoinetta Stallings, the Vice President of Unscripted Programming at Tyler Perry Studios, and Courtney Glaude, the Executive Creator of Scripted and Unscripted Content at Tyler Perry Studios. The duo engaged in a captivating discussion, sharing their experiences and insights on navigating the film industry and business.

Social Mixer

To cap off the day’s events, attendees gathered for a lively social mixer, where they continued to network, exchange ideas, and forge valuable connections with fellow filmmakers and industry professionals.

Takeaways and Reflections

The Houston’s “How To” Film Conference proved to be an invaluable resource for attendees, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary to enhance their filmmaking journeys. The event’s diverse lineup of speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities fostered a sense of community and inspiration, leaving participants empowered and eager to apply the lessons learned to their own creative endeavors.

Overall, the conference was a resounding success, solidifying its position as a must-attend event for anyone interested in the film industry in the Houston area and beyond.

Advice

The Future of Film: Tech Tools You Can’t Ignore

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

The filmmaking industry is in the midst of a technological revolution. From artificial intelligence to virtual reality, emerging tools are reshaping how stories are told, produced, and shared with audiences. Here’s an in-depth look at how technology is influencing every stage of the filmmaking process and what it means for creators.

1. Storytelling Redefined: AI and Interactive Narratives

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are changing how stories are conceived and experienced.

AI in Screenwriting: Tools like ChatGPT and Sudowrite can help filmmakers draft scripts, brainstorm ideas, or refine dialogue.
Interactive Storytelling: Technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) allow audiences to become active participants in the story. Projects like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch demonstrate the potential for interactive narratives.

Impact: These technologies empower creators to push boundaries and engage audiences in entirely new ways.

2. Production Innovations: Automation and Virtual Sets

Production processes are becoming faster and more cost-effective thanks to cutting-edge technology.

Virtual Production: Tools like Unreal Engine enable filmmakers to create immersive, photorealistic environments without leaving the studio. The Mandalorian showcased how virtual sets could replace traditional green screens.
Automation and Robotics: Drones and robotic camera systems allow for more dynamic and precise shots, while AI simplifies tasks like color grading and video editing.

Impact: These tools level the playing field, allowing indie filmmakers to achieve Hollywood-level quality.

3. Post-Production: AI and Machine Learning

Post-production is one of the most time-consuming aspects of filmmaking, but AI is making it faster and more efficient.

AI Editing Tools: Software like Adobe Premiere Pro’s Sensei AI can automatically cut footage, identify the best takes, or suggest edits.
VFX Enhancement: AI accelerates the creation of realistic visual effects, reducing time and labor costs.
Audio Processing: Noise reduction, voice synthesis, and automated sound mixing are now more accessible to filmmakers.

Impact: Post-production processes are now accessible to creators of all budgets, speeding up timelines and expanding creative possibilities.

4. Distribution Revolution: Streaming and Blockchain

How audiences consume films is undergoing a dramatic shift, thanks to new distribution platforms.

Streaming Dominance: Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ offer global reach, while AI algorithms personalize content for viewers.
Blockchain and NFTs: These technologies allow filmmakers to fund projects through decentralized platforms and create unique, monetizable digital assets for fans.

Impact: Filmmakers have more control over distribution while reaching wider, more engaged audiences.

5. The Risks and Rewards of Technology in Filmmaking

While technology opens exciting doors, it also presents challenges.

Overreliance on AI: Automated tools may dilute the human creativity that makes storytelling special.
Accessibility vs. Exclusivity: Emerging tools can democratize filmmaking, but the high cost of cutting-edge tech may widen the gap between large studios and indie creators.

Future Outlook: Successful filmmakers will find ways to balance technological innovation with storytelling artistry.

Conclusion: The Next Chapter in Filmmaking

Technology is revolutionizing filmmaking, providing new ways to tell stories, streamline production, and reach audiences. However, the heart of filmmaking—compelling narratives and emotional connections—remains unchanged. As the tools evolve, filmmakers must adapt while staying true to their creative vision.