Chicago Director Steve James, well known for his groundbreaking 1994 documentary “Hoop Dreams” who has recently added another acclaimed doc, “The Interrupters” (2011) to his resume, will speak at the Energy BBDO Chicago Creative Salon, February 9th.nn”Hoop Dreams,” which chronicles six years in the lives of two young athletes from Chicago with NBA aspirations, offers a rare, multidimensional view of life in the inner city. The film won every major critics award, a Peabody, and a Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, and was described by Roger Ebert as “one of the greatest movie-going experiences of my lifetime.”nnJames’s latest work, “The Interrupters,” which follows three former gang members working with the local CeaseFire program to intervene in violent conflicts in the community. The film premiered last year at the Sundance Film Festival and has gone on to receive widespread critical acclaim. Reader critic J.R. Jones writes, “You couldn’t ask for a more thoughtful or moving examination of a more profound American problem.”nnJames is represented for commercial work at bi-coastal Nonfiction Unlimited. His projects there have included those for Adidas, Ford, the Olympic Committee and Visa.nnEnergy BBDO’s Creative Salon features inspiring talks with some of Chicago’s most creative icons. Beer, wine and light appetizers will be served. James will speak beginning at 4 p.m. CST at the agency’s office in the Wrigley Building, 410 N. Michigan Ave., 9th Floor, Chicago. nnRSVP: Energy BBDO Creative Salon Facebook or see the live stream on Energy BBDO’s Website.nnSteve James will speak Thursday, February 9th, 2012, beginning at 4 p.m. CST
nnAbout Nonfiction UnlimitednSteve James is represented for commercials by bi-coastal Nonfiction Unlimited, a production company working exclusively with documentary filmmakers for commercials, new media and branded content projects. www.nonfictionunlimited.comn
LJ / Loretta Jeneski, Exec Producer Nonfiction Unlimited 310.399.9600 Contact LJ via email
Pioneering The Visual Narrative: Bobola Oniwura’s Impact on Nollywood’s Cinematic Evolution
Nollywood is in the middle of a visual revolution, and at its core is Bobola Oniwura, the mastermind behind some of the industry’s most striking cinematic transformations. Oniwura is a pioneering colorist whose unique approach to film aesthetics has set new standards for how Nigerian stories are told on screen. From the gritty realism of King of Boys: The Return of the King to the vibrant energy of A Tribe Called Judah, Oniwura’s work has become synonymous with a new era of cinematic excellence, one where color grading is no longer an afterthought but a defining narrative tool. The film industry in Nigeria known as Nollywood has grown into one of the most prolific cinematic powerhouses in the world. Producing thousands of films annually, it ranks alongside Hollywood and Bollywood in terms of output. Once characterized by rapid, low-budget productions, Nollywood has undergone a remarkable transformation, embracing higher production values, diverse storytelling, and international recognition. The industry’s films now command global audiences, made possible by platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, and receiving acclaim at major festivals. This evolution has been fueled by creatives like Oniwura, who are redefining the post-production technical standards of Nigerian films. His impact extends beyond the color suite. Drawing on his background in Architecture and user experience research, Oniwura approaches color grading with an acute understanding of audience perception, crafting visual experiences that enhance storytelling, evoke emotion, and immerse viewers in the rich textures of Nigerian culture. His ability to merge technical precision with artistic intuition has positioned him as one of the most sought-after colorists in Nollywood... Read More