Meet Nevin Bolla

We were lucky to catch up with Nevin Bolla recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nevin, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

It really comes down to having a game plan before you enter that room. You can’t just go in blind. Preparation is key. Whether it’s work, research, or something else that gives you an edge, you need to do it. When you learn as much as you can beforehand, you gain confidence because you already know what to expect and how to adapt.

I think one issue people face is avoiding preparation because it feels like busy work. But the truth is, success depends on how much effort you’re willing to invest upfront. If spending extra hours studying, reading, or planning gives you an advantage, it’s worth it. You have to ask yourself how dedicated you are to your goal.

For me, I love acting, but in this industry, you have to wear many hats. That’s why I make my own films. To do that, I’ve had to learn everything: pre-production, post-production, and all the steps in between. Writing scripts, casting, finding locations, coordinating schedules, storyboarding, and even catering – these are all things I do myself. It’s a lot, but I love it.

Being effective when you’re the only one in the room boils down to dedication. How far are you willing to go? Fear can actually be a great motivator as it shows you what you’re not prepared for. And the only way to remove that fear is through preparation. If you’re passionate about what you do, success comes naturally because you’re not focused on the time or the work; you’re focused on achieving your goal.

For me, filmmaking doesn’t feel like work. I push myself because I know that if I don’t do it, it won’t get done. It’s that sense of urgency and commitment that drives me. Anyone can achieve this; it’s all about preparation, passion, and persistence.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m an actor and filmmaker. I create my own short films, handling almost every aspect of the process myself. I write scripts, cast actors, scout locations, assemble teams for lighting, sound, and production, and even handle catering. Once filming is done, I do the editing and marketing myself.

What excites me most about this work is the creative freedom. I get to tell stories the way I envision them, from concept to final cut. It’s a lot of work, but for me, it’s not about the time or effort, it’s about passion. When you believe in what you’re creating, you’ll do whatever it takes to bring it to life.

The challenge in this industry is that you can’t just be an actor. You have to offer more because competition is fierce. That’s why I’ve taken on filmmaking. It allows me to create opportunities, not just for myself but for others who share my vision.

After completing a film, I submit it to festivals, host public screenings, and launch funding campaigns to expand the project. My goal is to create art that resonates, inspires, and brings people together.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three most impactful qualities for me have been sales, marketing, and passion.

Sales is essential because you need to convince people to invest their time and resources in your vision. Whether it’s securing top-notch equipment or talent, you have to sell them on your project’s value.

Marketing is just as important because, once the film is made, you have to promote it. You need to know how to build an audience and create excitement around your work. That includes everything from behind-the-scenes content to polished promotional materials.

Passion, though, is the driving force behind it all. Sales and marketing can be exhausting, but if you’re passionate, you’ll find the energy to keep going. Passion is what keeps you focused on the goal, no matter how hard the journey gets.

For anyone starting out, my advice is to truly understand the industry you’re entering. It’s not just about talent, it’s about understanding how the business operates. Learn what companies or individuals are looking for and adapt to meet those needs. Once you get your foot in the door, you can start making changes from within. Think of the industry as a fortress; find a way in, and then you can shape it from the inside.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always looking for collaborators who share the same passion and drive that I have. Passion is key. I’m wary of people who are solely motivated by money because that mindset often leads to decisions driven by profit, not creativity.

I want to work with individuals who are willing to put in the effort, even when the tasks seem tedious. For me, filmmaking is never about doing the bare minimum; it’s about giving everything I have to create something extraordinary.

If someone shares this mindset, if they’re passionate, committed, and ready to push themselves, I’d love to collaborate with them. Together, we can create something truly special.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nevinbolla.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nevinbolla