Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Olabimpe Abaniwonda. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Olabimpe, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I discovered my purpose through my faith in Jesus Christ. This revelation helped me understand that, as a child of God, I’ve always been destined for greater things. My purpose is to be fruitful and multiply in every aspect of life, fulfilling the potential God has given me
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As Ola Abaniwonda, I’m a recent graduate with a Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Producing from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. With my degree completed in May 2024, I’m now actively seeking opportunities to apply my skills and experience in the film and television industry.
My journey in media and entertainment has been diverse and enriching, spanning from Nigeria to the United States. What excites me most about this field is the opportunity to bring compelling stories to life through various mediums. As a producer, I’ve worked on several short films, including “Judah,” “Two Full Hands,” and “The Rhythm in Blues.” One of my notable achievements was executive producing “A Handsome Mind,” which gained recognition at international film festivals.
My experience extends beyond film production. I’ve worked as an Assistant Production Coordinator at Native Media Production and as a Production Assistant at Shutter Speed Productions in Nigeria, giving me a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process. More recently, I served as the Social Media Manager for the Ojai Film Festival, where I managed film submissions, organized virtual events, and coordinated social media presence.
My background also includes journalism and voice-over work at Spectrum Broadcasting in Nigeria, which has honed my storytelling and communication skills. These diverse experiences have prepared me for a dynamic role in film and television production.
I’m proficient in industry-standard software like Movie Magic Budgeting and Scheduling, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Premiere. I’m also fluent in Yoruba and Pidgin English, with written French skills, which I believe can be valuable in today’s global entertainment landscape.
Currently, I’m eager to secure a position where I can contribute my skills in production coordination, social media management, or content production. I’m particularly interested in roles that allow me to leverage my cross-cultural experiences and passion for storytelling.
For potential employers or collaborators interested in my work, I’m open to connecting and discussing how my skills and experiences can add value to their projects or organizations. My goal is to continue growing in the film and television industry, contributing to compelling content creation and production efficiency.
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?
My Versatility and Adaptability
I’ve taken on various roles in the film and media industry, from production coordination to social media management. This versatility has been crucial in my development.
My advice: Embrace diverse opportunities within your field, even if they’re not your ideal role. Each position offers unique insights and skills that can prove valuable later. Don’t shy away from internships, assistant roles, or seemingly small projects – they all contribute to a well-rounded skill set.
My Cross-Cultural Competence
My background, spanning work in Nigeria and the United States, has allowed me to navigate different cultural contexts in the media industry.
My advice: Seek out opportunities to work in different cultural environments, whether through international projects, collaborations, or studying abroad. Develop language skills and cultural awareness. This global perspective can set you apart in an increasingly interconnected industry.
My Technical Proficiency
My skills in various industry-standard software and tools (like Movie Magic, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere) have been instrumental in my success.
My advice: Stay current with industry technologies. Take online courses, attend workshops, or pursue certifications in relevant software and tools. The film and media industry is constantly evolving technologically, so continuous learning is key.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
A particular challenge I’m currently facing is finding it hard to secure a paid job in the industry. Despite completing my Master’s degree and gaining various experiences, breaking into the professional film and television industry with a full-time, paid position has been challenging.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://youtu.be/ARvkmQA8WM8?si=cFV4phP-PhvLAcCA
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olabimpe-bashirah-abaniwonda-811799271?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
