£10K Freeform Forum Fund Transforms ‘Dollar Signs’ Project by Rising Manchester Talent, Ade
Ade is awarded the Freeform Forum mentorship creative fund, backed by Relentless and created in collaboration with UK Arts Organisation Small Green Shoots, to help young creatives break industry barriers.
Today, Manchester-based filmmaker, Oluwafemi Adebayo, was announced as the recipient of Freeform Forum’s £10,000 creative fund for ‘Dollar Signs’; a two-part music video project exploring the importance of resilience and staying true to one's dreams in the face of adversity. The project culminates the grassroots mentorship programme funded by Relentless, in collaboration with UK arts organisation Small Green Shoots. Launched in October 2023, this programme aimed to address the barriers felt by young creators; as research revealed that 1 in 5 (20 per cent) of young Brits (18-30) would like to work in music, but industry barriers are holding them back.
Ade was awarded the fund to realise his artistic vision for a captivating music video featuring Benjiii TG. The ‘Dollar Signs’ video, crafted with the support of his mentor Tajana Tokyo, and developed from an initial creative concept to a comprehensive plan will use a boundary-pushing stop-motion photography concept. This approach will narrate the journey of the protagonist, Benjiii TG’s, as he navigates through three-dream states, confronting a plethora of obstacles along the way. Beyond the digital video, Ade will also create a unique viewing experience through a tangible flipbook format, providing viewers with the opportunity to engage with ‘Dollar Signs’ in the physical realm, using their hands. As well as helping to fund the physical production of the 35mm film music video and flipbook, Ade will also leverage the £10,000 funding provided by Relentless for a forthcoming launch event. At this event, the crafted flip books will be prominently displayed, available for purchase, while attendees can also expect a performance by the artist, and DJ sets throughout.
As part of the Freefrom Forum Mentorship programme, Ade was paired with Tajana Tokyo, co-creator of the Super Bowl ads, to help him develop his idea through 1-2-1 mentoring sessions and IRL networking events, and, help find his footing in filmmaking and the music industry. The six-week programme was also spearheaded by South London rapper ENNY, J Hus’ Producer TSB, and Burna Boy’s speed dial photographer Elliot Hensford who guided the other 11 mentees on their live creative projects across production, photography or filmmaking.
Ade said his experience shadowing a film set with mentor, Tajana Tokyo, was an eye-opener: “I’m so over the moon, not only to have been selected for the creative fund but also to have been a part of the Freeform Forum mentorship from the outset. I’m used to doing things myself with very small budgets or no budget sometimes - my creative ideas were just not getting off the ground. This experience gave me the opportunity not only to learn from creatives at the top of their game but to network, gain skills and access funds to push my creative limits even further.”
The inaugural Relentless mentorship programme is part of the brand’s new Freeform platform, which will see Relentless fuel the next generation of disruptive creators via a programme of grassroots support, opportunities for emerging talents and boundary-pushing music experiences. Young creatives should also keep their eyes peeled over the coming months as entries open up for this year’s edition of the Freeform Forum mentorship. The perfect initiative for those who are searching for a different path to success, outside the mould.