Prudence Wangu
Summary
Dynamic leader and creative filmmaker with proven expertise in team supervision and project execution, honed at William F. White International and through directing acclaimed films. Excelled in customer focus and creative thinking, driving team success and fostering innovative projects. Skilled in forklift operation, showcasing a blend of technical proficiency and interpersonal skills.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Team Lead- Lighting & Grip Department
William F. White International
Toronto, ON
03.2020 - Current
- Trained new team members on lighting and grip equipment knowledge in and load out/load in procedures.
- Occasionally supported the maintenance department in testing led fixtures,i.e; sky panels or titan tubes.
- Spearheaded film making projects at our William F Whites' Back lot studios, encouraging team members to put their creative talents into use.
- Coached team members in techniques to build and maintain relationships with customers, by encouraging excellent customer service.
- Traveled to other WFW locations like Sudbury and halifax, to help team members with the workload,i.e; dolly track maintenance.
Short Film Director
Self Employed Web
Toronto, ON
10.2017 - Current
- Continued personal growth as a filmmaker by staying up-to-date on industry advancements, attending workshops including i.e; CSC workshop, IATSE women's meet and greet or IATSE hair & make-up meet and greet at Whites.
- Directed, wrote and produced the film "Big Iron" whereby Gilles Corbeil (SOC) volunteered his steadi cam operating expertise, prompting me to learn more about large scale filmmaking.
- Mentored aspiring filmmakers by sharing industry knowledge and providing guidance on their own projects, when facilitating film student tours at William F White.
- Secured funding for short film projects through grant applications and crowdfunding campaigns,i.e;"The Fourth Horseman Film.2024."
Screenwriter
Self Employed Writer
Toronto
09.2017 - Current
- Wrote,produced and starred in my Canadian debut film, "Sleep Without a Dream". It premiered at Blood in the Snow Film Festival, was a Finalist at Hollywood Shorts Film Festival and won an award of distinction.
- Storyboarded screenplays and scripts based on the vision I had for each of my productions.
- Developed a strong understanding of screenplay formatting and industry standards, resulting in polished scripts that exceeded expectations.
- Continued to write psychological thriller/horror scripts that I continue to produce alongside my counterparts at the Oddly Dark Productions to date.
Forklift Operator
William F. White International
Toronto, ON
06.2021 - 06.2024
- Safely loaded and unloaded trucks using appropriate forklift attachments, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
- Was assigned massive cable & distribution orders based on my decent forklifting skills, where I used both the sit down and the stand-up forks, as deemed necessary.
- Operated forklift in compliance with OSHA guidelines and organizational policies, to ensure safety for all.
- Wrapped pallets in plastic wrap and loaded trailers as the forklift operator to prepare for delivery.
Actor
Various Films And T.V Shows.
Toronto, ON
08.2016 - 06.2024
- I continue to star as an actor is short films like 'Squeaky Clean(2023)' or play minor roles in web series like 'P3.'
- Wrote poetic monologues for myself to perform & practice complex character development, i.e;'Sleep Without a Dream(2021).
- Performed on a stage of 200+ people for a Christmas Carol Show with Toronto Cabaret Productions(2019).
- Graduated with a Diploma in Acting for Film and T.V. in 2018 and almost immediately got cast in TV shows, e.g; Twisted Roses.
- In 2016, I was cast in my first film as a bride by my lecture, at Africa Film & TV Talent Training Institute.
- Maintained a professional style when character acting, to enhance the feel of bringing a fictional character to life.
Lighting Grip
Oddly Dark Productions
Toronto, ON
12.2022 - 12.2023
- Was a Grip on the set of a few short film productions, including the films; Be Good For Goodness Sake, Pebbles and a music video (Imagine).
- Worked as a Production Assistant on commercials with production companies including; Radke Film Group ,where I dealt with lighting and grip gear as well as a set PA.
- Developed my equipment knowledge through attending training at Whites, and networking with co workers like Mike Darby, learning from the experts of the industry.
- Reduced accidents on set and at work by adhering to established safety protocols when handling lighting equipment.
Barista
Starbucks, Barista
Toronto, ON
01.2020 - 10.2020
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace for optimal productivity and safety.
- Promoted a welcoming atmosphere by greeting customers with a friendly demeanor and pleasantly interacted with customers during hectic mornings, putting a smile on their face.
- Wrote positive encouraging messages on the bags of the perfectly crafted drinks, during the Covid-19 lockdown, in a bid to bring light to the customer's day.
Education
Diploma - Film Production
POV 3rd Street Media Program(POV Film)
Toronto, ON11.2019
Advanced Diploma - Acting For Stage And Screen
Africa Film And Talent Training Institute
Nairobi, Kenya11.2018
Skills
- Communication Skills
- Customer Focus
- Leadership and Mentorship
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Team Supervision and motivation
- People Management
- Creative Thinking
- Project Planning and Execution
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of 40+ crew members in the development of the 'Big Iron' film, one of whom is an oscar nominated, (SOC) steadi cam operator, Gilles Corbeil.
- Recipient of an Award of Distinction" on my first ever short film to write, 'Sleep Without a Dream', from Canada Shorts Film Festival.
- Awarded Best Director and Best Short film for 'Big Iron' from Western Canadian Film Festival.
- Resiliently managed a huge workload with minimal staff during the challenging times of film strikes and pandemics.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Swahili
Native or Bilingual
Kikuyu
Native or Bilingual
French
Elementary
Affiliations
- IATSE (WFW bargaining committee)
- Oddly Dark Productions(Producer/ Actor)
- ML Talent Agency (Background Actor)
- CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals
- POV 3rd Street Alumni
Certification
- Driver's License
- Certified Forklift Operator, William F Whites/Sunbelt - JUNE 2024 - JUNE 2027.
- Certified Boom Operator, Workplace Law Consulting Inc. - May 2024 - May 2027.
- Certified Scissor Lift Operator, Workplace Law Consulting - May 2024 - May 2027.
- Working at Heights, Worksite Safety Compliance Centre Inc. - Dec 2023 - Dec 2026.
- Motion Picture Safety Awareness, Act Safe Safety Association.
Timeline
Lighting Grip
Oddly Dark Productions
12.2022 - 12.2023
Forklift Operator
William F. White International
06.2021 - 06.2024
Team Lead- Lighting & Grip Department
William F. White International
03.2020 - Current
Barista
Starbucks, Barista
01.2020 - 10.2020
Short Film Director
Self Employed Web
10.2017 - Current
Screenwriter
Self Employed Writer
09.2017 - Current
Actor
Various Films And T.V Shows.
08.2016 - 06.2024
Diploma - Film Production
POV 3rd Street Media Program(POV Film)
Advanced Diploma - Acting For Stage And Screen
Africa Film And Talent Training Institute