Latest news with #OmarParker
Time Business News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
10 Pressing Questions for Internet Star Omar Parker Ahead of His First Feature Film
With a decade-long career in content creation and digital storytelling, Omar Parker is stepping behind the camera in a new way: directing his first feature film. Best known for his work online blending humor, insight, and cinematic flair Parker is now taking on one of the most ambitious genres imaginable: the historical epic. We caught up with him during a scouting trip in Europe to talk about the journey, the inspiration, and what it takes to make the leap from the internet to the big screen. Not really. I've been doing this in some form since 2015 producing, directing, writing, editing, it's all been part of my daily life for over a decade now. So this isn't a leap of faith; it's more like the next step in something I've been training for, consciously or unconsciously, for years. When you hit that point where you realize you've been preparing for this for a long time, it actually feels like the most natural thing in the world. I've always been a huge fan of history and mythology. It's my favorite rabbit hole to fall into. I was deep in some research about the Phoenicians and stumbled across a Greek myth that featured a Phoenician character. That really pulled me in. I started reading everything I could about that story and realized almost no one I knew had ever heard of it. It's one of those rare tales that's dramatic, wild, cinematic. And just begging for someone to bring it into the spotlight. You can get a preview of the story's world via The Prince, The Sister & The Serpent, which offers a glimpse into Parker's sweeping historical vision. Definitely. Between today's technology, CGI, AI, the insane tools available to creators, along with the years of content production and set-building I've already done, I feel more than equipped. I'm not just doing this because it's 'impressive.' I genuinely love the genre. And I think there's real commercial appeal here, too, which makes it even more exciting to bring to life. It's all of those. Audiences today are super savvy. They don't need a movie to stay in one lane. I'm a big believer in genre blending, and I think the best films don't fit neatly in a box. If I had to compare the tone to something, I'd say The Mummy from 1999 with Brendan Fraser. That movie had everything: suspense, laughs, action, even romance. And audiences loved it. If I can capture even half of that balance, I'll feel like I did my job. I think anyone in the industry has thought about directing at some point. It's such a natural dream. For me, it wasn't always the number one goal, but when a project like this comes together, and you know the vision better than anyone else, it just makes sense to step into that role. Sometimes, the opportunity finds you. Not particularly. This is a stylized film, and most of it is designed to be shot on studio sets. We're agile. The production can move where it needs to. Of course, I'd love to shoot in places like Crete who wouldn't? But nothing's going to stop this train. If we have to adapt, we adapt. That's part of the process. Well, we originally planned to develop Side Quest as a show, but given how unpredictable the world's been lately, we pivoted that concept into our feature. But I was set on getting out there regardless. So I turned this summer into a scouting mission. One big side quest across Europe and the Middle East to get inspired, soak up history, and figure out what the film needs to feel real. So far, I've been to Greece, Italy, the Vatican, France, the UK, Switzerland, Malta, and Egypt. It's been a wild ride. Each place has added something different to my perspective, and I'm definitely not done yet. This has been one of the most creatively fulfilling experiences I've ever had. Probably Greece. It reminds me a lot of my Lebanese family the culture, the warmth, the food, the sun. But Italy is a close second. I could eat Greek and Italian food all day and be perfectly happy. Plus, the beaches, the ancient ruins, the people, there's just so much history and heart in those places. Everyone's been incredibly welcoming, and that's something I'll never forget. Parker has been documenting much of this journey on his official Tumbleweed Instagram, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at his travels and creative process. Honestly? I just want to make something people enjoy. If we can get it on a major streaming platform and audiences have a good time watching it llaughing, gasping, maybe even learning a thing or two then I've done what I set out to do. That's the dream. That's the win. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Exploring the harsh realities of app-based workers in sub-Saharan Africa
App-based transport and delivery workers listen to a report raising concern about their working conditions A groundbreaking report has revealed the harsh realities faced by app-based transport and delivery workers across sub-Saharan Africa, accusing digital platforms of systematically undermining decent work standards. Titled 'Decent Work in the Platform Sector: A Grassroots Report from Sub-Saharan Africa', the study draws on testimonies from workers from Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, and South Africa and exposes precarious working conditions, unfair pay, and a lack of labour protections. The report, which was released at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) earlier this month, is the culmination of various consultations and engagements among unions and platform worker associations affiliated to the International Alliance of App-Based Transport Workers (IAATW) since August 2024. Speaking at the launch of the report, Secretary General of the Western Cape E-Hailing Association, Omar Parker, thanked UWC's Centre for Transformative Regulation of Work (CENTROW) which co-hosted the event to launch the report. Omar said three South African app-based companies had been invited to be part of the discussions ahead of the report's launch. 'As workers in the sector we are seeking alternatives to these multinational app companies which are exploiting us. We invited them here with the express reason to hear from them as well, and for them also to hear what it is that matters most to us - that's the people on the ground,' said Omar. The report, developed through consultations led by the International Alliance of App-Based Transport Workers (IAATW), highlights how companies misclassify drivers as 'independent contractors' despite exerting near-total control over their work through algorithms. Workers reject labels like 'partners' or 'entrepreneurs,' arguing that the platforms' tight management qualifies them as employers under labour laws. CENTROW Director Professor Debbie Collier said next month's International Labour Organisation's conference will cover standard-setting for app-based workers. 'It is important that this is on the international agenda, but we have domestic, regional, and continental processes that we should also be feeding into. My concern is that we don't leave it up to global and international law forums, like the ILO - that we bring it closer to home,' she said. Prof Collier said what was encouraging about this week's meeting at UWC was that it was a reminder that standard-setting was not merely a technical exercise, writing standard, but about fundamentally engaging in social and political processes. 'It is about participation and inclusion in shaping those rules and also an opportunity to reflect on how we can design and implement fairer rules and insist on labour standards in ways that are perhaps more effective than the frameworks that we currently have.' Among the most pressing concerns highlighted in the report are: Poverty Wages: Workers are forced to juggle multiple apps due to meagre earnings, with no living wage guarantee. Hidden costs, high commissions, and vehicle oversupply further squeeze incomes. Sudden Deactivations: Many face abrupt account terminations without explanation or recourse, creating an atmosphere of fear akin to 'forced labour.' Safety Risks: Drivers endure accidents, violence, and stress with little support, while women workers report gender-based violence, wage gaps, and restricted work hours. The report has urged governments and the International Labour Conference (ILC) to: Reclassify app-workers as employees, closing the 'independent contractor' loophole. Establish wage protections, ensuring earnings cover login-to-logout hours and adjust for inflation. Create an independent regulatory body to oversee fair commissions, limit vehicle oversupply, and enforce gender-sensitive policies. Ban unfair deactivations, demanding transparency in algorithms and due process for appeals. Expand health and safety laws to include platform workers, with emergency protocols and insurance. National Convenor of the National E-Hailing Federation of South Africa, Uhuru Lekgowane, said although the taxi industry had promulgated a central industry determination in 2005, drivers are yet to enjoy the fruits of protection against abuse by their employers. The report's findings also expose gaps in enforcing core ILO conventions across the region, including freedom of association (C.87) and protections against forced labour (C.29, C.105). The IAATW warned that without urgent reforms, exploitative practices will worsen, leaving millions of workers trapped in precarious, algorithm-controlled jobs.
Associated Press
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
‘THE PRINCE, THE SISTER, & THE SERPENT' TO FILM IN MEDITERRANEAN IN SUMMER 2026
Egerton Crescent Productions announced this week that principal photography for the highly anticipated fantasy epic The Prince, the Sister, and the Serpent will commence in summer 2026. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Omar Parker, the film reimagines the myth of Cadmus, the legendary Phoenician prince and founder of Thebes. The production will take place across multiple Mediterranean locations, immersing audiences in the breathtaking landscapes of ancient mythology. Parker, who co-founded Egerton Crescent Productions alongside Charles Burt, will helm the film, with Charles Burt, Amy Burt, and Abraham Mejorado serving as producers. The fully financed project is currently in development, with casting and additional production details to be announced in the coming months. 'Cadmus' story is one of adventure, destiny, and love,' said Parker. 'Unlike other Greek heroes who have dominated the big screen, his tale remains largely untold. This film will bring his incredible journey to life with a scale and style that has been rarely seen before.' A Legendary Tale Brought to the Big Screen The Prince, the Sister, and the Serpent follows Cadmus, a prince of Phoenicia, whose sister, Europa, is abducted by Zeus. Determined to bring her home, he embarks on a perilous journey that may be his undoing. His odyssey leads him to slay a formidable dragon, sow its teeth into the earth to summon warriors, and ultimately found the city of Thebes. Along the way, he discovers love with Harmonia, daughter of Ares and Aphrodite, but his fate is marked by both triumph and tragedy. The film will explore Cadmus' role in shaping ancient Greece, including his introduction of the Phoenician alphabet, a pivotal moment in history. With themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the power of mythology, the film aims to captivate modern audiences with a fresh perspective on an ancient legend. About Egerton Crescent Productions Since its inception in 2015, Egerton Crescent Productions has garnered international acclaim for its compelling storytelling and striking visuals. The company's projects have been recognized at prestigious festivals, including Cannes, Sundance, and Sitges. Their short films Damiana and Eden were official selections at Cannes, while their films Ultraviolet and Mud premiered at Sundance. Their critically acclaimed film Luz: The Flower of Evil was featured at Sitges and is currently available for streaming on Peacock. Co-founders Charles Burt and Omar Parker met as undergraduates at Montana State University, bonding over their shared passion for cinema. Their unique approach to storytelling has resulted in a dedicated following, with millions of Instagram followers and an Amazon bestselling poetry collection, Inebriated Haikus. Filming Across the Mediterranean With principal photography set to take place in various Mediterranean locations, the production aims to deliver a beautiful and visually immersive experience. The team is scouting historic ruins, beautiful coastlines, and landscapes evocative of ancient Greece to bring Cadmus' journey to life. 'The Mediterranean provides the perfect backdrop for this epic, and we're excited to create something visually stunning and narratively rich,' said Parker. A New Chapter in Greek Mythology on Film Poised to be a large entry in fantasy cinema, The Prince, the Sister, and the Serpent is set to introduce audiences to a hero whose influence shaped history but has rarely been explored on screen. Combining epic action, sweeping romance, and a deep respect for mythology, the film promises to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience. With production beginning in summer 2026, anticipation is high for this fresh take on an ancient tale. Additional details, including casting announcements and release dates, will be shared as production progresses.
