Watch this episode as Mervin discusses with Rita Mbanga, Producer at Sunrise Productions, as she shares her journey as a producer of animated feature films and discusses healthy working environments in this segment of the Creative Monday Discussion Show, Season 5 Episode 8: “People Over Product: The Importance of Investing in Relationships”
Listen to commercial-free audio below:
About Rita Mbanga
Rita has substantial working experience at Sunrise Productions where she has earned the position of a Producer for the past twenty (20) years. Sunrise Productions produces animations, tv shows, feature films, commercials, and documentaries. They are a very well-known company, known for their different starting point being based in Zimbabwe, Africa, and for the diversity offered by the company. The company originally started with stock motion animated feature films before venturing into 3D as technology progressed. Currently, the company is working on 2 major animation films, being: “The Story of David” (biblical) and “Jungle Beat Movie 2”, both of which are highly anticipated to be crowd-pleasers.
In addition, Rita highlights transitioning from a different field of work where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications, Angelo State University, to actually working for an entertainment company, and doing so successfully. She also reveals the lows and highs that the company has faced, adding how they have managed to encounter and overcome adversities. Rita delves into the importance of specialization and knowing how to properly value your employees whilst also bringing them to add value to the company. Also, Rita shares her love for her job as it aids in bringing people together regardless of age gaps, gender, race etc.
Key Points from this Episode/ Take Away
- Mervin and Rita discuss the preview of the Animated Film “The Story of David”.
- Rita shares about her role as the Producer at Sunrise Productions.
- Rita shares her working history and how she has progressed in her professional journey.
- The company’s first stock motion animation is discussed.
- The transition into 3D animated films is discussed.
- The two (2) upcoming feature films are discussed: “The Story of David” (biblical) and “Jungle Beat Movie 2”.
- Rita shares the different sectors Sunrise Productions is involved in, namely animations, tv shows, feature films, commercials, and documentaries.
- The reason behind the company choosing the animation route for films is revealed.
- The importance of bridging the gaps in generational, racial, and cultural barriers is discussed.
- Mervin and Rita discuss why the story of David was selected.
- Views of God are discussed.
- Making the right choices as a company is discussed.
- The history of the company is discussed.
- The trial and error phase during the start-up process is discussed.
- The reality of working in a field you are not qualified to be in is discussed.
- The learning curve in the business sector is explored.
- The significance of having space to learn, and how it can increase productivity is discussed.
- The “blueprint of life” is discussed.
- The concept of having a “heart of a learner” is discussed.
- Rita expands on her lessons learned in earlier years, from both a business and personal perspective.
- The amount of time required to create an animation is shared by Rita.
- The importance of maintaining healthy relationships is highlighted.
- The importance of investing in relationships and getting to know people is discussed.
- Diversity in the workplace is discussed.
- The effect of COVID 19 on business is discussed.
- Rita explains why the company operates as a “huge ecosystem”.
- The importance of remaining motivated is emphasized.
- The process of animated films is discussed.
- The importance of team and vision is stated.
- Belief in God is discussed, along with how God has contributed to the company’s growing success.
- Breaking down company goals into chapters is explained.
- Team dynamics are discussed.
- The importance of communication is highlighted.
- The vision, faith, and compassion of the company are discussed.
- The importance of strong leadership in a company is highlighted.
- The significance of celebrating employee milestones is emphasized – birthdays, work anniversaries, baby showers, etc.
- Team huddles are discussed, and proposed as a method to celebrate one another’s accomplishments and the company’s success.
- “Family Culture” in an organization is discussed.
- The importance of “Strength Finders” for optimal results is discussed.
- Recognizing weaknesses is discussed, along with the importance of determining if the weakness is worth working on, or if one should transition into a different field of work.
- The importance of ensuring that employees feel they are being seen, heard, and loved is discussed.
- Rita shares her appreciation for her current work environment.
- The importance of respecting people and protecting one’s family is emphasized.
- The values and principles implemented in the working environment are shared.
- Rita shares advice to aspiring entrepreneurs who have international and global goals.
- Rita shares more about her personal background.
- Balancing family and home life with the demands of one’s work life is discussed.
- The projections for the David movie are discussed.
- Rita shares the movie’s expected release date along with social media handles.
- Final remarks are shared by Rita.
Monday Night Brain Teasers
- “We are all in transition, this version of ourselves isn’t the complete version” – Mervin Budram.
- “Relationships are everything”– Rita Mbanga.
- “People work with who they like and know”- Rita Mbanga.
- “Staying motivated is believing in your dream and your vision” – Rita Mbanga.
- “Communicate soon and often”- Rita Mbanga.
- “We celebrate each other’s victories and milestones” – Rita Mbanga.
- “Communicating well and often” – Rita Mbanga.
- “Celebrating milestones, small and big” – Rita Mbanga.
- “People are the most important. It’s people over product. It’s to invest everything in people” – Rita Mbanga.
- “Who can tell us not to go for it?” – Rita Mbanga.
