Nigerian filmmaker Teniola Zara King recently shared an inspiring story about how a bold email led her to shadow-direct the 2023 Netflix hit action thriller Who Is Erin Carter?. Speaking on the Living Boldlypodcast, the London Film School alumna recounted how she took a leap of faith and contacted an Emmy-winning executive producer through a guessed email.
I’m talking about an Emmy award winner, and I had to guess the email
Teniola said.
I told him I wanted to direct one of his shows, which is one of the biggest in the world. He responded and explained I’d need more episodes to my name to direct, but then he looped in two of his producers. A few months later, I was in Barcelona shadow-directing Who Is Erin Carter?—all from an email.
She encouraged listeners to embrace boldness, saying, “Go for what you want. Be bold about it. I challenge you to live boldly.”
Who Is Erin Carter? is a seven-part action crime series featuring direction by Ashley Way, Savina Dellicour, and Bill Eagles. King’s shadow-directing opportunity on the show marks a significant milestone in her career.
Teniola’s journey in film and TV began as a Production Assistant on Highlites With IK. Her dedication quickly earned her a promotion to Line Producer and, within a year, Series Producer for M-Net’s TV drama Head Over Heels.
Teniola’s bold initiative exemplifies the power of taking risks and believing in one’s dreams. Fans of her work are eager to see what she accomplishes next.
