Last year, Sony Talent League by THU (STL) took three finalist teams to new heights, as mentors helped these talented creators hone their ideas over 10 action-packed weeks.
But what were the end results? Where did the finalists land? How did the experience change the lives of those who experienced it? We reached out to the finalists to learn about their takeaways and the overall impact STL had on their lives.
Founding a Studio!
A benefit [of STL] was starting up our Indie studio, Naota! (which translates to "dreaming," coz i'm following my dreams, I was being sentimental at the time...). Naota studios is now working to create its first IP - Kawia's Adventure! Now we have a fully fledged studio and are working on gaining partners as we go on, hopefully we'll begin production in January, after the intra-African trade fair which I'm speaking at on innovation and animation! - Lydia Mugure
Embracing New Roles
For me the biggest learning process was getting better at communication and being a creative director for the first time (and listening to all the voices in the team without feeling like I was egotistical). Learning, to a certain extent, is always uncomfortable, but learning is also the most enjoyable process out there for me [...] it almost felt that the continuous failing/learning/getting back up was so amazing that I kept craving for more! - Stephan Rumping
I learned about trust. Trusting myself and the people I’m opening my ideas to, while I learn to lead. Which I’m eager to do more of through Togather! I want to sharpen my vision so I may bring the right people into my projects and touch the projects of others in the future. - Dilruba Tayfun
Overcoming Fears
You'll never know if you don't try, you might be scared to share your work, apathetic because wow life's hard sometimes or just don't want to risk rejection, I get it, it's not a great feeling, but if you take a minute to think about it, it's not that deep/scary/heavy. It's just sharing your work with someone and I bet you my cat you've done that more times than you'll ever admit! - Lydia Mugure
I absolutely had a complete mindset shift on my perception of discomfort during this learning process. Naturally, I tend to avoid difficult situations or procrastinate for as long as I can before having to face anything remotely challenging. But within STL all that had to change”. Things I set out to do as goals within the project had to be accomplished, because time was of the essence and everything we needed was available so there was no room for excuses this time - Tabi Karaba
Self Acceptance
Another major point of growth was allowing my processing times to evolve and not get too upset when it's taking me longer than I would hope to get clear on something. Ideas crystallise under various conditions, it’s good to make space for that kind of happening but not to force it. - Dilruba Tayfun
I grew in confidence like by a lot, I was a perfectionist in a lot of ways, many of which were detrimental, I've learned to share my work good or 'bad', work with others and appreciate my own value as both a person and an artist, I'm no longer as terrified of hearing "no," as I once was and I know for a fact I can build something pretty cool. - Lydia Mugure
For all those we spoke to, STL was a journey of self-discovery, building confidence, knowledge, determination and awareness of just how much is possible when you believe in yourself and your project. There are bound to be curveballs along the way, but in the wise words of behavioral scientist Steve Maraboli: "the bumpy roads of life seem to lead to the best places."
So, If you haven't already, submit your idea by November 14 and get the chance to experience this journey firsthand. Becoming a finalist for the new edition of Sony Talent League by THU is within your reach.
