During the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, Hidden Empire Sports Collective, a segment of Los Angeles' Hidden Empire Film Group, hosted an engaging panel that brought together a diverse group of professionals from sports and entertainment. The event, held at The Box venue at The Ray Theatre in Park City, featured a lineup of prominent figures, including former NFL player and writer Ephraim Salaam, actor Boris Kodjoe, NBA veteran turned actor Trevor Ariza, and top talent agent Bobby Kenner. Co-founders Deon and Roxanne Taylor led the discussion, offering insights into their journeys from humble beginnings to thriving careers in Hollywood. The panel kicked off with Deon Taylor, a filmmaker and one of the co-founders of Hidden Empire Sports, who shared his personal experiences of pitching film ideas at Sundance two decades ago. Taylor reflected on the challenges he faced, explaining how the rejections he encountered fueled his determination to succeed. "We are the product of ‘no,’" he stated. "Being told 'no' so many times made us say yes to ourselves. The gift is that those of us who learned to do it from top to bottom are now in demand." Ephraim Salaam, who had a 12-year NFL career and is now a writer for the popular show ‘Bel-Air,’ discussed how being selected in the seventh round of the 1998 NFL Draft became a defining moment in his life. He used this experience to inspire aspiring filmmakers in the audience. "It was very traumatic that draft weekend," Salaam explained. "The lesson is that all you need is an opportunity. When that moment arrives, what will you do with it?" His story resonated with many in attendance, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities. Trevor Ariza shared a similar narrative of overcoming challenges as he recounted his journey from being drafted in the second round of the 2004 NBA Draft to becoming an established player in the league. Ariza, who played alongside basketball legend Kobe Bryant and won the NBA Finals in 2009, expressed how the feeling of being undervalued motivated him to prove his critics wrong. "I finally got drafted and went to New York to show my skills," said Ariza. "That feeling of being underappreciated allowed me to demonstrate that I’m more than what people think." Roxanne Taylor, who transitioned from a career in computer science to the entertainment industry, detailed her unconventional path to success. Working initially as a receptionist at a temp agency, she eventually found her footing on the set of ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ at the young age of 20. Now a successful producer, her credits include films like 'Fear,' 'Fatale,' and 'Black and Blue.' "You have to be crazy enough to bet on yourself," Roxanne advised. "I faced many challenges, but I persevered." Bobby Kenner, a talent agent with over two decades of experience at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), also shared his beginnings, emphasizing the value of starting at the ground level. "The best place to start is the bottom," Kenner said. "That’s where you build your peer group, which provides strength and longevity in your career. I was blessed to start in the script binding room." Actor Boris Kodjoe, who moved to the United States from Germany at 19, also shared his journey of overcoming language barriers and cultural challenges. He played college tennis at Virginia Commonwealth University and learned English while acting in the show 'Soul Food.' Kodjoe, who has appeared in numerous films and television series, including 'Station 19' and 'Addicted,' expressed optimism about the current state of Hollywood. "This is a great time for collaboration and creativity in our industry," he said. "We can learn from each other and create something meaningful together." Throughout the panel, the atmosphere was both inspiring and supportive, with many participants actively engaging in discussions. Attendees included aspiring filmmakers who took advantage of the Q&A segment to pitch their projects to the panelists. Deon Taylor encouraged these filmmakers to pursue their visions without fear of judgment. "Write your thing, do your thing, say your thing, create your thing," he urged. "Stop worrying about what others think. It’s about what you say about yourself." The panel concluded with a strong message about perseverance and self-belief. The stories shared by each panelist served as a reminder to attendees that success often comes from resilience, hard work, and a willingness to embrace opportunities. The event not only showcased the diverse paths taken by these accomplished individuals but also fostered a sense of community among those aspiring to make their mark in the film industry. As the festival continues, the impact of such discussions will undoubtedly resonate with the future generation of filmmakers and creatives seeking to carve their own paths in entertainment.