Bolema earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in literature and film from Oakland University in Detroit. He moved to Hollywood in 1975.  He read scripts for Warner Brothers, and worked at American International Pictures in Publicity/Advertising, then as a scenic artist on numerous productions including Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” the sitcom “Married with Children,” and “The American Music Awards.” He was lead singer and guitar player with The Butchers, a socio-political rap and rock group. He wrote the theme song for the homeless documentary "Justiceville" featuring Ice T on vocals. Bolema taught high school students, then inmates at Lancaster prison in Los Angeles County.  He sponsored many inmate activity groups involving art, music and literacy, and pioneered the Television-Aided Instruction Program. The educational programs he produced were featured on closed circuit institutional channels. He also filmed training videos for the correctional officers. It was this work, and a background in Hollywood productions, that paved the way for his transfer to San Quentin in 2006 to supervise Distance Learning and coordinate college programs.      Bolema also volunteered regularly with San Quentin Television and the San Quentin News, providing production and editorial support.     Bolema produced an out-of-pocket feature movie “Bird Dog — A Canine Flight Fantasy” and has more writer/director projects in development, including one about the San Quentin News.