Meet KayCee Kelsey

We recently connected with KayCee Kelsey and have shared our conversation below.

KayCee, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

In filmmaking, I often find myself as the only Black woman in the room—sometimes the only woman, sometimes the only Black person. In those moments, I learned that my individuality is my strength. I bring a fresh voice and perspective that no one else can offer. Rather than seeing it as a disadvantage, I use it to my advantage, knowing that my presence alone is a step toward greater representation. Even when it’s uncomfortable, I carry myself with intention, ensuring that voices like mine—voices that are often unheard—are recognized and valued.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a Milwaukee-based filmmaker and the founder of KMK Films, a full-service media production company committed to crafting captivating and inspiring content. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I hold dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Broadcast Communications and Film Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

With a diverse portfolio that spans feature films, series, commercials, music videos, and podcasts, my expertise lies primarily in film production. In 2022, I took a significant step in my film career by writing, producing, editing, directing, and starring in my first scripted web series, Rise to Fall. The series garnered impressive success, amassing 16.3K streaming views within its first month of release. Notably, 100% of the cast and crew for Rise to Fall were new and underrepresented artists and Milwaukee natives, a testament to my commitment to supporting local talent. The success of the series continues to build momentum, with Season 2 set for release in 2025 with an expanded cast and crew, again, all from Milwaukee. In 2024, my short documentary The Kingdom Call was selected for the MKE Short Film Festival, further cementing my position in the Milwaukee film scene. In addition to my independent projects, I have contributed to several successful productions in assistant director, assistant camera roles, as well as being an actor.

I’m incredibly excited about the opportunities ahead, particularly as I prepare for the release of Season 2 of my scripted music drama series, Rise to Fall, set for 2025. It’s been an amazing journey, and I can’t wait to share the next chapter with audiences. In addition, I’m planning to launch a new production this year and am working hard to get it off the ground. I’m fully committed to immersing myself in as many projects as possible and continuing to grind in this ever-evolving industry. The journey is challenging, but I’m eager to keep pushing forward and creating.

But my main mission is clear: to empower local independent artists and create impactful stories that resonate with audiences and our local community. I try to foster a collaborative, open, and inclusive environment on my sets, believing that true creativity thrives when artists work together rather than focus on upward networking. My belief is that everyone has a purpose in life, and my purpose is to inspire others through visual storytelling.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities and skills that have been most impactful are collaboration, storytelling, and resilience. Collaboration and networking are so important. Building strong relationships with others in this industry has been a game-changer. As an independent filmmaker, it can be challenging to ask for help, but you never know who might be willing to assist on a project. I’ve always believed in fostering an open, inclusive environment on my sets, which has allowed for a dynamic exchange of ideas and the creation of authentic, powerful content. For those starting out, I recommend finding like-minded individuals who are passionate about their craft and working together. Don’t be afraid to collaborate, the best work comes from diverse perspectives coming together to create something bigger than any one person could achieve alone.

Resilience is crucial. The ability to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough, has been essential. The film industry is full of challenges, from funding and production hurdles to unpredictable timelines and feedback. It’s so easy to get discouraged, but resilience has allowed me to keep grinding, no matter what obstacles arise. My advice to those early in their journey is to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth. YOU MUST stay persistent and focus on your long-term vision, even when it feels like you’re taking two steps forward and one step back. Just keep going.

Storytelling is at the heart of everything I do. And it’s what keeps me driven is the power of creating meaningful, impactful narratives that resonate with people. Whether it’s through a film, web series, or documentary, being able to convey a story that speaks to an audience is what fuels my passion. It’s incredibly rewarding—seeing something that started as a blueprint on paper come to life on screen is nothing short of amazing! For newcomers, my advice is to explore as many different types of stories as possible. Don’t just focus on the technical aspects—immerse yourself in understanding characters, themes, and the emotional connections you want to evoke. Storytelling is the foundation of filmmaking, and mastering this skill will carry you through any project. The rewards are far greater than you might imagine.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always looking for people to assist on set—whether it’s production assistants, DPs, ACs, set designers, sound, gaffers, grips, or anything in between. When I say my sets are open, I really mean it. I love working with people who are genuinely eager to put in the work and grind, even if you’ve never been on set before. If you’ve always had an interest and want to shadow someone, I’m absolutely open to that. However, I do have one rule, and anyone who’s worked with me can vouch for it: if you come on set, everyone works. So, best believe we’ll find something for you to do!

I’ve given opportunities to people who’ve never touched a boom pole to operate sound, or who’ve never worked with lights to help on lighting. I truly believe that sometimes people just need someone to say yes and give them a chance. If you’re willing to listen, learn, and put in the effort, I see no reason why you can’t give it a try. I am particularly eager to collaborate with ALL production people, especially those who are people of color and from Milwaukee, including actors. I’m also looking to get my hands on more production collaborations, whether it’s as a writer, producer, or assistant director. I can be reached at www.kmkfilms.com.

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Image Credits

kmkfilms

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