Meet Kasey L. Martin | Filmmaker & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kasey L. Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kasey L., how do you think about risk?
I see risk as a part of the life process. There is always some level of uncertainty with anything that we do, and we often run the risk of failing or experiencing loss. The great thing about life is that change is constant, so loss or failure will never be consistent. If you have the right mindset and attitude, and you view failure as an opportunity for growth, then you’re one step closer to being your best self. I often take risks, and I’m always up for any challenge that will move me toward positive growth. I am constantly evolving.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a visionary artist and storyteller utilizing my multidisciplinary practice to delve into the complexities of identity, culture, and belonging. I primarily work in film and photography, operating in both the documentary and narrative space. Through my work, I strive to center the diverse voices of people around the world and to tell stories that inspire connection, understanding, and unity. I believe that authenticity is essential for a meaningful life, and I produce work that centers on healing, self-love, and empowers individuals to reach their greatest potential.

I was born and, mostly raised in Hampton, VA. Growing up as an only child, I enjoyed watching films, writing, and drawing. My journey into photography began unexpectedly at the age of 14 when my Aunt Beverly noticed my knack for capturing photos with my first cell phone. For my 15th birthday, my mom gifted me a digital camera, which mostly collected dust but I did start taking it to school my senior year of high school.

Looking back at those old photos, I realized my approach to photography is still the same: a bit of portraiture, and a bit of a fly-on-the-wall approach. However, I didn’t initially see art as a viable career path due to lack of exposure. I explored different majors in undergrad: biology, business, and finally communication studies. It was in classes like visual communication, philosophy, and sociology where I discovered my deep-seated interest in human behavior and storytelling.

Even with these insights, I was still unsure of my professional trajectory until a pivotal moment while working as a Program Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters. This was around the time I started to pay attention to my dreams, realizing that many unfolded like films, without me even being in them. I started documenting them which led to me writing my first script. I definitely over gassed myself and hyped that terrible script up but it was the reason I applied to film school, and I only applied to one school… in London.

When I got accepted, my Program Director, Michelle Rovira heard the news and offered me an opportunity to collaborate on a short film she was working on. With makeshift gear and unwavering determination, I embraced every aspect of this opportunity, from shooting to editing, and taught myself everything I needed to know in order to get it done (I even built a camera rig out of PVC pipe). It was on set that I experienced a sense of belonging, and I’ve been on this journey ever since.

After completing film school, I moved to NYC, where I further developed my filmmaking skills and photography skills. There were lots of opportunities to collaborate with hungry individuals and I kept busy until the pandemic hit. During this time I focused primarily on editing. I applied to the Handy Foundation’s Assistant Editor Training Program. Initially,I didn’t get accepted but a couple days later they contacted me and said they were piloting a Story Producer Program that they thought I would be a great fit for. I accepted but also asked if I could do the Assistant Editor program simultaneously. They said if I thought I could handle it then sure. I did both exceptionally well. Eventually, I landed an opportunity to be an apprentice editor on the STARZ show Powerbook II: Ghost Season 2. During my downtime I read through scripts of the episodes. It was then I realized I was more than just an editor and decided to pursue writing and directing. I dedicated the couple of few years to honing in on my craft as a writer and figuring out my voice as an artist.

As a Black Queer woman, I’ve really come to understand the power and importance of my voice. Growing up, I didn’t see people who looked like me or had experiences like mine represented on screen. It’s hard to put into words how isolating and othering that can feel, you know? It definitely takes a toll on your sense of self and where you fit in the world. But that’s exactly why I’m so passionate about telling stories that matter, stories that resonate with marginalized communities like mine. I’m all about centering the voices of people from all walks of life and sharing stories that bring us together, that help us understand each other better. For me, authenticity is everything. I believe that’s the key to making a real impact with storytelling. That’s why my work focuses on themes of healing, self-love, and empowering individuals to embrace their true selves. I’m currently gearing up to bring all of my projects to life, knowing that my voice matters and our stories deserve to be heard. And not just heard, but told by US.

The lack of funding and resources to support my work is a challenge. I used to let it hinder me but not anymore. I’m committed to pushing forward, even if it means taking on every role in production until funding arrives. I’m confident in my direction, knowing that support and resources will come in due time.

It hasn’t been a smooth road, but life isn’t designed to be that way. There are always ups and downs. That’s why it’s so important to cherish those ups and not get too comfortable, because with every high, there comes a low. And I’m grateful for all of it. I’ve experienced a great deal of loss and pain in my life, but I choose not to dwell on that, because I’ve had some incredibly joyous moments as well. Every experience has shaped me into the beautiful being that I am today and has given me great wisdom that I can pass onto others through my art. Staying creative also helps me to heal. Connecting with others through my art helps me to heal.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting the area, I would take them to Frequency Fridays at the High Museum, a Beats and Ballads event (if one is happening while they’re here), Cochran Mill Park for a hike, Nourish + Bloom Market for a cool grocery shopping experience, Wadada Healthy Market & Juice Bar for the vibes and vegan food, Lost-n-Found Youth Thrift Store, a Blaqueer Art Market event (if it’s happening while they’re here), Little Fives, and Cultivate Food + Coffee for brunch. Revolution Donuts, The Plaza theatre… I could go on forever! There’s so much to do here! But definitely lots of eating and hiking.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Sharika “Bleu” Valerio. She is an awesome all around talent: a licensed therapist, pole dancer and instructor, yoga instructor, doula, and an intimacy coordinator in training. She really shows up for the community.

Website: https://www.kaseylmartin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaseylmartin/

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/kasey-martin-36675b37