Life & Work with Blake Kinsey of Durham, NC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Blake Kinsey

Hi Blake, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I got started in filmmaking at a very early age, making little movies with my three brothers – I caught the bug for the medium and have been chasing the gratification that comes with being in the process ever since.

Eventually, that passion took me to Western Carolina University, where I earned my BFA in Film & Television Production, and made a tremendous amount of indie films along the way (despite the pandemic).

Post-grad, I landed in Durham, NC, where I got started in the world of film & video production. I started a small-time production company, worked on lots of sets and spent time simply trying to network & meet people. One thing I eventually realized was that there are a tremendous amount of filmmakers & film curious folks in the greater Triangle area. But, everyone plugged into the scene often stays within their own production circles. Upon this realization, the idea for a film collective was born.

Eventually, as I let this idea fester, I met Austin Pigza, the co-founder & a great friend of mine on a spec-commercial shoot. We were both there to be extras, and ended up chatting most of the time. When I learned that he had a similar idea for a film collective, the rest was history.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Any logistical hurdle we have faced with beginning the New Carolinas Film Collective has primarily been solved by the pure kindness of the filmmaking community. For instance, the need for a gathering space was filled by our great friends over at Shadowbox Studio, Jim Haverkamp & Alex Maness. Extra shout out to Brent Jones, who has aided our efforts in so many ways.

I’d say the hardest piece has been navigating how to create safe & productive space for all filmmakers. This is a world/industry where it’s easy to run into big egos, which is something strictly not tolerated within the organization. While we strive to be an outlet & stepping stone for all filmmakers, at whatever stage of their journey, it has been a challenge to make sure all participating members feel seen and appreciated.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I call myself a filmmaker but I’ve always felt more like a storyteller. I’d probably get similar satisfaction from writing a book. Regardless, I have always tried to make films & tell stories that empathize & connect with everyday people. I enjoy creating work that provokes thought, spurs emotion, and leaves an audience chatting about the story afterwards. I don’t like to box myself into one specific genre, but I try to keep a genuine undertone of humanity in every project. I find that creating films that have a strong sense of theme & a clear understanding of the emotional reaction hoped for is a recipe for genuine, thoughtful finished products.

Each project that I eventually bring to life always has a reason – usually something I want to speak towards. The themes I’ve explored have ranged all the way from the anxiety of making cold phone calls, to unprocessed grief & male friendship. Whether it’s a comedy, a heart-wrenching drama, or a slasher-thriller I think there is always an opportunity to touch an audience in deep, complex ways.

At this time I am most proud of a short film shot late last summer, Maintenance. The story follows two landscaping co-workers, as they lean on their unspoken friendship while both navigating rough seasons in their personal lives. It is a piece of work that was inspired & based upon real people I worked with and spent a tremendous amount of time getting to know. It leans on emotional honesty and environment to draw the audience in, despite its quietness. And best of all, it was brought to fruition in large part because of the help found in the growing filmmaking community in the Triangle area.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Oh, gosh. Yes – I learned that filmmaking is tremendously hard in a global pandemic. Haha.

But really, my biggest takeaway has been that we as humans have such a strong need for community. When the crisis hit a few years ago, we lost that piece of our humanity. Now that things are (relatively) normal, it’s been such a joy to be an active part of growing a community, specifically for creative people. I think artists need community more than ever, especially those participating in a collaborative medium.

Contact Info:

• • Website: https://back-porch-films.com and linktr.ee/ncfilmco
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blake.kinsey/ and https://www.instagram.com/ncfilmco/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ncfilmco
  • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@blakekinseyfilms/featured and https://www.youtube.com/@ncfilmco