Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Dorrell.
Hi Kyle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all began in a cubicle, hating my job and wanting to create with my friends. I had a degree in digital media but worked at a call center and couldn’t imagine spending more time not using my gifts accordingly. I borrowed a camera from a friend and bought an old hp laptop from another, and it was off to the races. I had so many people around me that wanted to spend their time creating, so I turned my apartment bedroom into a space to do just that. I set up a makeshift recording studio, which allowed me to network with local artists I would never have had the opportunity to meet. I began shooting music videos as well as writing and directing short films. I worked for a local audio-visual company where I could perfect and hone my filming, directing, and editing craft. While there, I also helped assemble the local Hip-Hop collective Love Culture. While their music career grew and thrived right here in Jacksonville, I was able to build a network and establish myself as a local filmmaker. As time passed, I was able to venture out independently and establish myself as a small business owner.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A smooth road can be subjective; for me, it was more of a long road with plenty more in front of me. There were trials of where the next paycheck was coming from, how we get this done with as little as possible and the questions of when this thing will get off the ground. But I always have prided myself on being a problem solver. I can make just about anything come to fruition with a few tools, some thinking, and a roll of gaffe tape. I look around and sense that it’s taking me longer than some of my peers to arrive where I am, but that doesn’t bother me. I’ve overcome the financial roadblocks that the filmmaking medium presents and the gatekeepers that hold it dear, and I’m right on time for the path I am on.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with what you do?
I’m a filmmaker and a storyteller. Many people know me for music videos, but I’ve spent the last few years pursuing documentary storytelling. Most recently, I won first place in the Jax Next 100 Film Festival for my documentary piece on Ax Handle Saturday. I’m working on a few short films with local filmmakers and plan on entering multiple festivals in 2023.
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
The biggest advice I gave everyone was something I lived by. Never let your tools dictate your passion. Make something, no matter what you have to film with or edit on. We all have a computer in our pocket, and it has access to free software, hit record, take that photo, record that song. With technology moving the way it is, there’s no excuse not to be creating. I shot my first short on a borrowed $99 Nikon Coolpix 8 megapixel point and shoot. Nothing is out of reach.
Contact Info:
- Website: weighedsailor.com
- Instagram: @weighedsailor
Image Credits
Marquiette Dorrell Rakim-ism
