Visual Intonation

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with writer-director Kennard Blackwell, a DC-based filmmaker whose work glides between narrative, commercial, and music video. His films are shaped by contrast, beauty, and the unflinching search for emotional truth. Whether crafting campaigns for nonprofits or framing fashion on film, Kennard brings a sharp eye and a quiet confidence to every project he touches. 

From his years as Creative Director at 522 Productions to his freelance directing across eight years, Kennard has led crews, pitched bold ideas, and built visuals that resonate. His approach is hands-on and deeply intentional. He doesn’t just make images. He builds stories that live in the tension between hope and hardship, polish and grit. 

Before the commercial world, there was the church stage. Kennard’s journey began with media work for youth ministries, where he designed graphics, taught students, and directed weekly productions with over 30 actors and crew. The constraints were tight but the creativity was wide open. It was there that he learned how to lead, how to light a set, how to shape a feeling. 

Join us as we explore Kennard’s evolution from Sunday school stage to cinematic storytelling. Hear how collaboration fuels his process, why authenticity matters more than perfection, and what it takes to direct with heart in an industry driven by image. This is a conversation about vision, voice, and the long road between the two. 

Kennard Blackwell (@k_black) • Instagram photos and videos 

Kennard Blackwell - Freelance Film Director/Writer & Editor | LinkedIn 

Kennard Blackwell - Director, Editor & Screenwriter - Vimeo 

kennard blackwell 

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Visual Intonation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualintonation/

Vante Gregory's Website: vantegregory.com
Vante Gregory's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantegregory/

To support me on Patreon (thank you): patreon.com/visualintonations

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@visualintonation

Rohan Blair-Mangat brings a sharp, painter’s eye to filmmaking, shaped by his roots in Jamaica, India, and London. With a degree in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins, his work vibrates with bold visuals and layered storytelling. This episode of Visual Intonation dives into the early influences that shaped his creative voice and the moments that first sparked his passion behind the lens.

From award-winning music videos to global commercial campaigns, Rohan’s portfolio reads like a cultural mixtape. He has collaborated with icons including JAY-Z, Lionel Messi, Maya Rudolph and Nas, crafting visual narratives that are as emotionally rich as they are technically masterful. We explore what it takes to bring out the human core in star-driven projects, and how Rohan balances art with scale.

We also dig into the stories behind his standout works—like the haunting short film “Bam,” video with Jay-Z, and the cinematic journey of “Nasir – The Film.” Rohan shares how each project challenged him differently, and why music continues to be a powerful entry point into larger cultural conversations.

Now based in Los Angeles, Rohan is developing original film and television projects with the same precision and perspective that define his short-form work. Join us as we talk vision, identity and the rhythm that drives a director at the intersection of art and impact.

Rohan Blair-Mangat's Website: https://rohanbm.com/

Rohan Blair-Mangat's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rohanbm/?hl=en

Rohan Blair-Mangat's IMDB: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm3337828/

Support the show

Visual Intonation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualintonation/

Vante Gregory's Website: vantegregory.com
Vante Gregory's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantegregory/

To support me on Patreon (thank you): patreon.com/visualintonations

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@visualintonation

Kabelo Thathe didn’t set out to become a cinematographer. Raised in South Africa, he felt the pressure so many young creatives do—to pursue a "real" career. But behind closed doors, his walls were a riot of movie posters and cinematic dreams. A high school year in Minnesota cracked the world open for him. When he returned home, he knew he had a calling: to tell stories with light, movement, and meaning. 

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with Kabelo to trace the journey from Canon 5D experiments to global film sets. He shares how a commercial gig with Mzi Kumalo gave him his first taste of the industry and how film school at AFDA sharpened his eye and his discipline. From reality shows to critically acclaimed features, Kabelo’s path is one of patience, passion, and purpose. 

His work on 'Vaya' showed the world his eye for classic visual storytelling—honest frames and natural light that serve the scene rather than steal it. That signature style has taken him all the way to 'Rise,' his Disney Plus collaboration with longtime creative partner Akin Omotoso. For Kabelo, it's not just about the shot. It's about the story and the trust between the director and DP that brings it to life. 

Whether he’s running on set or photographing with friends, Kabelo Thathe brings a quiet intensity to everything he does. He may have once dreamed of being a marine biologist, but the pull of film was stronger. Today, he’s the one making the posters—the ones that end up on someone else’s wall, sparking the next generation of visual storytellers. 

Kabelo Thathe's IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7984838/

Kabelo Thathe's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kabelo_t/?hl=en

Kabelo Thathe's Twitter: https://x.com/kabelo_t

Support the show

Visual Intonation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualintonation/

Vante Gregory's Website: vantegregory.com
Vante Gregory's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantegregory/

To support me on Patreon (thank you): patreon.com/visualintonations

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@visualintonation

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with cinematographer Allysa Lisbon, a compelling visual storyteller whose work is grounded in both intellectual rigor and emotional depth. Based in Los Angeles and originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Allysa holds degrees from Georgetown University and the American Film Institute, where she earned her MFA in cinematography. Her visual language is thoughtful and precise, shaped by a commitment to telling nuanced stories across film, media, and commercial spaces.

Allysa’s work explores themes of heritage, memory, diaspora, and gender/sexuality, often through a lens that prioritizes empathy and complexity. Her films have been featured at Imagine This Women’s Film Festival and Marina del Rey Film Festival and have received accolades from the Telly Awards and the Webby Awards. Her projects have also appeared in The Washington Post and at the Smithsonian Institution, underscoring a career that is both critically recognized and culturally resonant.

In our conversation, Allysa discusses her journey as a cinematographer and founder of Saturn Studios, a forward-thinking production collective dedicated to building a more inclusive and collaborative media landscape. She reflects on the responsibilities of representation behind the camera, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and how visual storytelling can act as both documentation and resistance.

Join us for a thoughtful dialogue on the power of image-making, where Allysa Lisbon shares her approach to crafting stories that are visually rich and emotionally grounded. This episode is a tribute to the craft of cinematography as a language—one that speaks across time, identity, and experience.

 Allysa Lisbon's Website: http://allysalisbon.com/

 Allysa Lisbon's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allysagram/?hl=en

 Allysa Lisbon's IMDB: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm13878452/

 Allysa Lisbon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysa-lisbon-5a5a25163

Support the show

Visual Intonation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualintonation/

Vante Gregory's Website: vantegregory.com
Vante Gregory's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantegregory/

To support me on Patreon (thank you): patreon.com/visualintonations

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@visualintonation

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with filmmaker Abdul Kassamali, a Seattle-based director and producer whose path into film was anything but traditional. Born in the U.S. and raised in Kenya, Abdul originally trained as an electrical engineer before making a bold leap into filmmaking during the pandemic. Since then, he’s built a career rooted in intentional storytelling and high-stakes production, collaborating with major clients like REI, HOKA, and The North Face. His work spans branded documentaries, music videos, and commercial campaigns, all driven by a deep connection to story and community. 

Abdul shares what it means to navigate two cultural identities and how that experience has shaped the lens through which he sees the world. From producing high-profile projects to telling personal, human stories, Abdul brings nuance to every frame. He discusses his philosophy on directing, the pressure and pace of the music video world, and his approach to capturing authenticity even when time is tight and the stakes are high. His collaboration with artists like Yo-Yo Ma and production studios like Wondercamp have helped define his voice as a visual storyteller. 

We also explore Abdul’s dedication to inclusive filmmaking. Reflecting on early experiences where he was often the only person of color on set, Abdul now builds crews with intention, creating welcoming, well-oiled environments that reflect the world we live in. He breaks down the difference between diversity and tokenism, and how he brings care and clarity to both representation and execution in his projects. It’s not just about who’s holding the camera—it’s about who gets to shape the story. 

From The Right to Joy to REI’s Cadence and work under his HRVSTHOUSE banner, Abdul is a creator who brings engineering precision to creative production. Tune in for a conversation that spans continents, disciplines, and genres—an inside look at how one artist turns vision into momentum and story into connection. 

Abdul Kassamali's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdul-kassamali

Abdul Kassamali's Website: https://www.abdulkassamali.com/

Abdul Kassamali's Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/abdulkassamali

Abdul Kassamali's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abdulkassamali

Support the show

Visual Intonation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualintonation/

Vante Gregory's Website: vantegregory.com
Vante Gregory's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantegregory/

To support me on Patreon (thank you): patreon.com/visualintonations

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@visualintonation

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with director and cultural provocateur Giselle Bailey, a Jamaican-American filmmaker whose boundary-pushing work blends documentary, narrative, and contemporary art. Giselle’s artistry isn’t just about creating films—it’s about sparking cultural transformation. Her lens explores the power of Black imagination, reshaping narratives and championing revolutionary perspectives. From directing the HBO documentary The Legend of the Underground to her ongoing project Seen & Heard—an in-depth exploration of Black creatives in television, executive produced by Issa Rae—Giselle is on the front lines of reshaping how Black stories are told on screen. 

Giselle’s portfolio of impactful works includes the Hulu docuseries Hair Tales and Ladies First, as well as her co-creation of the video installation Shadow Work. She uses her craft to disturb dominant histories and elevate the complexity of Black life, continuously challenging mainstream norms and dismantling binaries. Through her work, she seeks to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, creating space for nuanced, authentic depictions of Black identity and culture. The conversation dives into the unique ways she disrupts pop culture with visual storytelling that both engages and challenges. 

In this episode, we explore the heart of Giselle’s artistic mission—one rooted in cultural liberation. Reflecting on her own experiences as a Jamaican immigrant raised across multiple nations, she shares how her family's leadership in the Jamaican Rastafari movement shaped her view on revolution and cultural transformation. Through her lens, she pushes for a world where the Black diaspora can express their stories freely, without restriction. For Giselle, revolution is not just a theme in her work—it’s a guiding principle. 

As the conversation unfolds, Giselle also delves into what still needs to change for Black representation in television. From fighting for creative ownership to cultivating equitable spaces for financing, Giselle underscores the importance of Black creators not just participating in the industry, but owning and shaping it. Tune in to this inspiring and thought-provoking discussion, where art meets activism, and where every story told is another step toward cultural liberation. 

Giselle Bailey's Website: http://gisellebailey.com/

Giselle Bailey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giselle.bailey/?hl=en

Giselle Bailey's IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4054614/

Support the show

Visual Intonation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualintonation/

Vante Gregory's Website: vantegregory.com
Vante Gregory's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantegregory/

To support me on Patreon (thank you): patreon.com/visualintonations

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@visualintonation

Jabari Canada brings an architect’s eye and a documentarian’s heart to the Visual Intonation Podcast. Studying at MIT by day and telling human stories through a lens by night, Canada traces his path from interning for Congressman Elijah Cummings to filming JPEGMAFIA for MoMA PS1. His work spans political campaigns, Les Blank, experimental art, and commercial sets, but always returns to one core principle: people over policy, and the stories they carry.

In this conversation, Canada talks about burning out in the commercial industry, reigniting his creative drive on the campaign trail, and the intimacy that cinematography makes possible. You’ll hear how Canada moves between shooting for Nike and filming in America’s most polluted zip code without losing his grounding or his voice. For Canada, the medium isn't the message—it’s the bridge.

Social media plays both tool and obstacle in his work. Canada reflects on how algorithms silence the voices of those most affected by injustice and how, as a filmmaker, he codes his visuals to bypass digital gatekeepers. In a world where rage and virality often win, he chooses intention, care, and community. This episode digs into how digital platforms shape political reality, and how we might reclaim that narrative frame by frame.

From riding a lift with Cai Guo-Qiang in a Frank Gehry–renovated barn to filming grassroots voters in Flint, Michigan, Canada’s practice is shaped by proximity and trust. Whether teaching at MIT, DP'ing a queer skateboarding documentary, or simply sitting with someone long enough for them to feel seen, Canada doesn’t just record life. He lives in it—and brings us closer to the truth along the way.

Jabari Canada's Website: https://www.jabaricanada.com

Jabari Canada's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jabari.mov

Support the show

Visual Intonation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualintonation/

Vante Gregory's Website: vantegregory.com
Vante Gregory's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantegregory/

To support me on Patreon (thank you): patreon.com/visualintonations

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@visualintonation

On this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with Jamaican-American filmmaker Justice Silvera, a director whose eye is as grounded in real life as it is pulled toward the surreal. Raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Justice has forged a voice that is uniquely his own, shaped by experience, heritage, and a gift for weaving dreamlike tension into everyday moments. 

Justice’s work has lit up screens in videos for artists like Polo G, Mustard, and 808 Mafia. But behind the lens is a man who once chased touchdowns before chasing frames, a storyteller who traded cleats for cameras and found power in narrative motion. He grew up the son of filmmaker Cess Silvera, absorbing cinema not just as art but as language. 

We talk about the rhythm of his visuals, the quiet pulse that gives his scenes their weight, and the influence of growing up in South Florida. He opens up about collaboration, especially with Miami cinematographer Sam Brave, whose eye helps bring their shared visions into sharp, emotional focus. 

If you love film that feels like a dream but hits like real life, if you're curious how place, heritage, and hustle come together to shape an artist's voice, then this conversation is for you. Justice Silvera brings intention to every frame, and this episode brings you into the mind behind the lens. 

https://www.instagram.com/justicesilvera/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12984909/

https://luckybastardsinc.com/project/justice-silvera/

https://x.com/justicesilvera

Support the show

Visual Intonation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualintonation/

Vante Gregory's Website: vantegregory.com
Vante Gregory's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantegregory/

To support me on Patreon (thank you): patreon.com/visualintonations

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@visualintonation

Alex Ashe’s story doesn’t begin behind a camera. It begins with a battered lighting technician’s manual clutched between takes, with sweat on his brow and questions on his tongue. From long nights rigging lights to quiet hours studying lenses, Ashe’s climb through the grip and electric department shaped the sensibility he brings to the frame today. Now a cinematographer and director, his images carry that hard-earned precision and a belief that light is never neutral. 

In this episode, Ashe discusses the layered politics of light and shadow, from his work on Nosferasta, an anti-colonial Rastafarian vampire epic, to The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire, shot almost entirely on 16mm in the relentless Florida sun. His collaborations with artists like Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich and Ira Sachs open a conversation about the deep trust between director and DP, where every decision—from pulling the exposure to choosing glass—is both a technical and philosophical one. 

But this is also the story of a filmmaker who questions images even as he makes them. Ashe grew up in the age of Netflix DVDs and arrived at cinema through theory, through The Battle of Algiers, through late-night rewinds. His education in Modern Culture and Media and Africana Studies taught him to interrogate the frame—and that mindset infuses all his work, whether shooting the surreal aftermath of a police shooting or chasing natural light in a cramped apartment. 

Visual Intonation is a show about how we see, and in this conversation, Ashe shows us how cinema can still be both a document and a dream. We talk risk, reverence, and the beauty of shooting on film. No gimmicks. 

Just a love for the image and the meaning inside it. 

Alex Ashe’s Website: https://alexmashe.com/

Alex Ashe’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5737742/

Alex Ashe’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexmashe/?hl=en

Support the show

Visual Intonation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualintonation/

Vante Gregory's Website: vantegregory.com
Vante Gregory's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantegregory/

To support me on Patreon (thank you): patreon.com/visualintonations

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@visualintonation

Welcome to the Visual Intonation Podcast, where storytelling meets the art of visual expression. In this episode, we sit down with the talented filmmaker Fisayo Olajide, also known as Fiz, whose award-winning documentaries capture the profound impact of human stories. From her roots in London to her Nigerian heritage, Fiz’s perspective as a Black female filmmaker has shaped her career and led her to amplify voices often overlooked. Her work continues to break boundaries, whether through branded films for global companies like Google and Burberry, or through the powerful lens of her documentary work, which has earned her accolades at prestigious film festivals like SXSW and the New York Film Festival.

Fiz’s latest project is an ambitious and heartfelt endeavor—Underground Railroad Ride, a feature-length documentary that follows five young Black and brown cyclists on a powerful journey, attempting to ride a route inspired by the Underground Railroad. This raw, intimate film explores not just the history of the Underground Railroad, but the strength, solidarity, and resilience of a new generation of storytellers. It’s a project deeply personal to Fiz, reflecting her drive to connect people through stories that transcend cultural boundaries.

Throughout her career, Fiz has become known for her passionate and empathetic approach to filmmaking. Her work blends documentary filmmaking with immersive storytelling, creating experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. With a unique blend of curiosity and compassion, she delves into topics that connect individuals to the heart of the human experience, showing that storytelling isn’t just about capturing moments—it’s about elevating voices and fostering connection in a fragmented world.

In this episode, Fiz opens up about her journey, her challenges, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. She discusses her work mentoring the next generation of filmmakers, sharing how important it is to invest in oneself and to embrace vulnerability in the creative process. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, resilience, and the power of storytelling in creating lasting change.

Fisayo Olajide's Website: https://www.fizolajide.com/

Fisayo Olajide's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fizzleandgems/

Support the show

Visual Intonation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualintonation/

Vante Gregory's Website: vantegregory.com
Vante Gregory's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantegregory/

To support me on Patreon (thank you): patreon.com/visualintonations

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@visualintonation