Visual Intonation

From a Craigslist Canon to Cinematic Dreams: The Story of B.P.
In this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with B.P., a Pasadena-born cinematographer and founder of BEARVISION Photography & Design. What began with a humble Canon T3i purchased off Craigslist turned into a multi-city journey through the lens—one that has taken him from Indiana arts festivals to feature films and high-profile collaborations with brands like Amazon, HOORAE, and Buzzfeed. B.P. shares how his early days in photography laid the groundwork for a career behind the camera that now spans narrative films, music videos, and branded content.

No Film School, Just Vision
Though he earned a degree in Computer Science, B.P. never saw ones and zeros—he saw frames, ratios, and light. With no formal training in film, he instead learned by doing, building BEARVISION into a platform that champions opportunity, creativity, and truth. His story is proof that passion, grit, and a good eye can take you just as far as a diploma. From being reposted by Saweetie to becoming an Associate Member of the Society of Camera Operators, B.P. recounts the moments that helped him level up—on set, and in life.

A Production Day, The BEARVISION Way
For B.P., a shoot doesn't start when the camera rolls—it starts weeks before with pre-production plans, call sheets, and crew coordination. Whether it's a music video in DTLA or a psychological thriller with an Emmy-winning director, he treats each set like family: honest communication, shared breakfast, and a stretch before action. He opens up about the gear he swears by, including his BPM Quarter filters and trusty production monitor, and why even a Cardellini Clamp deserves more love.

Advice from the Trenches
If you’re a young filmmaker wondering where to begin, B.P. offers this: be opportunistic. Don’t wait for a title or paycheck to prove your worth. He built his calling card on a passion project—Just Friends—that earned nothing upfront but opened every door that followed. Tune in to hear how BEARVISION became more than a brand—it became a movement, a team, and a testament to betting on yourself.

• Website: www.bearvisionpnd.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/bpedwardsdop
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bpedwards/

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

Visual Intonation Podcast – Featuring Taj Devore-Bey 

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with Taj Devore-Bey, a rising Philadelphia-based cinematographer whose lens is shaped as much by trauma as it is by talent. Before he picked up a camera, Devore-Bey was navigating the sharp edges of adolescence in Southwest Philly, where a life-altering home invasion forever redefined his idea of safety. At 16, he witnessed his father survive a near-fatal shooting — a moment that shattered the concept of home and safety, and later echoed through every frame of his visual storytelling. 

Devore-Bey's artistic journey is rooted in dualities: light and shadow, chaos and calm, grit and grace. A former high school football player at Cheltenham and a student of film and media at Mott Community College, he brings the discipline of sport and the depth of scholarship into his work. He has served as Director of Photography and Assistant Editor on Awaken: A Tale of Inner-City Violence, Crime, and Its Impact — a film that mirrors much of what he has lived and seeks to interrogate through his camera. 

His voice is young, but his eye is seasoned. Influenced by visionaries like Spike Lee, Terrence Malick, Ava DuVernay, and the visual mastery of Bradford Young and Chivo Lubezki, Devore-Bey crafts work that refuses to look away. Each shot is an invitation to see — not just what’s there, but what it means. His commitment to empathy and perspective permeates every project, including his collaboration on Pulled Over/Pulled Under, where he worked alongside a powerful creative team addressing racial profiling and systemic injustice. 

Join us for a conversation that moves beyond the lens: into memory, identity, survival, and the enduring question of how art can not only reflect the world, but reshape it. Taj Devore-Bey isn’t just documenting stories: he’s reclaiming them. 

Taj Devore-Bey's Website: https://www.tajdevorebey.com/ 

Taj Devore-Bey's IMDB: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm12091903/ 

Taj Devore-Bey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tajdevorebey/?hl=en 

Taj Devore-Bey's Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/tajdevore 

Taj Devore-Bey's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/tajdevorebey 

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

This episode of Visual Intonation dives into the quiet power and creative pulse behind emerging Nigerian filmmaker Unwana Uteh. With works like Heartbreaks & Ocean Waves and Las Flores de la Vida, Uteh crafts stories that ripple with intimacy and cultural resonance. His films, though understated in scope, speak volumes about emotion, identity, and the layered beauty of everyday life. 

From the bustling heart of Surulere to the vibrant halls of UNILAG, Uteh’s journey is as textured as his storytelling. With roots in institutions like Yaba Tech Secondary and Command Secondary School in Ibadan, his formative years wove together discipline and vision. That grounding becomes clear in how he collaborates: always attentive, always tuned to the emotional frequency of a scene. 

In this conversation, we explore his creative process: how he builds narratives, the role collaboration plays in his work, and how Lagos, with all its chaos and color, breathes into his stories. We touch on the challenges of being an emerging voice in Nollywood and the delicate balance between artistic integrity and audience reach. 

Join us for a lyrical, layered dialogue with Unwana Uteh: where visuals meet voice, and where every frame tells more than just a story. This is not just about film; it’s about how art pulses through the streets of Lagos, finding its way into the hands of a filmmaker who’s just getting started. 

Unwana Uteh's Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/unwanauteh

Unwana Uteh's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uteh_unwana/?hl=en

Unwana Uteh's Twitter: https://x.com/unwanauteh

Unwana Uteh's IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12725375/

Unwana Uteh's LinkedIn: https://ng.linkedin.com/in/unwana-uteh-20808b1a6

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 speak with Kyla Simmons, a distinguished graduate of the University of Texas at Austin’s renowned Radio-Television-Film program. Recognized with Dean’s List honors from the Moody College of Communication, Kyla has consistently demonstrated academic excellence paired with a strong creative vision.

A dedicated multi-hyphenate in the field of media and storytelling, Kyla brings a deep passion for directing, acting, and casting. As the former president of Texas Black Lens, she played a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of Black creatives, curating impactful short films, and fostering inclusive representation in the industry. Her leadership and commitment to advocacy continue to shape her work and inspire her peers.

Kyla’s experience extends beyond traditional film sets. From her time as a Student Associate in UT’s Radio-Television-Film Office to her involvement in international service projects—such as developing a sustainable market garden for children with special needs in Cape Town—she consistently blends creativity with community impact. Her versatility and integrity are reflected in every project she takes on.

Join us as we delve into Kyla Simmons’ journey through the world of film and media. We discuss her leadership, her artistic values, and her ongoing mission to bring meaningful stories to light. It’s a conversation about purpose-driven work, the power of representation, and the importance of creating lasting change in an evolving industry.

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 dive into the world of interdisciplinary artist and filmmaker Anita Safowaa, whose work captivates with its profound exploration of under-documented cultural moments. Anita's multifaceted approach bridges film, audio, immersive experiences, and archival research to create deeply personal yet universal stories. Known for her thought-provoking projects like A Single Bracelet Does Not Jingle and To Those Before Me, her works have resonated with audiences at prestigious platforms like BBC Arts, Channel 4 Random Acts, and Dazed. 

Anita's storytelling is driven by an exploration of memory—both collective and individual—and the ways in which silenced histories can be preserved and reimagined. In our conversation, she shares how her British-Ghanaian heritage shapes her perspective on diasporic identity and how she uses mediums like VR, animation, and reflective writing to offer new ways of engaging with the past. Her commitment to preserving cultural narratives is evident in her ongoing projects, including A Journey to Stillness, a work-in-progress that promises to continue her exploration of migration and belonging. 

Through her role as both a second unit director and a creative producer, Anita brings a unique voice to the intersection of art and storytelling. As we talk about her experiences, she reflects on the role of the artist as a documentarian and the delicate responsibility of representing communities that have often been marginalized or overlooked. Her distinct approach encourages listeners to reconsider the power of memory and the potential for art to act as counter-history. 

Join us as Anita Safowaa guides us through her creative process, discussing her most impactful works, her contributions to the global conversation on migration, and her vision for the future of interdisciplinary art. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the intersections of culture, history, and innovation. 

Anita Safowaa's Website:  https://anitasafowaa.co.uk/ 

Anita Safowaa's IMDB:  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14668627/ 

Anita Safowaa's LinkedIn:  https://uk.linkedin.com/in/anitasafowaa 

Anita Safowaa's Instagram:  

https://www.instagram.com/anitasafowaa/ 

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

Tiara West is a visionary storyteller who blends the grit of experience with the grace of artistry. On Visual Intonation, she opens the door to her world, where self-taught passion meets years of tireless hustle. Born in Baltimore and sharpened in Atlanta, Tiara shares how she transformed her dreams into cinematic moments, beginning with theater training at Arena Players Incorporated and evolving into award-winning filmmaking. This podcast isn’t just about her journey. It’s a deep dive into the art of becoming.

Tiara takes listeners behind the lens. From shadowing sets at Bobbcat Films and working on productions for BET Plus, Bounce TV, and Lifetime, to directing soul-stirring shorts like Sophia, now streaming on Revolt TV, she peels back the curtain on the making of independent cinema. With clarity and heart, she explores everything from directing actors to editing late into the night under the glow of a laptop screen. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s incredibly human.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, a dreamer, or just someone who loves a good story, there’s something here for you.

Visual Intonation is more than a podcast; it’s a creative journal, a masterclass, and a celebration of voice and vision. For anyone chasing bold dreams with bare hands, Tiara West offers not just inspiration, but instruction. Tune in to hear how soul becomes cinema, and why she believes the best stories aren’t just seen—they’re felt.

Tiara West's IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8099455/bio/

Tiara West's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiarawest

Tiara West's Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/tiarawest

Tiara West's Twitter: https://twitter.com/tiara_west

Tiara West's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TiaraWestFilms/videos

Tiara West's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiara-west-50a959149?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

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 Zoë Davidson, a brilliant Director of Photography whose work speaks volumes — even when there’s no dialogue. Based in Toronto, Zoë’s shot films across Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean, and her camera has a way of capturing not just images, but emotion. Her journey is rooted in storytelling, travel, and a deep connection to culture. 

Zoë holds an MFA from Howard University and spent four years teaching digital media before diving full-time into freelance cinematography. She’s worked with heavy hitters like Lionsgate, Terence Nance, and even the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. But what stands out most isn’t just the scale of her work; it’s the heart behind it. Every frame feels intentional, rich, and alive. 

Her films have screened at Sundance, the Trinidad + Tobago Film Festival, and CaribbeanTales, and she’s taken home major awards, including Best Documentary at Emerging Lens in 2024. She’s also part of powerful collectives like Brown Girls Doc Mafia, Women in Media, and the Canadian Society of Cinematographers, always bringing community into focus. 

In this conversation, we talk about how Zoë lights a scene, how she finds truth through the lens, and what it means to tell stories across borders. It’s honest, inspiring, and full of wisdom for anyone drawn to the art of visual storytelling. 

Zoë Davidson's Website: https://zoedavidson.com/

Zoë Davidson's IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10347632/

Zoë Davidson's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zdavidson/

Zoë Davidson's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zo%C3%ABdavidson

Zoë Davidson's SkillShare: https://www.skillshare.com/en/profile/Zo%C3%AB-Davidson/4543525?srsltid=AfmBOopeMfgG_PtnfaqbJOKZgHwCWq8QigYHyew7FXDv76VcxAPdxjzt

Zoë Davidson's Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/zoedavidson

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

When Jordan Hayles was just nine years old, he sat wide-eyed in the studio of The National, mesmerized by the lights, the cameras, and the grand chair behind the anchor’s desk. That early spark turned into a flame in high school, where he discovered the power of editing through mashups and music videos. Years later, he's become one of Canada's most thoughtful editors, with a career that’s spanned lifestyle TV, independent film, and corporate campaigns, including the unforgettable NBA Championship video for the Toronto Raptors that left him in tears at the edit suite. 

In this episode of The Visual Intonation Podcast, we dive into the journey of a post-production powerhouse whose path was paved by hustle, humility, and heart. From his beginnings at Mohawk College to his early days cutting tape, Jordan shares how a passion for storytelling and a relentless belief in his skills guided him through spaces where Black editors are often few and far between. His work at Vice, CBC, MLSE, and on hit series like Next Stop and TallBoyz speaks to a career built not just on talent, but on connection, mentorship, and vision. 

But Jordan's story isn’t just about credits and cuts, it’s about community. He reflects on giving back through volunteer work at the Nia Centre for the Arts, mentoring the next generation of BIPOC creators, and how being “STiXX”—his self-branded identity born from being the skinny kid—became a badge of pride. Jordan doesn't just edit for the screen; he edits with purpose, helping others see a place for themselves in a space that too often overlooks them. 

Tune in as Jordan Hayles brings raw honesty, sharp insight, and infectious inspiration to the mic. Whether he’s talking about crying in an edit suite or getting discovered on a Twitter thread, he reminds us that this industry isn’t just about who you know, it’s about what you show. And Jordan’s been showing us excellence, one frame at a time. 

Jordan Hayles' Website: https://www.jordanhayleseditor.com/

Jordan Hayles' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordan.a.hayles/

Jordan Hayles' BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jahayles.bsky.social

Jordan Hayles' ImDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7391721/

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 Lyandre Pierre, a multifaceted writer, director, and producer based in Los Angeles, hailing from Tennessee. With a rich background in production for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, as well as various independent media projects, Lyandre has carved out a unique space in the entertainment industry. His web series The 6th Degree has garnered critical acclaim, and his diverse portfolio spans comedy, drama, and everything in between. We dive deep into his creative process, exploring how he blends storytelling with the drive to entertain and uplift audiences. 

We also explore Lyandre's recent work as a producer on Merit x Zoe and his role as the creator of the Third Wheel Material series. As a member of the Writers Guild of America, he shares his perspective on the writing process and how his experience in production shapes the way he approaches both big projects and independent ventures. In this candid conversation, Lyandre opens up about the challenges and triumphs that come with building a career in the entertainment world, and the importance of creating work that connects with others. 

Whether you're a budding creator or a long-time fan of Lyandre's work, this episode offers a unique insight into the life of an artist who continuously pushes boundaries while staying true to his passion for storytelling. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, perseverance, and the power of entertainment to bring joy to the world. 

Lyandre Pierre's Website: https://www.lyandrepierre.com/

Lyandre Pierre's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyandre

Lyandre Pierre's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelyandre/

Lyandre Pierre's ImDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8623888/

Lyandre Pierre's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morrowentertainment

Lyandre Pierre's Coverfly: https://writers.coverfly.com/profile/writer-05edaab8e-85038

Lyandre Pierre: https://blcklst.com/profile/lyandre-pierre

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

This is the rhythm of a voice that knows how to tell a story. Anndi Jinelle Liggett didn’t set out to become a filmmaker overnight. She started in the fitting rooms of Banana Republic, sharpened her instincts in the fast-paced world of network television, and ended up at Al Roker’s side—not as a spectator, but as a quiet observer of how media moves. Born in Reston, Virginia, and now rooted in Brooklyn, Anndi’s journey winds through French lectures at Florida State and serendipitous subway rides in New York City. She didn’t knock on Hollywood’s door. She cracked it open with heart, hustle, and a sharp eye for what makes us human.

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we dive into how Anndi’s early storytelling, yes, including a Cat-girl with superpowers, evolved into work that’s both personal and piercing. She shares how characters, not just plot, drive her creative compass, and why the best stories aren’t necessarily the loudest, but the most honest. Her short 'Clementine' flips the rom-com script on its head, while 'Tender Thoughts', backed by Lena Waithe, is already drawing attention from Tribeca to Urbanworld. When Anndi writes, she’s writing with—and for—people who have something to say but maybe haven’t yet said it out loud.

We talk about France. About solitude. About filmmaking and betting on yourself. But more than that, we talk about voice—finding it, using it, and trusting that it matters. Anndi admits that’s still a work in progress. But whether she’s on set or scrolling Chani Nicholas for horoscope wisdom, she’s learning to take up space, ask the question, raise the idea. Not because she knows it all, but because she knows herself.

So pull up a chair. Whether you’re a creator, a dreamer, or just someone who once tried to relax in New York and ended up on a whole new life path, this one’s for you. Anndi Jinelle Liggett reminds us that storytelling isn’t about fame—it’s about feeling. And when it’s done right, it’s unforgettable.

Anndi Jinelle Liggett's Website: https://www.anndijl.com/

Anndi Jinelle Liggett's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seranndipity/

Anndi Jinelle Liggett's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anndijliggett

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