Director Report: Spike Lee
Introducing the KBJ (Kevin Brown Joint)!
For my Basic Directing project, I decided to explore the world of a legendary filmmaker, the one and only Spike Lee.
This video essay traces Lee's journey from his early student films to his Oscar-winning blockbusters. Through carefully selected clips from iconic works like She’s Gotta Have It, Do the Right Thing, and BlacKkKlansman, I set out to capture the evolution of his craft and the powerful mark he's left on cinema.
Hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed creating it!
Visual/Sound Projects!
Zoom Call Gone Wrong
I tackled a fun and offbeat concept for this project inspired by a scene from the 1988 classic, Big.
Ever been afraid to share a secret? Now imagine that secret is... you’re a 12-year-old boy trapped in a 30-year-old body.
While I may not have Tom Hanks’ star power, I reimagined the scene using a modern lens, diving into the awkwardness with humor and a Zoom twist.
Let’s just say Susan had a night, and she might be rethinking her virtual date habits from here on out.
How To with Kevin Brown
Drawing inspiration from Michael Moore’s Roger & Me, Elizabeth Lo’s Stray, and the unique voice of HBO’s How to with John Wilson, I crafted a short piece narrated by yours truly.
Using real footage of real people and borrowing stylistic cues from these incredible filmmakers, I explored how editing and narration shape tone, emotion, and meaning.
This project let me experiment with documentary techniques in a way that was both personal and playful, balancing sincerity with a touch of absurdity.
Buzz
Written/Directed/Edited by Kevin Brown
In a class where every student had to write, produce, direct, and edit their own short film, I chose to make Buzz!
With a small but mighty crew of four (myself included), we brought this fun and messy story to life.
Had an absolute blast creating it, enjoy!
Paper Bag
For my Basic Cinematography class, I put together a lighthearted visual story set to Fiona Apple’s Paper Bag. With jump cuts, playful editing, and a bit of absurd charm, I followed a young man on a quirky little quest.
Some might find deeper meaning in it…but honestly? I just had a blast making it. Sometimes it’s all about having fun with the process, and this one definitely delivered.
Podcast Gone Wrong
Creating a spoof podcast around the idea that “the show must go on” was an absolute blast. We got to let loose, have fun with the chaos, and even recorded our own sound effects to bring the story to life.
The result? A playful, light-hearted take on what happens when everything goes sideways… but the show still has to roll on.