Today we’d like to introduce you to KENXL English.
KENXL, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I worked for student publications back in college as a magazine editor. The magazine loss its funding but we still needed to provide content for students so I picked up the camera and began to film students events. I would then learn how to edit videos because I was only allowed :30-:45 seconds for a each video made available online to students. For example, if I filmed the entire college homecoming week I had cut and merge the clips to make a :45 video for students to watch. This became very popular in college as people wanted to see themselves live in action. I apply this very same strategy today when I film/edit music videos. I film as much as possible, then use the most appealing video clips to help promote the song being performed. I’ve always loved watching music videos and if available any behind the scenes footage of that particular video. My love for hip-hop/R&B music along with my editing experiences shaped me into a music video director I am today. I’ve released over 700 total music videos with over 250 million views. It first started as me shooting music videos, til now I have built an effective platform for artists, producers, models and actors to showcase their talents to the world. Many of which have been discovered through my platform and most have either got record deal opportunities, or model casting opportunities, producer song placements, etc.
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?
Its smooth at times and its also rough. Time management is the main struggle I had to deal with since I’ve been a video director. Though we may film a video quickly, (sometimes in a few hours,) it takes countless amounts of hours to actually edit the footage. Most people are looking for their finished video almost immediately after its shot but its a challenge when you’re popular and filming daily. In my creative process of editing its not just sitting down putting clips together but also watching each second of every clip to make sure you get the best parts. Definitely don’t want to leave anyone or anything of Importance to the client out. There is always room for help in the department of time management because as much as they want to see the finished product, I also have the same eagerness but time is the factor. Another struggle is giving everyone the opportunity to work with y0u. When your work is of high demand our schedules are often full.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
KENXL I am most known for directing High Quality music videos for upcoming and major rap artists. My unique style of capturing street culture is what sets my videos apart from the rest. Each video style is catered to fit each artist I shoot. Once you’ve watched a KENXL Film, you get a personal connection with the artist directly as if you know them in real life. I don’t encourage the artists to fake an image but to remain natural and grow with time in front of their audiences, They get recognized in public places because of the videos I shot. I also have a large reach through all my social platforms and this adds more value to each video.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For new videographers, the most important advice I give is to keep it business. Being that we filming these artists and having success with them, we sometimes get caught up in being too personal with them. Don’t take anything personally and remember the reason you are there. Often when working with artists we feel like they only should work with us and no one else but in reality, in order for an artist to grown they must experiment with different videographers for a more diverse look. Just because they may go elsewhere for video needs we must keep it business and not take it personally. They don’t owe us.
Contact Info:
- Website: kenxljamz.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/kenxljamz
- Facebook: Facebook.com/kenxljamz
- Twitter: twitter.com/kenxljamz
- Youtube: YouTube.com/kenxlmusic
Image Credits:
OJ Da Juiceman, Juvenile, Project Pat, Young Dolph, Finesse2Tymes, Young Scooter, Honeykomb Brazy, Young Scooter, YBN Nahmir, Big Yavo, Lil Bam, TLE Cinco, Rich Boy, Blaatina
