Being The Kind of Artist You Want To See In The World with Rodney Johnson [Sptmbrborn] | | By /CW Guest Writer Jolee Mallmann

The first time I met Rodney for a portrait shoot, I realized I was working with a genuine individual, someone dedicated to their craft above all else. If you’re looking for another portrait session similar to the rest, Rodney just isn’t the photographer you want. However, for those looking for a photographer, artist and filmmaker with a true passion for their projects, willing to take the time it requires to develop original work, he’s the man you’re looking for. 

In his own studio, Rodney is a craftsman of lighting and color. He works precisely with lights, posing and color schemes in the studio in a way that the outcome can be seen immediately on camera. Having worked with Rodney outside of his studio for portrait events and my own short film, I realized how lucky I am and our community is to have an artist amongst us willing to share his talents for the betterment of the passions of others. It’s very rare that you find an artist with such a strong individual vision who is still more than willing to lend their skills to a project entirely separate from their own body of work. Rodney is more than an artist, more than a photographer or filmmaker. Rodney is Sptmbrborn and his work is selfless, one of a kind and bursting with confidence in creativity. 

If you had to describe yourself as an artist, photographer and a filmmaker, what would you want people to understand about your work most?

We're doing it all ourselves by any means. There's no conventional way of getting my message out there and it's made with a community in mind.

How would you describe the aesthetic of your work?

Intuitive and surreal. Imperfect and genuine.

What projects are you currently working on?
My solo gallery and a few art books! Getting back into my graphic designing bag. I want to make posters.

What's your favorite part about being a photographer and artist?

Bringing people into my world; Sharing the experience of creating. I work with so many people that aren't artists at all and it inspires me.

Who are some filmmakers that have significantly influenced your work?

Edgar Wright, Ben Stiller, Sam Raimi, Wes Anderson, David Fincher, David Lynch, Ari Aster, Robert Eggers. Too long of a list to be honest. I draw a lot of influence from everything I consume though. Try to be intentional about what you watch.

How has your art evolved over time?

It's grown in depth. My motivation lies in a curiosity to figure something out. The better the tools I've gotten, the more attention to stuff I can kinda pay, and it shows.

Where are you from? Do you feel like your community influenced your work as an artist?

I was born in Gary, IN but I grew up here in Milwaukee. My work is mostly inspired by the people around me. There is such diverse talent here that lends experience to consume. How do you not exchange for that?

Where do you like to find yourself on set the most, what is your favorite role as a filmmaker to play?

I enjoy being a gaffer. I've only been that or a cameraman on sets. 

What are some lessons you’ve learned as a photographer and artist you’re willing to share with our audience?

Don't be afraid to take a risk. Print your work. If you like it someone else will. Embrace the energy around you. 

Find more of Rodney’s work:

Instagram/Threads/X/VSCO @sptmbrborn 

Print Shop sptmbrborn.darkroom.com

Website sptmbrborn.xyz

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Taking A Look At KayCee Kelsey’s Self Made Media Empire | By /CW Guest Writer Jolee Mallmann

I first met KayCee by a lucky coincidence. Her series Rise To Fall was shooting a club scene and I had the opportunity to join production helping with a bit of set design. By the end of the shoot I was having a blast playing a bartender and finding myself enraptured with the environment KayCee had created with her cast and crew. KayCee is a writer, director, actor and the type of person you wouldn’t be able to stop from moving forward if you tried. There is a truly joyful energy present whenever you’re around KayCee but she has this ability to lock in at any moment when she needs to make something happen. After binge watching season one of Rise To Fall I had this feeling I’m sure many people who have worked with KayCee must get, that this is a woman in the industry who is moments away from being discovered. KayCee knows she has exactly what it takes but somehow she stays humble and giving, bringing her talents to multiple Milwaukee productions while building her own media empire at the same time. Through her work she’s built an amazing audience and fanbase who flock towards her light; we’ll be watching for more from KayCee and for the day she gets all of the flowers she deserves. 

Where are you from and where are you making films now? 
I'm a Milwaukee native, born and raised, and I create films throughout the city and surrounding areas.

If you had to describe yourself as an artist and a filmmaker, what would you want people to understand about your work most?

As an artist and filmmaker, my work is rooted in authenticity, intention, and impact. I don’t create just to entertain—I create to communicate something deeper, whether through a short documentary or a dramatic narrative. I'm not afraid to be hands-on and encourage others to be involved as well. I thrive on helping others bring their visions to life, and I’m passionate about creating open, collaborative sets where people from the community can come together, contribute, and pursue their own dreams. Community is at the heart of everything I do, and that’s the most important takeaway I want people to have from my work. I believe storytelling should feel personal, cinematic, and emotionally resonant. I believe storytelling should feel personal, cinematic, and emotionally resonant—the kind of work that stays with you, not just because it looks good, but because it means something—something bigger. Something that speaks to shared experiences, inspires reflection, and connects people beyond the screen.

What projects are you currently working on? Can you tell us a little bit about the series you’ve created, Rise To Fall?

I’m currently working on the second season of my series Rise to Fall, a music drama that follows the story of a woman named Zion who steals her ex-boyfriend’s music in a bid for fame. Season 1 explored the beginning of her journey, capturing her ambition and the choices she made to rise in the industry. In Season 2, we delve into the consequences of those choices—witnessing how Zion navigates the complexities of fame, guilt, and the karma that inevitably follows her actions.

What's your favorite part about being a storyteller and filmmaker?

My favorite part of being a filmmaker is seeing something you wrote on paper—a script—come to life. There’s something incredibly rewarding about being surrounded by so many creative individuals, all working together to bring your vision to its fullest potential. When a production wraps, there’s this moment of disbelief, like, “Wow, I can’t believe we actually did it.” But then that feeling quickly turns into excitement—realizing you can do it all over again, continue to grow, and keep getting better.

I truly believe that everyone has a purpose in life, and mine is to inspire through visual storytelling. Being able to use this gift not only to express my own ideas but to move, connect, and uplift others—that’s what I love most. For me, filmmaking isn’t just about the end result; it’s about the people I meet, the stories we tell together, and the impact those stories can have. It’s truly so much fun and fulfilling.

Who are some filmmakers that have significantly influenced your work?

That’s always a tough question for me because my taste really depends on the genre and what phase I’m in creatively. Right now, my work leans heavily into drama, but I’ve always had a deep love for sci-fi and action. So naturally, I gravitate toward directors like James Cameron and Steven Spielberg—storytellers who have redefined cinematic spectacle while still grounding it in emotional arcs. But I also admire directors like Antoine Fuqua, Issa Rae, and Gina Prince-Bythewood. They each bring something powerful and unique to the screen—whether it's gritty realism, or cultural nuance. I guess I’m most drawn to directors who know how to marry strong storytelling with a clear, compelling vision, no matter the genre.

How have you evolved as a filmmaker over time?

I’ve evolved tremendously over the last few years. I’m still growing, still finding my way and my niche in this industry. Right now, I’m just doing the best I can with the resources I have and the place I’m at in my career — always hoping that as I move forward, the sets get bigger, the budgets grow, and the audience continues to grow with me.

As a creative, my perspective has shifted a lot. I see the story differently now. I’m better at breaking it down, understanding its layers, and communicating my vision clearly. Even just comparing Season 1 to Season 2 of Rise to Fall — there’s a drastic leap in story, music, and cinematography. The quality overall has grown. That kind of growth gives me confidence that I’m on the right path and learning how to translate what’s in my head into something tangible on screen.

Where do you like to find yourself on set the most, what is your favorite role as a filmmaker to play?

On set, I most often find myself as an assistant camera or assistant director. Of the two, assistant director is where I feel most comfortable when I’m working on someone else’s set. I’m also an actor and really enjoy being in front of the camera when the role feels right. When it’s my own production, I usually take on the roles of writer and director. Those three roles — assistant director, actor, and writer/director — are where I naturally gravitate the most. I’m on the shorter side, so boom operating isn’t really my thing, and I’m not particularly handy with certain gear, so gaffing or grip work probably wouldn’t suit me. But if you keep me by the camera or in the director’s chair, that’s where I thrive. I have a good sense of timing, structure, and leadership — which really helps me bring everything together on set.

Any closing advice for young women in filmmaking that are hoping to follow their dreams?

My advice to young women in filmmaking is simple: keep going. This industry is still heavily male-dominated, which can make it challenging to find opportunities and be taken seriously. But that’s all the more reason why women’s voices and perspectives are so important — we need to keep pushing boundaries and opening doors for each other. I love seeing women as 1st ACs or Key Grips — roles where representation is still rare. So, break the barriers. Don’t be afraid to own the room. If you can’t find a seat at the table, then become the table. Don’t give up, and most importantly, just keep creating.

You can find more of KayCee’s work:

Instagram: @kmkfilms @kaykizzle_ 

Youtube: @kmkmfilms

Facebook: @kmkfilms

Website: www.kmkfilms.com

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Indie Filmmaking Adventures with Milwaukee Filmmaker Diya Gitanjali | By /CW Guest Writer Jolee Mallmann

Having worked on a few sets with Diya, I’ve always been very drawn to their unique filmmaking style. The color palettes they make use of, the poetry in their photography and film work; there are so many filmmakers in the Milwaukee scene, and Diya has found a way to pave their own clear path. To make work that speaks to the current culture while remaining timeless in voice isn’t a task every artist can take on, but it’s a returning feature to projects Diya has a part in. Anyone would be lucky to find themselves on set with this dynamic, one-of-a-kind filmmaker. 

If you had to describe yourself as an artist and a filmmaker, what would you want people to understand about your work most?

As a filmmaker, I am usually drawn to Horror and Science Fiction, because I believe that these genres allow us to explore and confront themes of gender, sexuality and oppression in a creative but sometimes indirect way. I think that processing our trauma as individuals and as a society is vital -- and what better way than through abstraction and metaphor? My most recent film, Knife In Hand,  explores new love and obsession and how that can throw your life and creative practice out of whack. I’ve found that that kind of obsessive feeling can be both freeing and detrimental as an artist. 

I also shoot all of my films myself, and plan to pursue being a Director of Photography as my career long-term. Some of my favorite cinematographers are Benoit Debie, Greig Fraser, and Quyen Tran; all of whom use color, light, and intentional camera angles to create evocative and stunning imagery. I think something I strive for in the visuals I create is "emotional realism" -- like, how did a moment or a memory feel, as opposed to how it actually looked? Especially with the way modern digital cameras and lenses are becoming more crisp and almost artificial-looking, I try to keep my work feeling grounded and true to my experiences. I want my work to be successful in its intention and emotionally stimulating to the viewer. 

Does being a poet affect how you approach your filmmaking?

I’ve been writing for fun since I was a kid, and the one thing people have consistently said they like about my prose and poetry is how “atmospheric” it is. I think I’m good at creating vivid images in my writing.

I think creating atmosphere as a cinematographer is super important, and way more involved than people might think! Like, what lenses are you using, how are you shaping the light? What’s the weather like, what season is it, what’s going on in the world? The first example that comes to mind when thinking about atmospheric filmmaking is the Twilight movies -- the color grade and choices of shots in the first movie especially. They really transport you to that chilly, wet town of Forks in Washington state.

The Handmaid’s Tale TV series on Hulu also does a good job at this -- they use a ton of fog machines in all of their locations to create this dusty, stuffy look. That look compliments how the main character is feeling. She’s claustrophobic in this new society, and in a way she’s been transported to the past. 

What's your favorite part about being a storyteller and filmmaker?

My favorite part about being a storyteller and filmmaker is the simultaneous collaborative and individualistic nature of creating a film. Each person on set has their own set of tasks, whether that’s operating the camera or setting up lights or even setting up snacks at Craft Services. But we’re all working together. We’re bringing one thing to life by individually doing our own thing. Even though the days can be intense and even grueling, It’s such a gratifying process -- hurrying up and then waiting, the best day of summer camp one moment and then extremely mentally draining the next. But there’s no better feeling than creating work that you’re genuinely proud of!

Who are some filmmakers that have significantly influenced your work?

One of my favorite filmmakers right now is Julia Ducaurnau, who wrote and directed Raw and Titane. Both of these films make the viewer viscerally uncomfortable, the films kind of grab you and shake you. I also really enjoy Coralie Fargeat’s work, and in an interview about The Substance she said something really interesting about choosing to keep a shot of a fly struggling in Demi Moore’s character’s drink -- she said something along the lines of, yeah we could take the shot out but it adds something essential to the film’s identity and mood. 

When I was sixteen my first boyfriend showed me Enter The Void by Gaspar Noé, who I know is a somewhat controversial filmmaker. Noe has remained my favorite director since then. I love how interested he is in portraying reality and all the ways humans can relate to each other and fall in and out of love. His films are always provocative and sometimes terribly self-indulgent, but he consistently nails something really raw and beautiful in his work that I aspire to. 

How have you evolved as a filmmaker over time?

It’s funny, I was going to detail how specifically I’ve changed as a filmmaker over time, but I think it’s more accurate to say that I’ve just gotten better at crystallizing and refining my vision. 

When I attended film school a few years ago, I was lucky to cross paths with and learn from Carl Bogner, a beloved queer elder and film educator. He was one of my favorite teachers ever. Carl passed away recently, and I came across an email he had sent me when I was eighteen or nineteen years old, in response to work I had submitted in one of his classes. When I look back on that time, I remember feeling like I didn’t know who I was as a filmmaker. I remember my work feeling pretty far from what I wanted it to be. Here is the email:

“Again, great work with palette here. Both of your pieces communicated so much with your sense of color. As well: you have a deft sense of scale: of image size, of how an image occupies the frame, of incident. You know how to work the everyday so well.” - Carl 

I was so happy to stumble across this -- what he had pointed out about my work, pieces which I now consider pretty rudimentary, nailed what I strive for as an artist and filmmaker. It’s a validating and encouraging thing to look back on. 

Do you have any advice for young femme and nonbinary people trying to establish themselves in filmmaking?

My advice would be to meet people, learn stuff, and get on set. And also to trust your gut. 

I graduated from the film program at UW-Milwaukee in 2022, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I think the biggest things I gained from film school were the connections and experience, which were essential in getting my footing in the industry. Besides the career aspect, I met so many creative and driven people who became some of my closest friends. I also think the educators I interacted with in film school did a great job not only teaching technical skills but helping me to refine my own creative practice. 

I would also tell people, especially non-men going into the film industry, to make sure they advocate for themselves. Obviously be kind and considerate for the most part, but make sure you are carving out space for yourself! Get answers to your questions. Don’t let yourself become a doormat! 

I also think there’s an element of being a filmmaker that some folks don’t understand going into it, and that’s reciprocity. Like, ask your friends and classmates you admire to help you with your projects. Folks are usually happy to help you make your vision a reality. Just sure you buy them a donut and thank them for their time at the very least. 

But also, make sure YOU are showing up for them in a real way. Work hard, contribute to a positive set environment and make good stuff. It’s important to not only be technically proficient but also to treat people well and show up! That’s my best advice. 

You can find more of Diya’s work: @diyagitanjali on Instagram and VIMEO

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Exploring Independent Filmmaking with Milwaukee Director Immanuel Baldwin | By /CW Guest Writer Jolee Mallmann

In launching this series highlighting local filmmakers, I was hoping to be able to spotlight some of the people I’ve looked up to, worked beside on set and learned from personally. Milwaukee in particular, is a city filled with creatives, oftentimes working beside each other but not always intersecting. When I first had the opportunity to work with Immanuel, I was struck by his calm and cool demeanor on set. This is a director who has thought of everything before it could go wrong. In the world of film and television, sets can be a chaotic experience and working with Immanuel Baldwin is walking within the eye of a tornado. 

What kind of filmmaking speaks to you the most as someone who works in a variety of environments from commercial to narrative? 

As someone who works across multiple environments—from commercial to narrative—I am most drawn to filmmaking that blends emotional depth with visual precision. In both commercial and narrative spaces, I find storytelling that challenges the viewer, engages them emotionally, and pushes boundaries to be the most compelling. Whether it's a high-concept ad or an intricate narrative piece, I’m most captivated by work that creates a strong connection with the audience. Surprise and delight. I am particularly inspired by films that employ subtle details and layered storytelling, allowing the visuals, sound, and character development to elevate the narrative. 

Currently, what is the strongest vision or aesthetic that's inspiring your work? 

Right now, I’m very inspired by a balance between high-concept, visuals and deeply human, emotional storytelling. The aesthetic I'm drawn to is one of grounded realism in the emotional moments, contrasted with stylized, almost surreal futurism or minimalism. Currently, I’m learning to tell stories on a macro level with tighter shots altogether. 

What's your favorite part about being a storyteller and filmmaker? 

My favorite part of being a storyteller and filmmaker is the ability to craft something that resonates emotionally and intellectually. I love the challenge of translating complex ideas, emotions, and themes into a language that feels authentic and immersive. There is a unique satisfaction in seeing a story come to life through visuals, sound, and performance—creating an experience that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll. Additionally, I deeply enjoy the collaborative aspect of filmmaking—working with talented people across different disciplines to bring a shared vision to fruition. 

What are some filmmakers or films that have significantly influenced your work? 

I admire directors like Darren Aronofsky for his deep psychological exploration of characters and themes, Alex Garland for his mastery of clinical, dystopian worlds, and Salomon Ligthelm for his textured, emotionally rich storytelling. Each of these filmmakers brings something unique to their work—whether it’s Aronofsky’s disorienting visual style or Garland’s philosophical narrative depth. Their films challenge the viewer and push boundaries in both content and form, which aligns with my own approach to filmmaking. I also find inspiration in stories like Ex Machina Black Mirror, and Swan Song, which all blend technology, emotional storytelling, and social commentary. 

How have you evolved as a filmmaker over time? 

Over time, I’ve evolved into a filmmaker who values not just technical proficiency but the emotional and thematic depth of a story. Early in my career, I focused heavily on the technical aspects of filmmaking. As I’ve matured, I’ve developed a deeper sensitivity to the emotional journey of characters and how visuals can serve the narrative. I’ve also become more comfortable with taking creative risks and experimenting with new styles. And most recently being okay with sitting still for a beat. I think it gets difficult to see other creatives making things while you’re not. It’s been a whirlwind of growth for me to be okay and content with allowing space to think and to rest. 

Find Immanuel Baldwin’s work: @directorbaldwin on Instagram and www.directorbaldwin.com

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Into independent film? Want to learn more?

/CW Introductions: Jolee Mallmann [Guest Writer]

We are excited to introduce a new guest writer, focusing on “up and coming local filmmakers and film projects”, Jolee Mallman.

“We are constantly exploring ways to tap into the diverse creative industries we have in Milwaukee & of course in the Midwest. So when Jolee reached out, it just made me excited to see someone exploring film because they love it and want to share it with the world. You better believe we are going to make room on our platform for that!” - Lexi S. Brunson | Active Editor-in-Chief /CW

Jolee is a Midwest artist and filmmaker living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They have a passion for narrative filmmaking, sketch comedy, and independent productions. Jolee got their start in filmmaking with a local/low budget/community makes it happen mentality ala "Be Kind Rewind" 2008. 

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Be ready to explore more of the film scene with a twist, with monthly

drops from Jolee on copywritemag.com/blog.