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 Diya’s work:

Instagram: @kmkfilms @kaykizzle_

Youtube: @kmkmfilms

Facebook: @kmkfilms

Website: www.kmkfilms.com

Into independent film? Want to learn more?

Learn more about Jolee Mallman