Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kenneth Nelson Jr. . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kenneth , thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on many exciting projects. However, my latest project has been the most significant to me. In 2022, my company was commissioned to create a short promotional documentary for the non-profit organization International Humanitarian Services (IHS). The documentary focuses on IHS’s mission to provide clean water to the people of Sierra Leone, a country with only 2% of its population having access to clean, safe drinking water. IHS aims to install seven clean water wells across the country as part of its Vision of Hope Safe Water Project. This project has been life-changing for me, not only because of the meaningful work I could do but also because of the journey that led me to this point. Raising awareness about this cause has been a deeply fulfilling experience.

At the beginning of 2021, I made the tough decision to take a break from my business and creative pursuits. I needed time to reflect on the direction of my company and prioritize my relationship with God and family. Though it was a risk to step into the unknown, I knew it was necessary. After a few months, I had a conversation with the founder of IHS and was intrigued by their work in Sierra Leone. While their mission was honorable, I believed that people needed a deeper connection to truly support it. To accomplish this, I suggested creating a visual experience that would allow viewers to empathize with the people of Sierra Leone.
More than six months later, the organization hired me to travel with them and document the completion of their first clean water well. This was my first project after almost a year’s hiatus. I felt it was divine how the opportunity presented itself, the process of raising money to travel, and the fact that it was my first time visiting Africa and on a mission trip.

After going on a life-changing trip, my perspective of myself and my family shifted. I realized that I take my privilege for granted, especially having access to basic resources like water. Despite the challenges faced by the people I met, they still radiated joy, resourcefulness, and faith in God. This experience left me questioning my own faith, and even after a year, I am still processing what I learned. It’s not easy, to sum up in a few words.

The purpose of the video was to increase public awareness and raise funds for the organization’s work. Upon its release, the mission of the organization was clearly communicated and it received significant support. A few months later, the video was presented at a major conference where they successfully raised $40,000 within 15 minutes to fund the construction of two additional clean water wells. This year, the organization was invited to New York to participate in the inaugural World Water Film Festival, sponsored by the United Nations, where our film received an award.

This project has been very meaningful to me because I learned to trust the process I was going through and be patient, even when risks are involved. It has inspired me to combine my love for cinema with my desire to raise awareness for important causes. Going forward, I aim to partner with brands, organizations, and individuals who are making a positive impact and tell their stories in an authentic way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At Ray Media Creative, our goal is to share stories that have a positive impact on the world. We strongly believe that storytelling has the power to inspire action, change minds, and move people. That’s why we work with individuals and organizations that are dedicated to making a positive difference in society.

I developed a love for filmmaking at a young age, starting with theater in elementary school and making films with my parents’ camcorder in middle school. However, I discovered that I preferred being behind the camera rather than in front, so I pursued a major in Digital Media Arts at Michigan State University instead of theater. By doing so, I believed that I could gain a wider range of creative and financial opportunities and develop multiple skill sets in media production.

At first, I founded Ray Media Creative as a conventional video production service for businesses. However, as time passed, I noticed that I was offering more than just videography and editing. While many videographers/editors focused on filming and editing exactly what the client requested, I delved deeper. I aspired to understand the company’s WHY, and the story behind their product or service, and ensure that the final video would engage and meet the company’s objectives. My passion for film and storytelling led me to realize that a great story grips the audience and elicits an emotional response. I was essentially conducting marketing research and brand discovery without even realizing it.

As time went by, I learned from my experiences and tried out different storytelling systems Eventually, I created a storytelling method designed to help brands overcome obstacles that prevent them from connecting with their audience and achieving their mission. When I work with clients, we take a phased approach to identify the problems and obstacles that are hindering their brand’s ability to connect with their audience. Rather than focusing on products and services, we concentrate on the brand’s purpose and mission and tell a story that truly resonates with the audience. Our goal is to create visually impactful and strategic experiences that captivate audiences, increase brand awareness, expand communities and global impact, and produce tangible results.

At Ray Media Creative, our mission has evolved beyond simply servicing brands. We are now dedicated to inspiring, empowering, and transforming humanity through authentic and purpose-driven storytelling. As passionate storytellers, we are obsessed with purpose. Although transforming humanity may seem like a massive and impossible goal, we are excited about this audacious mission. We eagerly anticipate partnering with mission-driven brands, organizations, and individuals who share our vision.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to inspire positive change in individuals through storytelling and experiences, whether it be through branded content, documentaries, or events. I strive to bring more light and hope in a world filled with negativity and pain. My content is meant to provide hope to those who feel hopeless and empower those who feel powerless. This is the driving force behind all of my past and present work.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I prioritize meeting deadlines with professionalism and punctuality, and I communicate clearly with clients throughout the process to avoid misunderstandings and ensure their desired return on investment. Also, by design, my work feels honest, authentic, and empowering. All of these things, working together, help me stand out in a crowded market.   

Contact Info:

• Website: www.raymediacreative.com
• Instagram: raymediacreative
• Facebook: Kenneth Nelson
• Linkedin: Kenneth Nelson