Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kevin Nunes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kevin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Throughout my life, a passion for cameras has been a constant. In early 2017, I delved into the realm of filmmaking, initially utilizing my iPhone, and later acquiring an Osmo Mobile 1. My journey led me to immerse myself in the wealth of knowledge available on YouTube and through online filmmaking courses. Over the years, I devoted countless hours to absorbing content, meticulously jotting down notes on videography basics like composition, sequences, and shots. Expanding my expertise, I explored music and sound design to evoke emotions and enhance human moments in my work. The first workshop I attended focused on mastering the principles of lighting, a pivotal element in filmmaking. A year later, I invested in my first camera, deepening my understanding of its functionalities and honing my ability to bring creative visions to life. Practice played a crucial role – I filmed everything from nature scenes to family events. Today, my learning journey persists as I continually strive to expand my knowledge, sharing the essence of humanity and connections through storytelling.
Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
That’s a tough question because filmmaking is a nuanced journey that intertwines technical expertise, creative vision, and relentless dedication. It takes experience to translate to film what you envision, even, what you see filmmakers produce. However, I would have attended filmmaking workshops and had a mentor. This would enable the process of building a network, collaborating with diverse talents, and embracing criticism to refine the art. Everything up to this point has been self-taught and hands-on experience, so to a degree would shorten the learning curve.
What skills do you think were most essential?
It begins with a profound understanding of storytelling fundamentals, cinematography, and editing techniques. Mastering the art of framing shots, controlling lighting, and utilizing sound effectively are pivotal skills. Beyond technical prowess, a filmmaker hones their ability to evoke emotions and convey messages through compelling narratives. Ultimately, the pursuit of becoming a filmmaker is an ongoing quest for innovation and self-expression.
Several obstacles hindered further learning. Finances emerged as a major hurdle, as top-tier filmmaking workshops often entailed expenses for travel, accommodations, and workshop fees. This challenge was compounded by personal investments I made commitments for. Despite the financial constraints, I embraced these moments of scarcity, discovering that I began to forge connections with diverse theories of discipline through the extensive content I was absorbing. It’s a discipline I still do today. However, it’s one of my business goals for 2024 to be a part of a great film community and mentorship groups.
Kevin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Kevin Nunes, a videographer based in Southern Ontario, Canada. Beach volleyball used to be my favorite pastime, consuming my free hours after work and connecting me with other young professionals. After stepping away from the sport, I sought something to fill the void and rediscovered my passion for cameras. Filming family events led to a pivotal moment when my brother-in-law suggested turning my skills into a business.
During a trip to Montreal with my wife, I documented the journey and taught myself video editing using Adobe Premiere Pro. Unbeknownst to me, that video became the announcement for my business, KLMN Studios Inc. I shared it on my personal Instagram a year later. Initially offering free videos wherever I could, I was eventually approached by another local videographer to be the second shooter for a wedding – my first of many.
Initially hesitant about entering the saturated wedding market in Toronto, Canada, I decided to pursue it with a unique approach to stand out in the crowd. The journey from volleyball courts to the world of videography has been an exciting evolution for me.
As my business expanded, I dedicated efforts to refine our client onboarding process, pricing structure, and incremental enhancements, all aimed at delivering an exceptional experience clients would rave about. In 2022, I revisited the core of my passion for filmmaking – documenting people’s stories, particularly in documentaries. This narrative-driven approach seamlessly transitioned into wedding films that year, but by 2023, I honed it further. Departing from the conventional music video style, I embraced more story-driven films, extending this approach to our lifestyle films capturing birthdays, baby announcements, and special milestones. My goal is to allow clients to relive the collected moments in a way that transports them back to those special occasions.
My proudest achievement lies in the filmmaking direction I’ve chosen for 2024, a less-traveled path in Toronto, Canada. Despite its unconventional nature, I am forging this trail because I believe it brings immense joy to our clients and serves as a game changer. This also enables me to be more focus on potential clients who aligns with my style of films. Equally significant is my pride in creating an atmosphere where all clients feel genuinely welcomed and at ease. It’s not just transaction. It’s about building trust; genuinely. This is essential to the final film when its completed. Setting the stage for comfort and trust, allows emotions to flow naturally and clients are comfortable. Because of this, our films become timeless.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Navigating pricing in the Canadian market, especially in Toronto, poses unique challenges distinct from the US. With clients paying significantly less, achieving substantial growth, and unlocking higher-tier clients becomes a delicate balance. It’s a constant process of proving oneself while strategically connecting with the right audience.
Initially, I adopted a hypothetical approach, establishing a price based on the hours required for a job. However, understanding the market dynamics revealed the intricate interplay between pricing, time investment, and the end user’s perspective. A candid admission is that videographers often invest extra hours to ensure the films they produce not only represent their brand but also serve as a magnet for new clients. The disparity between the quoted price and the actual effort invested is substantial, a reality known within the industry but not explicitly communicated to clients due to ethical considerations. I’ve come to learn and experience this firsthand.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most fulfilling part of embracing creativity is witnessing the emotions stirred by my films. The slogan of my company, “deliver the feeling,” encapsulates this essence. Countless instances stand out where clients, moved to tears, expressed profound gratitude for the emotional impact I created for them. The true value of these moments often becomes apparent when someone is absent or when reliving a moment or memory. This is indescribable and wholesome. As a silent observer in people’s lives, I have the privilege of showcasing moments they may have missed or forgotten, making it all a cherished and gratifying endeavor.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.klmnstudios.com
- Instagram: @klmnstudios
- Facebook: klmnstudios
Image Credits
Yasser Nolasco