We were lucky to catch up with Kim Dana recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kim, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
I’d like to think I’m too humble of an individual to even think about a legacy. I just know that I live everyday doing what I love, and hope to keep doing what I love with the people I love. I tend to take care of others more than myself. Kind of like holding an umbrella out for someone in the rain, and I get wet. I guess, people may say I’ve always taken the clothes off my back for someone else. I care a lot. I care about everything; my relationships, my work, my future. I just hope people remember me for caring.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
By day I’m a video editor for a production company. On the side, I’m a producer, director, and editor for my own production company KDNA FILM. It’s really a hobby turned occupation. I’ve been editing stuff since 6th grade, back on Windows Movie Maker. Making slideshows and really cringy short films as a pre-teen. Then in high school I started filming music videos for local rappers, and eventually found my groove. After that, I worked on short films, commercials, skits, and more fun things as I got to college. I went to Cal State Northridge, and got a bachelor’s degree in Cinema & Television Arts with an emphasis in Film Production. From there I’ve been doing really cool things. Traveling the world with my camera, and making content people enjoy. One of my greatest joys is working with a client that has somewhat an idea of what they want, and working with them to develop that idea furthermore and make it come to life. I want clients to be comfortable and know that no idea is a bad idea. Seeing your finished work in whole for the first time is a top 5 feeling. You get that gratification knowing YOU made that, and get a little emotional because I’m sure there were some hurdles along the way (as there always are). KDNA FILM has an emphasis on film, because film is raw, gritty and authentic and that’s the backbone of this company.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I’ve always wanted to be a show creator. Telling a story in multiple episodes, not having to rush like a film, but taking your time, and getting to develop characters that audiences can connect with is a dream of mine. I’m currently working on developing a television series that I started 5 years ago but put on the shelf during Covid because I was so uninspired at the time. Last spring I dusted it off and got back to working on it with a writing partner. Everything I do everyday hopefully leads to making this show a reality. I’ve set myself up for success and readiness when the day comes, beginning with having my own production company, and editing everyday and getting better and better at story telling.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
To be quite honest, and I’m sure I’m not the only one, I’ve maxed out credit cards getting what I needed to get off the ground. Sure I’ve paid it back, but having the ability to spend while having nothing is sometimes the only way. In a way it’s a blessing in disguise because now you have to find work to pay off these credit card bills. Kind of lights a fire under you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://KDNAFILM.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kdnafilm
