Today we’d like to introduce you to Chandonae Baskin.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been fascinated with storytelling. As a kid, I use to read a lot and watch a lot of TV. One of my favorite things to do was to go to the movies with my family or movie nights at home. In my last year of undergrad, I begin to realize that I wanted to be a filmmaker, but it was too late to switch. There was a small film program at school and I begged a professor to let me in into a film class. I became the Production Manager for a web series. I did all of the grunt work that came to producing.
I was a little disappointed because I wanted a more hands-on experience on the creative side, but I didn’t let it discourage me. I started to write scripts and develop characters the best I could. Issa Rae became a big inspiration and YouTube became a great resource.
I eventually played around with the idea of going to grad school for film, but I didn’t finish the application until after my grandmother died. I got in and thrived in grad school! A lot of people didn’t invite me to their sets, so I became competent enough where I could do everything on my own from cinematography, writing to editing. I became extremely independent in my journey.
The reason why I’m the filmmaker today is because of one professor who pushed me to shoot a project that I felt was over my head. He believed in me, mentored me and it became a defining moment for my career. That’s how Chan the Filmmaker was born.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The struggle was real! Just imagine being a black female director in the South. I have people doubting me every step of the way. I have people judging me before they see my work.
Some of my struggles started at Grad school. That very first semester was hard because I didn’t know a lot about filmmaking. I didn’t want to feel like I was wasting my time. I often felt isolated in grad school. I didn’t get invited to a lot of sets. I never had the opportunity to learn that way. I had to pull myself up by the bootstraps and get to work. I read a ton of books, watched a ton of YouTube, and made sure that I created my opportunities. I also did a lot of practice. There were days when I would work on exposure.
There have been a few times when I met people and built relationships. You think that it’s mutual, but it ends up being one-sided. They want to benefit from your work and resources, however they can’t clap for you when it’s your turn in the spotlight. I dealt with a lot of envious people. I started to notice that the support was never mutual.
It’s so hard being a female director because a lot of people may not give you the same respect as a male or white director.
There have been times when I’m on set and have to repeat myself several times before someone listens to me. I have an experience being on set when a male DP tried to take over and stopped listening to me completely.
Another big obstacle is finding people who are just as passionate as you.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I can do anything from editing, audio to cinematography, but my career is in Directing/ Writing.
I am known for creating compelling cinematic experiences by telling authentic gritty stories with vivid colors.
I am very proud of my first short film “All of the Lights”. This was the project that cemented me as a director in the community. That was the first time I jumped off the cliff as a filmmaker and went into the deep. I have received a lot of compliments about the project as a whole.
I am also proud of my latest project “After Dusk” because this was my first time trusting myself as a filmmaker 100%. I took a lot of risks with this project. It paid off tremendously. I focused on directing and getting the best performances from my actors. It was a very ambitious project!
What sets me apart from others is my work ethic. I work extremely hard and do everything that everyone else doesn’t want to do. I believe in the Mamba Mentality. My voice also sets me apart because I’ve lived a very colorful life. My style sets me apart. I developed my style by studying the greats like Spike Lee, Quinton Tarantino, and P.T Anderson. You will know when you’re watching a Chandonae Baskin film!
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The Covid 19 crisis taught me so much. I’ve learned to take the time to take care of yourself. I learned a lot about myself and it gave me the space I needed to take a long look into the mirror and confront the blemishes in my life.
The Covid 19 crisis taught me to cherish life more and realize that we need to be more in the moment because nothing will ever be the same. Be aggressive with your life goals!
Contact Info:
- Email: b.chandonae@gmail.com
- Website: www.chandonaebaskin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chandonae.baskin/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/chandonae
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkwP6ck59tUQEx9Fgcu8CXg
- Other: www.nurenproductions.com
Image Credits
Joseph Patrick ( Main Photo) Silas Miller Christopher Smith
