In this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with director and cultural provocateur Giselle Bailey, a Jamaican-American filmmaker whose boundary-pushing work blends documentary, narrative, and contemporary art. Giselle’s artistry isn’t just about creating films—it’s about sparking cultural transformation. Her lens explores the power of Black imagination, reshaping narratives and championing revolutionary perspectives. From directing the HBO documentary The Legend of the Underground to he...

Jabari Canada brings an architect’s eye and a documentarian’s heart to the Visual Intonation Podcast. Studying at MIT by day and telling human stories through a lens by night, Canada traces his path from interning for Congressman Elijah Cummings to filming JPEGMAFIA for MoMA PS1. His work spans political campaigns, Les Blank, experimental art, and commercial sets, but always returns to one core principle: people over policy, and the stories they carry. In this conversation, Canada talks about...

On this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with Jamaican-American filmmaker Justice Silvera, a director whose eye is as grounded in real life as it is pulled toward the surreal. Raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Justice has forged a voice that is uniquely his own, shaped by experience, heritage, and a gift for weaving dreamlike tension into everyday moments. Justice’s work has lit up screens in videos for artists like Polo G, Mustard, and 808 Mafia. But behind the lens is a man who once ...

Alex Ashe’s story doesn’t begin behind a camera. It begins with a battered lighting technician’s manual clutched between takes, with sweat on his brow and questions on his tongue. From long nights rigging lights to quiet hours studying lenses, Ashe’s climb through the grip and electric department shaped the sensibility he brings to the frame today. Now a cinematographer and director, his images carry that hard-earned precision and a belief that light is never neutral. In this episode, A...

Welcome to the Visual Intonation Podcast, where storytelling meets the art of visual expression. In this episode, we sit down with the talented filmmaker Fisayo Olajide, also known as Fiz, whose award-winning documentaries capture the profound impact of human stories. From her roots in London to her Nigerian heritage, Fiz’s perspective as a Black female filmmaker has shaped her career and led her to amplify voices often overlooked. Her work continues to break boundaries, whether through brand...

From a Craigslist Canon to Cinematic Dreams: The Story of B.P. In this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with B.P., a Pasadena-born cinematographer and founder of BEARVISION Photography & Design. What began with a humble Canon T3i purchased off Craigslist turned into a multi-city journey through the lens—one that has taken him from Indiana arts festivals to feature films and high-profile collaborations with brands like Amazon, HOORAE, and Buzzfeed. B.P. shares how his early days ...

Visual Intonation Podcast – Featuring Taj Devore-Bey In this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with Taj Devore-Bey, a rising Philadelphia-based cinematographer whose lens is shaped as much by trauma as it is by talent. Before he picked up a camera, Devore-Bey was navigating the sharp edges of adolescence in Southwest Philly, where a life-altering home invasion forever redefined his idea of safety. At 16, he witnessed his father survive a near-fatal shooting — a moment that shatt...

This episode of Visual Intonation dives into the quiet power and creative pulse behind emerging Nigerian filmmaker Unwana Uteh. With works like Heartbreaks & Ocean Waves and Las Flores de la Vida, Uteh crafts stories that ripple with intimacy and cultural resonance. His films, though understated in scope, speak volumes about emotion, identity, and the layered beauty of everyday life. From the bustling heart of Surulere to the vibrant halls of UNILAG, Uteh’s journey is as textured as...

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we speak with Kyla Simmons, a distinguished graduate of the University of Texas at Austin’s renowned Radio-Television-Film program. Recognized with Dean’s List honors from the Moody College of Communication, Kyla has consistently demonstrated academic excellence paired with a strong creative vision. A dedicated multi-hyphenate in the field of media and storytelling, Kyla brings a deep passion for directing, acting, and casting. As the former president of ...

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we dive into the world of interdisciplinary artist and filmmaker Anita Safowaa, whose work captivates with its profound exploration of under-documented cultural moments. Anita's multifaceted approach bridges film, audio, immersive experiences, and archival research to create deeply personal yet universal stories. Known for her thought-provoking projects like A Single Bracelet Does Not Jingle and To Those Before Me, her works have resonated with audiences ...

Tiara West is a visionary storyteller who blends the grit of experience with the grace of artistry. On Visual Intonation, she opens the door to her world, where self-taught passion meets years of tireless hustle. Born in Baltimore and sharpened in Atlanta, Tiara shares how she transformed her dreams into cinematic moments, beginning with theater training at Arena Players Incorporated and evolving into award-winning filmmaking. This podcast isn’t just about her journey. It’s a deep dive into t...

On this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with Zoë Davidson, a brilliant Director of Photography whose work speaks volumes — even when there’s no dialogue. Based in Toronto, Zoë’s shot films across Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean, and her camera has a way of capturing not just images, but emotion. Her journey is rooted in storytelling, travel, and a deep connection to culture. Zoë holds an MFA from Howard University and spent four years teaching digital media before diving f...

When Jordan Hayles was just nine years old, he sat wide-eyed in the studio of The National, mesmerized by the lights, the cameras, and the grand chair behind the anchor’s desk. That early spark turned into a flame in high school, where he discovered the power of editing through mashups and music videos. Years later, he's become one of Canada's most thoughtful editors, with a career that’s spanned lifestyle TV, independent film, and corporate campaigns, including the unforgettable NBA Champion...

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with Lyandre Pierre, a multifaceted writer, director, and producer based in Los Angeles, hailing from Tennessee. With a rich background in production for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, as well as various independent media projects, Lyandre has carved out a unique space in the entertainment industry. His web series The 6th Degree has garnered critical acclaim, and his diverse portfolio spans comedy, drama, and everything in between. We dive d...

This is the rhythm of a voice that knows how to tell a story. Anndi Jinelle Liggett didn’t set out to become a filmmaker overnight. She started in the fitting rooms of Banana Republic, sharpened her instincts in the fast-paced world of network television, and ended up at Al Roker’s side—not as a spectator, but as a quiet observer of how media moves. Born in Reston, Virginia, and now rooted in Brooklyn, Anndi’s journey winds through French lectures at Florida State and serendipitous subway rid...

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we explore the world of Taj Kokayi, a dynamic young artist whose work spans filmmaking, photography, graphic design, and sports videography. With an eye for storytelling, Taj has built an impressive portfolio, including his role as a videographer and editor for his high school’s broadcast program and his work with Freedom Church. Whether he's capturing the intensity of championship volleyball games or framing the stillness of nature through his lens, Taj'...

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we dive deep into the world of Joseph Douglas Elmhirst, a filmmaker whose works explore the intricate intersections of nature, faith, and identity. Joseph’s latest film 'Burnt Milk', commissioned by the 2023 Venice Biennale, serves as a visual prayer to Jamaica, capturing the spirit of the Windrush generation and their profound influence on British society. Join us as we explore how Joseph’s art transcends mere storytelling and transforms into a potent me...

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we delve into the captivating stories of two pioneering Ghanaian artists whose work has redefined the African visual arts landscape: Andy Madjitey and John Kwame Markin. These two visionaries have not only mastered the art of storytelling through photography and cinematography, but they have also been at the forefront of blending traditional African narratives with modern-day creativity, shaping the future of African visual culture. Andy Madj...

Welcome to this episode of Visual Intonation, with Aaron Tucker, an acclaimed director, cinematographer, and producer whose vision has shaped some of the most powerful narratives in media today. Hailing from the vibrant DMV area, Aaron has built a reputation for weaving human-centered storytelling with high-end branded content. Whether crafting visually stunning ads for global giants like Amazon, Capital One, and Google, or directing cinematic moments for prestigious brands such as Hanifa and...

Gene Wilson V is a powerhouse in the world of film and video production, seamlessly blending creativity with an unyielding work ethic. His journey began in the world of music, where he dedicated 8–10 hours a day, five to six days a week to perfect his craft. When he made the shift from composing music for videos to recording the videos themselves, Gene brought that same commitment and focus to his new art form. His early years, spent on a college campus, proved to be a fertile ground for his ...