Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Black
Hi Kevin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The first time I went on stage, I was in preschool and I played a red car. My job was to run someone over, and during rehearsal, I remember it felt like nothing. But when I did it in front of a large studio audience, the sparks began to ignite. I was given a role to run someone over, but little did I know, I was running into my dreams. The cacophony of laughs filled my soul with an itch I never knew I needed. I craved the attention, the sound of people clapping their hands. Those cheers. I was destined to be in the arts. That energy—my 4 year old body needed it.
I would do whatever it takes to expose myself to the passionate itch. Capital Area School of the Arts (CASA) was a school that piqued my interest. Being a broke little Hispanic boy I already knew that tuition was a conversation to throw out the window with my parents. So my strategic self came up with the plan to show off my personality. Well, I guess I did something right because during my audition, I was also able to obtain a FULL RIDE SCHOLARSHIP to the school that would continue me on the path of my dreams. The biggest impact that CASA had on me was my professor, Lisa Weitzman. She believed in me and I just wanted to say thank you. So shoutout to you, Ms. Weitzman!
During my time in CASA I wrote my first script called “Doomsday.” It was supposed to be a group collaboration, but my overeager self created an entire playwright in a span of 8 hours. After I wrote my script and I saw the words from the page be spoken on the stage, I couldn’t believe that I could do more than just act. Writing allowed me to feel like I had everything by the tip of my fingers.
Now, we’re going to skip a whole bunch of important life events, because I’m not trying to write a 500 page autobiography. I believe anyone who finds that energy like I felt when I was 4 years old should continue to chase that energy. My name is Kevin Black and I am a director, writer, and actor.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wasn’t just a striving artist; I was a starving one. I was hungry for fame, so much so that I was willing to put myself in dangerous, horrible situations to get any opportunity. I ignored the red flags to have a chance to be a part of the arts, and every-time those little red flags waved, eventually they would turn into explosions right in my face. You would think I’d learn the first time, but I did say I was striving.
I’m going to take this opportunity to give three helpful tips for anyone in the film industry.
Tip number one: It is okay to walk away. It is important to establish your boundaries from the beginning. Knowing what you’re okay with versus what you’re not okay with is crucial. To be honest having boundaries could be something that will cost you and as a result you may get less opportunities than the person next to you BUT remember, your time will come! Saying yes to every “great opportunity,” “nice paycheck,” and “experience” is not worth it if you’re jeopardizing your mental health along the way— that’ll cost you more.
Tip number two: And I’m gonna keep this short. Research, research, research! Google and research the people in your crew! Channel your inner Olivia Pope, and make sure to dive deep into every single person around you. I do this in my real life too. I tried, but sometimes people are still sneaky so watch out.
Tip number three: It’s not just about creating a cute little vision board for New Years, it’s about actually doing the damn thing. It will NEVER be the right time! Just (clap) zoooo (clap) it (clap)! Make sure to set realistic goals for yourself throughout the year. For example, this year, I set a couple of goals for myself, which included writing three scripts—and you better believe I’ve already completed them. Every small goal that you complete is an accomplishment. But don’t stay in the small area, we are trying to get to the big leagues. #neversatisfied
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I consider the statistics—less than 5% of directors are Hispanic, and only 4% are part of the LGBTQ community—it’s clear that I represent a unique percentage in this industry. I am fighting hard to be recognized for the work I do. There are very few people who look, act, or sound like me in this field, but my voice is loud, and my creativity is even louder.
So, what is Matusalem Pictures? Matusalem Pictures is a film production company that is still in its infancy, having been born in late December 2022. Despite being a cute little baby, the company has already produced several short films, with three more set to arrive in the Matusalem world by the end of 2024. Owned by Kevin Black (ME), a creative director, scriptwriter, *cough cough* and plus-size model, I prioritize incorporating diversity and inclusion into all of the films produced by Matusalem Pictures!
In the creative world, Matusalem Pictures enjoys leaving audiences with a sense of weirdness at the end of a movie. I appreciate films that have a lingering feeling of unsettledness as they conclude. I’d rather have people talk about my movie for being unsettling rather than predictable. One day, I would definitely like to create a movie where unicorns and turtles can coexist in the universe. But until then, I make do with what I got.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
There are a couple of things I’ve learned in my young, beautiful age. One of them is to always wear a bonnet when you go to sleep. The second thing is that it’s a lonely world when you do the right thing.
This one time in third grade this girl threw a banana peel on the floor, and I stepped on it and literally slipped as if I was a part of a Mario Kart video game. I could’ve yelled at her and cursed her out and do all these other things which I did. But the moral to this story is that I am a baddie now, and I was still a baddie even when I slipped on the floor. There will be moments of embarrassment and feelings of failure, but remember that everyone slips at times. The conscious effort of getting back up is what makes you successful and I will always get back up. Sorry to everyone that throws banana peels this way. But speaking of success…
I’m excited to announce that I will be starting pre-production very soon for my movie, which will be filmed here in Atlanta. This movie is a mixture of horror, thriller, suspense, and a little comedy—it’s a blend of everything into one film because I can’t just stick to one genre. The movie is about killer clowns, so clutch your pearls because it will be scary! If you’re interested in being a part of my feature film, find me. Xoxo -Kevin Black
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/kevinenvy
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matusalempictures
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@matusalempictures
- Other: https://youtu.be/eDRER7AXSEY?si=gzKok-pimY-CNIUW
