Conversations with Kalid Hussein

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalid Hussein.

Hi Kalid, 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?
I came to LA 10 years ago in the summer of 2016 from Minneapolis. After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Studies in Cinema and Media Culture I came to LA to join the film industry. After working 3 years as a Production Assistant I worked my way up the production ladder from Coordinator to Production Manager and finally to a Producer. Since I’ve been in LA I’ve produced multiple music videos, short films, and commercials. In 2025 I directed my first short film which will eventually be one of 6 vignettes for a feature film of semi-autobiographical stories called “God I Suck”. In addition to filmmaking I have also made music videos and EPs under the rap moniker Nappy Gilmore with my most recent outputs being a collaboration with my friend and Producer That J Maxx as the musical group NappyMaxx.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Having been here for 10 years I’ve had a front row seat to some turbulent times in the film industry (Covid, Writers Strike, etc). There have been a lot of ups and downs but thankfully I am surrounded by some talented and hard working peers that have helped me navigate uncertain moments both in my career and within the industry overall.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a Writer/Director/Producer I try to take a holistic approach to everything I do. One thing I learned from my initial years as a Production Assistant on multiple types of jobs was what I didn’t want to do if I was ever lucky enough to be in charge on a set . I’d like to think what I’m known for most of all is fostering a sense of camaraderie and respect on productions that ultimately leads to a satisfied crew. As a Producer the best advice I ever got was that I should consider a part of my job to be that of Hospitality. It is not lost on me that I am blessed to be working with incredibly talented and creative people every day and it’s my job to make sure that when they come to one of my shoots that I have considered all of their needs so that all they have to focus on is the job they came to do. To put it casually, I bring the “vibes” and I always want those vibes to be stellar.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am currently working on crowdfunding the remaining 5 installments of “God I Suck” which is a meditation on Depression told through a surrealist and comedic lens so if that sounds interesting to you, please consider following my Instagram to keep up with my journey as I bring the feature film to life!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nappy_gilmore_/
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nappymaxx/1784585339

Image Credits
Isaac Taylor, Erik Kollasch, Karla Espino