Today we’d like to introduce you to Keishawn Blackstone.
Keishawn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been the film business since I was 17 years old, I knew I was driven to do something great when I got on my first set. The mission became bigger than the lens, the talent, the crew, The mission became the world, and how I can make a change and leave my print on it. Upon directing my first project at 17, I took a step back to really learn the business from not just the creative standpoint but the technical, logistics how to make things simpler, less complex, and more targeted to be efficient. I grew up in South LA, you don’t see kids every day picking up a camera, going out to film or working on music videos or movies. I saw that something has to change. My business partner/ family always Jamie Ohlsen is a key factor in the movement moving ahead. We found each other on a small pilot project where I was the Director of photography (Camera Operator and she was one of the lead actresses. I knew Jamie had what I call (The Sauce) when we first worked together, she was driven, ambitious, willing, and confident.
All the things I see in myself as a person and I learned from a mentor once that to the impossible you have to work with people on your level or greater. I got a call one day sitting in my car and Jamie goes hey what are you working on, what are you doing nowadays. I told her about some of the projects I been working on lately. She then came back and said hey, I got a movie and the director in Sacramento can use an Assistant Director. Me working as an AD only on music video prior to the feature was where I was put to the test. Taking on the feature with Jamie was when I was for sure that she and I have to be business partners. I ended up co-directing the film along with helping out in some other areas of the production. Later on, our business was established Ohlsen and Blackstone Films.
My prior article tells a little bit of my backstory in-depth as to me being a director but I figure this time I’d like to share with you about the company. Our mission is to give back, open doors, and mentor the next generation of creatives through film, music, and Television. I am where I am today even though this COVID pandemic because I never lost hope, there were times I was unsure, I question and sometimes got frustrated but I found out the universe always got my back and things happen for a reason. I was able to film a show which I’ll be picking back up on call AndCut Talkshow which gives the creatives and business professionals a platform to voice out and strategize what we can do as a creative community to be better. It also gives the creatives and business professionals a voice to share their skills talent, work and educates the audience.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothings never smooth, There were and still are challenges I face as a business professional and Creative. You are battling ideas, decisions that will work now, and what will keep you afloat in the long run. There are times when I felt unsure of what’s ahead, will I have my job still especially as a creative doing what I love, How will I get there. Then you realize if you dig deep, you will find the spark that says don’t forget who you are and how you got here. It wasn’t all silver spoons. When things get hard, I always found a will and a way to get through. My biggest strength has always been strategizing and execution. I started finding what makes up Keishawn Blackstone, which makes me happy, what am I good at outside of the camera. Since the pandemic, I found I am a marketing guru, gourmet chef, cyber professional. I am where I need to be. I took a step back and I decided to sharpen up in other areas because when things take off again, ill be that diamond ready to shine again but till then I used these past four months to educate, self connect, venture into things that will make me a better director-producer, Make me a more efficient on and offset. I am connecting mentally, physically, and spiritually to a better me. No, it’s not easy at one point I had to ask myself what do I want, not just now, but ten years from now, 30 years from now, how do I want to leave my mark on the world. Movies can do that but I am on a mission that’s bigger than the arts. I’m trying to build global unity through my skills, my voice. So when the wave gets high, I say prepare to surf but don’t worry because you are on your path to greatness and some take longer than others.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ohlsen and Blackstone Films – what should we know?
Ohlsen and Blackstone Films was found by Jamie Ohlsen and Keishawn Blackstone. Both bringing different skills and traits to the creation, Jamie Ohlsen and Keishawn Blackstone both born and raised in Los Angeles had a destiny for creating Narrative, commercial, and Television based projects. Keishawn Blackstone who is an upcoming Hollywood Film Director with a background in T.V Narrative and Commercial projects brings a twist to the company with a business background in entertainment marketing and Business. Jamie Ohlsen brings Producing and also is an actress, with the two’s mission it couldn’t have been clearer. “We want to make projects that change the world and to give opportunities to those that deserve them”, said both Jamie and Keishawn during there company interview The company is ever-growing and we are establishing departments and global outreach by the day. Being such a busy company working on numerous projects Jamie and Keishawn always find time to give back and get the community of next-generation filmmakers involved.
Where are we headed? Asked by the interviewer, “Global Creations” there’s a piece of the pie for everyone that’s willing to contribute to making the pie said Keishawn. We are not just looking for million-dollar projects to take on. We are looking to give the smaller projects a chance. Ohlsen and Blackstone Films defines themselves as the next generation Production conglomerate the world has been waiting for. What makes us different? The answer is simple every person, creative, business professional, experience, family member, a friend has all a piece of our puzzle as to what makes us Ohlsen and Blackstone films and with that being said we mean our success isn’t just defined by a dollar sign its how we use our company to help the unhelped, give to the ones who deserve and help grow with the ones who desire greatness.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My special credit goes to God first, the universe for allowing me to be who I am. Secondly, I would like to thank my parents, Keith and Nicole Blackstone, My God Family David, and Shirley Austin. My business partner/best friend/family Jamie Ohlsen.
Special Thanks to the following:
Raymond Reveles: for being a great support to my career helping me get through the hard times.
Gabriel Austin: being my best friend and brother since day 1 coming through.
Nora Sosa: Being a great friend and support to my career.
Oscar Salizarez: My day one enlightened friend and brother from another mother haha.
Brian Rodriguez: My day one bro from Miami FL, being a great friend and actor and support.
Skylar Dawn: For being a great friend and support in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.OhlsenandBlackstoneFilms.com
- Phone: 818-486-2177
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohlsenandblackstonefilms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhlsenandBlackstoneFilms/?modal=admin_todo_tour
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/38117125/admin/
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