Today we’d like to introduce you to Knial Saunders.
Hi Knial, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey started long ago and in fields unrelated to what I do now – however, I suppose each experience feeds the next.
My interest in entertainment began in the form of music. Enraptured by the sounds of post-hardcore, metalcore, and indie-folk I started and joined a handful of bands over the years as a guitarist. When it was time to move on, I knew that I still wanted to be around music, so I started a digital music publication called Golden Age Review which was focused on spotlighting the underrepresented artists across various genres. Around this time, I also began to write for various print and digital publications including Substream Magazine. I never made much money, but I discovered myself in those spaces via covering the art I was passionate about.
From there, I decided to go to school at Howard University. This is where it starts to get interesting. First things first, shoutout to Professor Larry Cook for his mentorship during undergrad. He took me under his wing and taught me photography from the ground up and I fell in love with the art form. I found in photography the ability to capture and share the world through my eyes. From there, I went headlong into conceptual fine art photography which was my calling card for a time. I was also fortunate to meet other creatives in and around Washington DC, who brought me onto professional film sets where I cut my teeth and learned the ropes.
After undergrad, I matriculated to the University of Southern California believing that I would pursue a career in cinematography. However, I would realize that the passion I have for showing the world through my eyes was better actualized through writing and directing my own stories.
I would go on to work on a number of productions with immensely talented filmmakers when I wasn’t in classes in addition to interning with production companies like Shondaland and Bad Robot.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I find that seldom anything worthwhile is achieved without falling flat on my face a few times. But that’s the challenge of it all. Finding funding, crew, and cast while juggling classes and jobs – it’s madness but it’s been worth every moment.
My advice to the new kids is this: at day’s end, this industry is all about collaboration and your next gig hinges on your reputation. Don’t be afraid to be the only one in the room asking questions. And when you’re struggling and someone offers you advice, accept it humbly and keep it pushin’.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a writer, director, and producer specializing in developing intimate narratives that explore themes of multicultural identity, sexuality, and religion. I am interested in telling stories which push the boundaries of genre; and to that end my background in conceptual fine art comes into play.
Recently my graduate thesis film, Solitude, an experimental, queer, coming-of-age drama screened at the Eileen Norris Cinema Theater. It will be debuting in the festival circuit in the new year, and I am so grateful and excited to share it on a global stage. I hope that the people it speaks to are able to see themselves in it and know that they are seen and they are loved.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
The list of people who have helped me along the way is practically endless, however, there are a few people who deserve recognition.
Katie Stern: for always helping me find my way.
Professor Larry Cook: for teaching me how to make a single image can say a thousand words
Brenda Goodman: For her unwavering belief in my vision.
And last but not least, my wife Aubrey for her unending support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.knialsaunders.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knial__/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/knialsaunders/
Image Credits
Dante Bailey
