There won’t be dragons or galaxies here.
Films are often known for their escapism nature, but the destination of the escape doesn’t have to be fantastical or visualize a what-if scenario. Media production junior and budding filmmaker Brian Kizzee is set to test this theory when his directorial debut, the short film “Never Too Late,” premieres next Thursday at Santikos Palladium.
“I was bullied when I was middle school,” Kizzee said. “I wanted to write something that was real and authentic, what someone can relate to in this real world.”
With that vision in mind, “Never Too Late,” which Kizzee also wrote, edited and produced, came to be. The short follows a talented writer, Vincent (Brandon Ross), finding out what karma has in store for him during a meeting with TV executive producer Michael (Markeith Coleman).
“I decided to take a drive around Houston, and that’s what captured my eyes,” Kizzee said of the location—Blaze Pizza in Sugar Land. | Courtesy of Brian Kizzee
It was also a vision that prompted Kizzee to exhibit “Never Too Late” on the big screen.
“I had a dream that I will sell out a theater, I will have my own theater for my film,” Kizzee said. “That dream was big, I did not want that dream to die. (The film) could have easily been put online after post-production.”
Being a student filmmaker left Kizzee with little time to assemble “Never Too Late.” He completed both the short and its trailer, however, and uploaded the latter to YouTube just in time on Thanksgiving night.
“You know, I hope (viewers) know I’m a full-time student,” Kizzee said, chuckling.
Regarding the future, Kizzee wanted to go back to acting and spend more time mastering screenwriting before his sophomore outing. The young director was uncertain on what form it will take – feature or short – and what genre it will be.
What he knew, however, was that it will definitely be akin to films that he liked: Those that could stimulate the whole auditorium and “send out good messages.” Kizzee cited the dysfunctional family dramedy “Almost Christmas” and the thriller “Temptation” from writer-director Tyler Perry as inspirations.
The crew (left to right) — broadcast journalism junior Olivia Villaloboz, Danielle Henderson, broadcast journalism graduate ChaViette Curl, Ashley Kiara, broadcast journalism graduate Lauren Viles and Keelen Lewis — enjoying a lunch break. Kizzee said the production took two days and started every morning at 6:30 a.m. | Courtesy of Brian Kizzee
Kizzee said he is looking forward to possibly working with the industry’s icons such as Houston natives Phylicia Rashad and Loretta Devine. Until then, he will focus on the day when “Never Too Late” comes out.
“I have faith,” Kizzee said. “And I’m excited. I’m excited about seeing my family, friends, supporters, mentors and everyone that wants to support ‘Never Too Late.’”
The title was, in some ways, also his advice to budding filmmakers – create an opportunity right now for yourself to collaborate and make a film.
“Even if you have $0,” Kizzee said. “If you do not start, you’re not going anywhere.”
Hard to regard those words as untrue.
Grab your tickets for “Never Too Late” here.
Recent Comments