KIMISHA RENEE DAVIS
"I am committed to telling diverse stories
that transform the world!"
-Kimisha Renee Davis
ABOUT
Thanks for stopping by!
Hey, I am Kimisha Renee! I am a Los Angeles based writer and director and I am committed to telling diverse stories that leave others moved, touched, and inspired.
I am focusing on directing with an emphasis in screenwriting in the division of Film and Television Production at the University of Southern California. I was awarded the USC Grant, FAO Scholarship, the NAACP N-SPIRE Scholarship to attend the School of Cinematic Arts. I am a rising senior and my expected graduation is Spring of 2024.
I am an alum of the: Sundance Institute Collab Directing: Visual Storytelling Workshop (Scholarship), American Film Institute Cinematography Intensive for Women, sponsored by: Panavision and RED Digital Cinema, and Respectability Entertainment Lab, sponsored by: The Walt Disney Company, Sony Pictures Entertainment, NBCUniversal, ViacomCBS, A&E, Final Draft, The Harnisch Foundation, the Murray/Reese Foundation, and the Pop Culture Collaborative.
Furthermore, I am proud to share that I am a recent winner of USC’s Future of Themed Experiences, judged by senior entertainment executives from: Marvel, The Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount Pictures, Prime Video and Amazon Studios, Epic Games, Dolby Laboratories, and Iron Mountain Entertainment Services.
I aspire to hire at least 50% women, BIPOC, LGBTQ +, and disabled cast and crew members on every project. I champion inclusion riders to hire diverse film production employees in leadership positions above and below the line. Additionally, my sets are environmentally friendly to support efforts to end climate change. I especially enjoy action, adventure, fantasy, science fiction, and super heroine series and films.
I am pursuing the route of directing virtual productions. I am inspired by gaming technology, world building, and imagining the impossible. I am in development on a feature film and television series, as well as a graphic novel and video game. I am devoted to telling impactful stories that evolve the world. I'm thankful for my blossoming career, and I am looking forward to connecting with other like minded collaborators and making a positive contribution.
P.S.
I designed and created this site myself. Hope you enjoy!
Gratitude,
Kimisha Renee Davis
EXPERIENCE //
PREMIERE
95%
AVID
70%
FINAL DRAFT
95%
MOVIE MAGIC
80%
AFTER EFFECTS
70%
ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE
75%
SCENECHRONIZE
80%
MICROSOFT OFFICE
95%
CASHET
90%
LENSES //
Angenieux
Arri
Atlas
Canon
Cooke Optics
Fujinon
Hawk
Kowas
Leica
Nikon
Panavision
P+S Technik
Service Vision Scorpio
Sigma
Vantage
Zeiss
Cameras //
DIGITAL
Arri: Alexa, Alexa Mini, Amira,
LF, LF Mini, SXT, and XT
Blackmagic: Cinema
Canon: 5D Mark III
Panasonic: AG-HPX372, EVA1, and VariCam 35
Panavision: DXL2
Red: Epic W, Scarlet, Ranger, and Komodo
Sony: AS7 II, FS5, FS7, and Venice
FILM
Arri: Arriflex 16 and 416, Arriflex 35 BL
Bolex: Super 16
Panavision: Panaflex Millennium XL2
Stabilizers //
Easyrig
Ready Rig Movi/Ronin (In Training)
Steadicam Flyer LE (In Training)
education //
2021
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Directing Major/Emphasis in Screenwriting
Film and Television Production
School of Cinematic Arts
USC African American Cinema Society
(USC Grant , FAO Scholarship, and the
NAACP N-SPIRE Scholarship)
Expected Graduation: Spring 2024
2021
respectability entertainment lab
Directing Fellow
(Sponsored by: The Walt Disney Company, Sony Pictures Entertainment, NBCUniversal, ViacomCBS, A&E, Final Draft, The Harnisch Foundation, the Murray/Reese Foundation, and the Pop Culture Collaborative.)
2020
Sundance institute
Sundance Collab
Directing: Visual Storytelling
(Sundance Institute Scholarship)
(Certificate)
2018-2020
ART CENTER
COLLEGE OF DESIGN
Cinematography Major/Directing Minor
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Creativist
(Dean's List, Mentorship Program,
Art Center Scholarship, H B Edwards Endowed Scholarship, Joseph and Rebecca Lacko Scholarship, and Ray Charles Fund Minority Scholarship)
2019
AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE
Cinematography Intensive for Women
(Sponsored by Panavision and RED)
(Certificate)
2019
ASC
crane & remote head workshop
(Sponsored by Women in Media,
Cinemoves, Panavision, and the ASC)
2017
Garnish Music Production School
Electronic Music DJ Major
(Certificate)
2008-2009
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Fashion Design Major
(1st Place Cotton Inc. Scholarship)
2021
american film
institute
Directing Workshop for Women: The Interchange
2020
main media workshops
Lighting for Film and Television
(SLED Grant)
2019
SONY EDU
Commercial Workshop
(Sponsored by Sony)
2019
ARRI LIGHTing
CLASS SEMINAR
(Sponsored by Cinegear, the ASC, and ARRI)
2016-2017
Cincinnati State
Audio/Video Production Major
(Summa Cum Laude, 4.0 GPA, Dean’s List, Runner Up College Movie Festival, Associate’s Diploma)
2014
Landmark Education
The Forum, Advanced Course,
Self ExpressionLeadership Program,
and Causing the Miraculous Seminar Series
2004-2007
Carnegie Mellon University
Acting Major
(Spokesmodel, Admissions Assistant, and Residential Assistant)
2001-2004
School for
Creative &
Performing Arts
Acting/Vocal Music/Musical Theatre Major
(High School Diploma)
ORGANIZATIONS //
USC WOMEN OF CINEMATIC ARTS
MEMBER
WCA is the official organization of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, a collective of female and gender-nonconforming students. Through an engaging slate of professional and social programming, opportunities are offered for our members to band together, support each other from school to graduation to retirement, and dismantle inequality in the entertainment industry.
USC AFRICAN AMERICAN CINEMA SOCIETY
MEMBER
Founded by renown writer/director, John Singleton, the mission of the African-American Cinema Society is to highlight and promote art and artists who are invested in showcasing complex and sophisticated representations of blackness and the black diaspora.
sundance
Institute
MEMBER
Sundance Institute Collab Scholarship recipient.
Sundance Institute supports and champions independent artists because they believe their stories and perspectives are essential to a thriving, informed and connected society. They provide safe and nurturing spaces where artists can develop and share new work while building networks and community with one another.
film
independant
MEMBER
Film Independent is a non-profit arts organization that champions the independent filmmaker.
WOMEN
IN
FILM
MEMBER
Women In Film (WIF) is a non-profit organization that advocates for and advances the careers of women working in the screen industries – to achieve parity and transform culture. Founded in 1973, WIF provides members with camaraderie, networking opportunities, educational programs, scholarships, grants, film finishing funds, access to employment opportunities and mentorships.
WOMEN
IN
MEDIA
MEMBER
ZEISS Cinematography Lenses grant winner.
Women In Media encourages gender balance in film and entertainment industries by providing networking, professional development, and advocacy for above and below the line women and the people who love making movies with them.
primetime
MEMBER
Primetime is a vetted visibility platform for all women working above and below the line behind the camera, campaigning for gender equality across every department in the Entertainment Industry.
society of
camera
operators
MEMBER
The Society Of Camera Operators was founded in 1979 under the name Society of Operating Cameramen. Its primary mission is to advance the art, craft and creative contribution of the camera operator in the motion picture and television industries.
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CINEMA-
TOGRaPHERS
FRIEND
The American Society of Cinematographers, founded in Hollywood in 1919, is a cultural, educational, and professional organization for cinematographers.
sporas
MEMBER
Sporas is a platform for cinematographers, directors, and film technicians of color.
PROJECTS
writing I directing //
Kimisha Renee Davis
--
writing I Directing reel
"The Next Endeavor"
JStar Motors x RAM Truck x Sony EDU
Writer I Director I Co Cinematographer
--
commercial
"The Discovery"
Snapchat Discovery x Refinery29
Director I Compositor
--
bRANDED CONTENT
"Flawless Feminist"
Beyoncé "Flawless" Kinetic Typography
Director I Compositor
--
ANIMATION
"Fake Smile"
Drama I Suspense
Writer I Director I Producer I Cinematographer
--
short film
"Abort"
Horror I Thriller
Writer I Director I Producer I Cinematographer
--
SHORT FILM
"Acid Rain"
Science Fiction I Drama
Writer I Director I Producer I Cinematographer
--
short film
in DEVELOPMENT
I am in development on a feature film
and television series, as well as a
graphic novel and video game.
Password protected portfolio available by request.
FILM PRODUCTION //
EXPERIENCE
Misc Film Crew Positions
--
Past PROJECTS
Narrative Short Film: "Big Bear Tale", Sponsored by Arri, Writer/Director: Vadym Medvediuk, Cinematographer: Halyna Hutchins.
2nd Assistant Camera
Commercial: "Frame.io", Writers/Directors: Michael Cioni and Vince Masciale, Cinematographer: Alissa Rooney.
Production Assistant
Commercial: "Cinderella x Mercedes Benz", Sony Pictures, Writer/Director: Christina Notarmuzi, Cinematographer: Janine Sides.
2nd Assistant Camera
Narrative Short Film: "Good Timing", Writer/Director: Eric Wang-Schwager, Cinematographer: Rayana Rasamee.
Best Girl Electric
Narrative Short Film: "Blur", Writer/Director: DK Greenley, Cinematographer: Ali Ivosevich.
2nd Assistant Camera
Narrative Short Film: "Triggers", Writer/Director: Menu'ette Silver, Cinematographer: Allison A. Waite.
Swing: Best Girl Electric/Grip
Narrative Short Film: "Orpheus Star", Writer/Director: Donn Swaby, Cinematographer: Crystal Kelley.
Best Girl Electric
Narrative Short Film: "Christian Love", Writer/Director: Reverend, Cinematographer: Cricket Peters.
Gaffer
Narrative Short Film: "Bare", Writer/Director: Ciera Dunbar, Cinematographer: Erin Wesley.
Best Girl Electric
Narrative Short Film: "HBA", Writer/Director: Steven Shaw, ASC, DGA, Cinematographer: Roy Wagner, ASC.
Camera Utility
Feature Film Trailer: "ID", Writer/Director: Lorenzo Mendoza, Cinematographer: Henry Yin.
2nd Assistant Camera
Commercial: "AUDI x AFI" PSA, Writer/Director: Natalie Camou, Cinematographer: Erin G. Wesley.
1st Assistant Camera
Narrative Short Film: "Psychicologist", Writer/Director: Annika Hylmo, Cinematographer: Geoff Schaaf.
Gaffer/Key Grip
Narrative Short Film: "Birthday", Writer/Director: Henry Fong, Cinematographer: Ethan Xie.
1st Assistant Director
Narrative Short Film: "Cherry Lemonade", Sponsored by Women in Media, Writer/Director: Aisha Ford, Cinematographer: Angelia Sciulli.
2nd Assistant Camera
Music Video: "Take Your Time" by Charlyne Yi, Director: Nick Rasmussen, Cinematographer: Sandra Valde.
Swing: Electric/Camera Department
Documentary Series: "The Asian Americans", PBS, Director: Renee Tajima-Peña, Cinematographer: Sandra Valde.
1st Assistant Camera
Narrative Short Film: "Audition Night", Writer/Director: Chiu Hei Lai, Cinematographer: Yasser Zhang.
1st Assistant Camera
Narrative Short Film: "Trails", Writer/Director: Jeanine Frost, Cinematographer: Erin G. Wesley.
2nd 2nd Assistant Camera
Narrative Short Film: "Foto Album", Writer/Director: Kaylee Bao, Cinematographer: Yasser Zhang.
1st Assistant Camera
Narrative Short Film: "They Won't Last", Writer/Director: Portlynn Tagavi, Cinematographer: Delaney O'Brien.
Camera Production Assistant
Commercial: "Project Maple", Disney, Cinematographer: Adam Leisure, 1st AC: Joe Gunawan.
Camera Prep Tech/Camera Production Assistant
Music Video: "Insomnia" by Daya, Cinematographer: Eli Ronen Arenson, 1st AC: Joe Gunawan.
Camera Prep Tech/Camera Production Assistant
Narrative Short Film: "Imprisoned Mirror", Writer/Director: Joel Aaron, Cinematographer: Cong Zhou.
1st Assistant Camera
Narrative Feature Film: "Pearl", Writer/Director: Bobby Roth, Cinematographer: Chris Burns, Cinematographer Consultant: John Bartley.
1st Assistant Camera
Narrative Short Film: "Man in the Mirror", Writer/Director: Cero Smith, Cinematographer: Yasser Zhang.
1st Assistant Camera
Narrative Short Film: "American Dream", Writer/Director: Carmen Bartolome, Cinematographer: Jerome Bayliss.
1st Assistant Camera
Narrative Short Film: "BJourne Vs Blond", Director: Anna Sambrooks, Cinematographer: Brett Juskalian.
2nd Assistant Camera
Narrative TV Show: "Mars Thr3e", Writer/Director: Caryn Drake Cinematographer: Carrie Morgan.
2nd Assistant Camera
Narrative Short Film: "Changing Lanes", Writer: Kate Sargeant, Director: Ashleigh Nichols, Cinematographer: Carrie Morgan.
2nd Assistant Camera
Narrative Feature Film: "Los Angeles", Writer/Director: Mitch Temple, Cinematographer: John Paul DeFazio.
2nd Assistant Camera
Narrative Feature Film: "Donnybrook", IFC Films, Writer/Director: Tim Sutton, Cinematographer: David Ungaro.
Cast Assistant
Documentary Series: "Woman Camp", Director: Kristen Roark.
Utility Sound Technician/Boom Operator/2nd Assistant Camera
Narrative Feature Film: "Reprisal", Lionsgate, Writer: Bryce Hammons, Director: Brian A. Miller, Cinematographer: Peter Holland.
Camera Production Assistant
Music Videos: "Piangete" and "Vous Gentilles" by Catacoustic Consorts, Director/Cinematographer: Melissa Godoy.
Camera Operator
Narrative Feature Film: "The Old Man and the Gun", Fox Searchlight Pictures, Writer/Director: David Lowery, Cinematographer: Joe Anderson.
Camera Production Assistant
Visit my LinkedIn to view my professional experience portfolio!
activism
.
.
Female Film Collective is a women based filmmaking community. I created it to empower Black and BIPOC female filmmakers. I share the latest of filmmaking industry news and events, and I highlight the best of emerging and established BIPOC women in film.
I have a leadership role as the founder. What I have learned while creating this non profit, is that: BIPOC female filmmakers need a voice and representation in the entertainment industry, now more than ever.
At FFC, I tell meaningful stories through a powerful women empowered message. I write, produce, and curate forward thinking, socially relevant, photo and video content across social media platforms. Additionally, I create workshops, seminars, and educational events for underrepresented female filmmakers.
My vision for what Female Film Collective can be, is blossoming. I am hoping to collaborate with like minded creatives who want to see it come to life. My dream is to expand internationally.
If you would like to contribute to Female Film Collective please email me at femalefilmcollective@gmail.com.
Kimisha Renee Davis
PRESS
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accounts
My handle is @iamkimisharenee. I love sharing my filmmaking, personal life, and activism adventures.
I am the founder of @femalefilmcollective. I create and curate impactful content that empowers Black and BIPOC women filmmakers!
Additionally, I'm into keeping a healthy mind, body, and spirit. I go hiking, I'm empowered to practice yoga, and I live a vegan lifestyle. Check me out on my vegan blog, @enlivenedvegan.
GALLERY
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RECOGNITION
the future of themed experiences
WINNER
I am a winner of The Future of Themed Experiences competition, sponsored by USC and judged by senior entertainment executives from: Marvel, The Walt Disney Studios, Epic Games, Prime Video and Amazon Studios, Dolby Laboratories, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros Discovery, and Iron Mountain Entertainment Services.
national association
for the advancement of colored people
N-SPIRE SCHOLARSHIP
2021, I was awarded the NAACP
N-SPIRE Scholarship to attend USC.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is a civil rights organization in the United States, formed in 1909 as an interracial endeavor to advance justice for African Americans by a group including W. E. B. Du Bois, Mary White Ovington, Moorfield Storey and Ida B. Wells.
University of southern california
DIRECTING I SCREENWRITING
I am a film student in the Film and Television Production division at the School of Cinematic Arts. I was awarded the USC Grant and the FAO Scholarship to attend SCA. Fight on!
Respectability entertainment lab
DIRECTING FELLOW
In 2021, I was chosen as a Directing Fellow, for the Respectability Entertainment Lab, sponsored by: The Walt Disney Company, Sony Pictures Entertainment, NBCUniversal, ViacomCBS, A&E, Final Draft, The Harnisch Foundation, the Murray/Reese Foundation, and the Pop Culture Collaborative.
AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE
DIRECTING WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN: THE INTERCHANGE
2021, I was invited to attend American Film Institute's Directing Workshop for Women: The Interchange.
sundance
INSTITUTE
SUNDANCE INSTITUTE COLLAB SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
In 2020, I was selected as a Sundance Institute Collab Directing Fellow. I took Directing: Visual Storytelling.
Sundance Institute supports and champions independent artists because they believe their stories and perspectives are essential to a thriving, informed and connected society. They provide safe and nurturing spaces where artists can develop and share new work while building networks and community with one another.
maine media workshops
SLED GRANT RECIPIENT
I received a SLED Grant to attend the Lighting for Film and Television Maine Media Workshop in 2020.
Maine Media Workshops + College is recognized as one of the world’s leading centers of creative learning for filmmaking, photography, writing, and book arts and design. Their degree and professional certificate programs are defining media arts education for the 21st Century.
zeiss cinematography lenses
ZEISS GRANT WINNER
In 2020, I received a grant from ZEISS Cinematography Lenses through Women in Media.
ZEISS Cinematography Lenses offer you the performance with a wide range of focal lengths in twelve different lens families each tailored for your needs.
Women In Media encourages gender balance in film and entertainment industries by providing networking, professional development, and advocacy for above and below the line women and the people who love making movies with them.
ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN
ACCD SCHOLARSHIPS
I was awarded the:
- Art Center Scholarship
- H B Edwards Endowed Scholarship
- Joseph and Rebecca Lacko Scholarship
- Ray Charles Fund Minority Scholarship
to attend Art Center College of Design, where I majored in cinematography and minored in directing.
sony edu
SONY VENICE PARTICIPANT
I was selected to participate in Sony EDU in 2019. I was invited into the exclusive Sony Venice camera track.
panavision
OPERATIONS
In 2019, I was promoted from Operations Intern to employee.
AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE
CINEMATOGRAPHY INTENSIVE FOR WOMEN
I was selected as a 2019 participant to attend the Cinematography Intensive for Women at American Film Institute. I received a certificate. The AFI CIW was sponsored by Panavision and RED Digital Cinema.
ANTON BAUER
'A RISING STAR IN CINEMATOGRAPHY'
I was named 'A Rising Star in Cinematography' by Anton Bauer in 2019.
cincinnati state
SUMMA CUM LAUDE, 4.0 GPA
I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 in audio and video production at Cincinnati State in 2017.
COLLEGE MOVIE FEST
SOUND DESIGNER
In 2017, my contribution won runner up at College Movie Fest.
COTTON INC.
INNOVATION AWARD
I won first place in an Innovation competition, from Cotton Inc. in 2008. This was when I majored in fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN SOCIETY
1ST PLACE MONOLOUGE
In 2004, I won first place for my acting performance at the International Thespian Society's national competition.
SCHOOL FOR CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS
VOCAL MUSIC AWARDS
From 2001-2007 I triple majored in acting, vocal music, and musical theatre at S.C.P.A. I received awards singing with the choir, Chorale, and the female a capella group Baby Grands.
CONTACT
I am looking forward to making a positive contribution!
For bookings, collaborations, and sponsorships, please contact my team below via email!
© 2023 by KIMISHA RENEE DAVIS.