Nicholas Kane is an artist and technician with a unique ability to fuse his talents to compose innovative and provocative film and video projects. His latest work is the cinematic music video he wrote, DP’d, directed and edited for dubstep DJ/producer Excision. The greatest part of this recent accomplishment is that it was his ultimate 5 year goal that he mapped out at the beginning of the program, and was able to achieve said goal within 2 years.

Working as both cinematographer, editor and director helps the end product, Nicholas believes, however he does not think one should work as all three on the same project which is something he had to do for a previous film project. Attention should be paid to one specific area so none of the aesthetics are compromised. “There’s only so much power coming out of the brain,” Nicholas says. “I was the writer, editor, and the DP and so much of my focus was on the story and getting the story right, so other areas were compromised. I wish I could have cloned myself.” Did knowing the technical skills help? “Definitely,” Nicholas replies, “if you have experience and knowledge it makes the end product better.” This knowledge and experience has made Nicholas a better filmmaker, as each time there is a project he works on he learns something new. “It definitely doesn’t inhibit you, but if you know from experience certain things won’t work you’ll save time, which can always help. Every time I work my knowledge grows exponentially, which is incredibly rewarding.” He explains.

Nicholas has been working on music videos since high school, where he attended Idyllwild Arts Academy and started shooting, directing and editing with friend and American Idol finalist Casey Abrams. Future plans include doing more music videos and eventually a production company, but for now since there’s so much work as a cinematographer he’s more focused on that. Producing a documentary is on the list as well, something he’s already pitched to Excision and his music camp which they are discussing.

When asked about his artist process, Nicholas mentions how he used to always visualize sequences and stories when he listened to music. It’s also a collaboration with the artist, so depends on their vision as well. However the main point is that it needs to be a good story. His favorite projects to work on are, “…the ones that involve many of my friends/co-workers because it allows a highly collaborative and laid-back environment, which I think all artists thrive in. We could be shooting for 18 hours straight and it never mattered because we shared some version of a vision that we were all very adamant to keep alive. Projects that require an intense visual or aesthetic aspect that force the crew to work outside their current limits always inspires me, thanks partially to my good friend Justin Bellow (LA Film grad) and his extremely ambitious visions he forced us through.”

Alum Nick Kane Directs Music Video for Dubstep DJ/Producer Excision