KD DAVISON
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Professional documentary film director, producer & editor with 20 years of experience in devising successful media strategies. Meticulous in managing and carrying out special events and screenings, coordinating with community and nonprofit organizations for the greatest social impact. Highly adept in creative direction, development, grant writing, and marketing materials.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications Consultant
The Art of Elysium
LA
01.2014 - 01.2024
- Collaborated with teams to define, strategize, and implement marketing and web strategies. Expanded digital presence, built and managed website.
Director, Producer
Kunhardt Films
New York
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Venice International Film Festival, Winner Best Documentary on Cinema
- DOC NYC, Winner Metropolis Grand Jury Award
- Celebrated in The New York Times prior to the film's Amazon Prime release.
- Attached production company, financing and key creatives.
- Developed & managed creative, production, post, and delivery, including project budgets and costs.
- Observed tight deadlines and strict budgetary controls to avoid waste and streamline costs.
- Worked closely with international distributor, Dogwoof. Organized screenings and marketing in the lead up to release.
Director
HBO
New York
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Released on HBO with screenings across the United States, featuring Pulitzer-prize winning historian, Jon Meacham, and luminaries like John Lewis and George Takei
- Adapted for screen from a book. Researched and booked interviews.
- Developed schedules for production, editing, and timely delivery. Managed production through all stages to completion.
- Observed tight deadlines and strict budgetary controls to avoid waste and streamline costs.
- Developed accompanying school curriculum used in 5 school districts.
Co-Director
Get Lifted Film Company
Los Angeles
01.2015 - 01.2017
- A feature documentary made in tandem with John Legend's #FreeAmerica campaign to help shift public discourse around mass incarceration. The film highlighted the work of organizations like the Equal Justice Initiative and A New Way of Life.
- Researched and booked interviews. Worked closely with highlighted organizations for social impact.
- Worked in supported of social impact agencies to develop impact campaign.
Director, Editor
Pharrell Williams & i am OTHER
Los Angeles
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Developed, shot and edited social content and short documentaries for Pharrell Williams & i am OTHER.
- Social campaigns supported nonprofit work like his collaboration with the United Nations International Happiness Day.
Director
Commercial & Branded Content
LA & NYC
01.2005 - 01.2017
- Directed 30 + commercials, short documentaries, and music videos for various brands and artists.
- Achieved recognition with 4 award-winning PSAs for prominent organizations; Women in Film, the Epilepsy Foundation, and Share Your Heart LA.
- Produced and directed PSA's & short documentaries for 15+ organizations & campaigns including the River Phoenix Center for Peace, California's Prop 47, California's Prop 37, the UN's Child Soldier initiative, and the Bernie Sanders Campaign.
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
Education
BA - Political Science
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJSkills
- AVID
- Adobe Creative Suite, Premiere & InDesign
- Squarespace, Design & Web content management
- Messaging development and advertising
- Grant & Proposal writing, Internal communications, Creative development
Websites
Accomplishments
- Won 2 prestigious film awards, including Best Documentary on Cinema in Venice
- 40 national & international screenings, including at the National Gallery of Art. Recently served as a documentary jurist at the Torino Film Festival.
- Feature & short form content has reached millions
- Expanded digital reach by 30% for nonprofit organizations
- Coordinated artist events, engaging notable attendees
Timeline
Director, Producer
Kunhardt Films
01.2020 - 01.2023
Director
HBO
01.2018 - 01.2020
Co-Director
Get Lifted Film Company
01.2015 - 01.2017
Communications Consultant
The Art of Elysium
01.2014 - 01.2024
Director, Editor
Pharrell Williams & i am OTHER
01.2012 - 01.2017
Director
Commercial & Branded Content
01.2005 - 01.2017
BA - Political Science
Rutgers University
Personal Information
Title: Documentary Film Director, Producer & Editor