Every story has a beginning—this one starts with DirectedXDave.
Two special agents are tracking a new name on the rise—a creative force making noise behind the camera. His style? Bold. His vision? Unfiltered. His “crimes”? Directing fire content and getting ready to make a debut to YouTube.
In this cinematic short, the agents dig into my story, my work, and why I’m officially on their radar. Spoiler alert: I’m here now. And I’m just getting started.
🕵️‍♂️ This is The Watchlist Part 1—a playful but powerful introduction to who I am and what’s coming.
If you’re into storytelling, filmmaking, or just want to watch the journey from the very beginning—
🔔 Subscribe now and join me for everything that’s coming next.
Directed by: Me, @directedxdave
Production Company: @filmyoufamily
DP: @drewmitchelldop
Cam Op: @kingdomlensproductions
AC: @89kings
Sound Mixer: @professorxsound
BTS: @grace.renay
#DirectorDave #TheWatchlist #ShortFilm #YouTubeDebut #CreativeOnTheRise #FilmYouFamily
Working through some camera tests for a feature in development.
The goal here was to see how close I could get to an orthochromatic film feel using a digital workflow—especially for scenes that may be harder to shoot on film practically, whether because of length, scale, or logistics.
This round was focused on how light, motion, and skin tones respond under different strengths of blue correction gels, along with lens character.
Tested NiSi Athena lenses for a cleaner modern look, and Canon FD glass for something with a little more texture and personality. These frames are from the 50mm tests.
So far I’m liking the 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 strengths, but still exploring and planning to keep pushing it further.
I like treating prep as part of the creative process. The more questions you answer early, the more freedom you have later.
Curious if any cinematographers or filmmakers here have found approaches they like when chasing film response digitally.
#cinematography #filmmaking #director #dop #filmlook camera indiefilm colorgrading cinema
Since 2016, we’ve been chasing the feeling before we had the language for it.
Long nights and the kind of belief that keeps you creating before anyone is watching.
In 2018, we reshaped the identity and kept building.
Every project sharpened the vision. Every challenge refined the craft.
Now, Dissonant Pictures steps forward with deeper intention, clearer perspective, and a higher standard for what we create and who we create it with.
To the artists with something to say.
To the brands ready to be felt, not just seen.
To the agencies looking for partners who care about story as much as execution.
To the filmmakers and creatives building the future with us.
We’re here to make work that lasts.
Built in Atlanta. Made for the masses.
The next chapter is already in motion. 🎬
I’ve been sitting on a lot of work. Some of it couldn’t be shared yet, some of it I didn’t share because I was busy getting better.
This piece is from 2024. I’ve definitely grown since then, but I’m learning to stop letting perfection turn into hesitation. The work still matters. The process still matters. And sharing is part of the growth too.
I’m making a point this year to show more of what I’m capable of and stay out of my own head.
If you’re a director, model, actor, writer, producer, or musician with a dope idea, let’s build something.
@jayyy.moee for @officialunveilher
Producer: @kaykay_watts
Director: @thegeraldmcclain3rd
DP/Color: 🙋🏾‍♂️
Stills: @grace.renay
BTS: @kingdomlensproductions
MUA/Model: @jayyy.moee
#cinematography #musicvideography #commercialcinematography #visualstorytelling #filmmakersofinstagram
A few weeks back I was sitting behind the monitor, not fully realizing how far this thing had already gone.
What started as a short film idea between friends turned into a full indie feature — bigger team, more departments, tighter windows, higher stakes. A lot of lessons. A lot of moments that reminded me why I love doing this.
Today Damsel officially hits picture lock and heads to sound, color, and music. I’m excited to see the rest of the story come alive through those final lenses.
This has been the biggest project I’ve ever been part of. Huge gratitude to my directing and producing partners @directxdave & @89kings for trusting me and riding this journey all the way through.
As this chapter closes, the next one is already being built — scripts moving, conversations happening.
Grateful for what 2025 stretched out of me. Stepping into 2026 already in motion, gearing up for something even bigger.
This is just the beginning.
BTS stills📸: @leakedmoments
#IndieFilm #FeatureFilm #FilmmakersOfInstagram
ENGAGED💍✨
It’s not everyday that you get to fall in love with your best friend. We’re excited for this next chapter…#MeetTheMitchells #2025 #comingsoon 🖤
📸: @bookthekodak
BTS from a proof-of-concept short we’re using to pitch a larger story to studios and producers.
It’s about a crew who steal moments — and flip them on the black market. Nolan, Villeneuve, Ridley Scott energy.
I wanted the visuals to feel like a shift in time and space. Shot grounded scenes on Leica R glass, then switched to Vazen anamorphics for the surreal, spiritual, and sci-fi sequences — letting the format change cue the audience emotionally.
We shot on the RED V-RAPTOR in 8K. The VistaVision sensor gave us that wide, cinematic feel and the low-light flexibility to shoot wide open on imperfect glass and still leave room for VFX.
Most of the lighting was motivated and natural, but when it came time to heighten the emotion — we leaned in. Euphoria-style.
One of the biggest challenges? Our lead actor got into a car accident the day of the shoot. Time was cut way down — but we pivoted fast and made it work without sacrificing the story.
🎥 DP + Cam Op on this. Based in ATL, open to collabs anywhere. Narrative is the priority, but I’m down for select branded/commercial work that actually moves the needle.
📽️ DP: @drewmitchelldop
Gaffer: @adventure1atlanta@sonsoflightningatl
Gimbal: @aboveonlyfilms
1st AC: @calebsouth_@_mrfocus
Writer / Co-Director: @89kings
Co-Director: @directedxdave
AD: @iamarielsutton
2cnd AD @chelsea_rae328
Talent: @kadeemisaiah@thebrittanydwilliams@themichaelmau
BTS: @deborahdepicted@shottiepippen@designerjov
PA: @grace.renay@argxoxo@rediet._abera
#ProofOfConcept #NarrativeFilm #dp #dop #directorofphotography #cinematographer #redvraptor #vazenanamorphic #leicar #vistavision #setlife #cinematography #scififilm #euphorialighting #filmproduction #atlantafilmmaker #shortfilm #filmmakingcommunity #indiefilm
