Kanya Iwana
Q What do you do?
“I’m the owner of ki studio, AKA Kanya and Friends Making Cool Sh*t.”
ki studio provides creative direction, filmmaking, and photography services. We create artworks from the fruition to execution, curating not just products but also experiences and relationships.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I received my degree in Performance & Theatre and continued my education in Filmmaking, where I learned so many aspects of it like Directing and Cinematography. Since then I’ve worked at a creative agency and started freelancing as an assistant and photographer. I created a lot, networked with a lot of people, and took major risks to get to where I am now.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Patience. I work in an industry that feeds into all about mass production and clout. It’s a lot about who you’re shooting versus how. I like to take my time, really connect with whom I’m working with - whether it’s a personal shoot or a big client, and hopefully create longer-lasting relationships.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m always working on balance. I’m working on growing the production house by locking in bigger clients, so we can have more time (and honestly, money) to work on our passion projects. This is a cycle that I’ve signed up for long term. On a more semi-substantial note, I’m currently writing and putting time into my narrative projects!
Q What’s your style?
For my photography, I always attempt to make my work look cinematic, romantic, and personal. When it comes to writing filmmaking, I’m so much more into a kooky, off tone -- whether it is found in the editing’s comedic timing, the framing, or cinematography.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Definitely my cinema work. It takes so much time, energy, and financial support to accomplish “my perfect film.” I wish I have an extra five hours to my day.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Getting paid on time! Guys, why is this such a problem!?
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Scheduling, work-related errands like picking up film from the lab or EQ rentals, and little office tasks like organizing my film archives. Simple, eh?
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Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Honestly, to take it easy, and that still pertains to now. I give myself such a hard time for not being as advanced as I’d like to be, forgetting how much learning I still need to do.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Passive f*cking income. I have so many ideas and need help executing in a strategic way economically.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Integrating narrative filmmaking into campaigns: i.e., let’s write up a script about your fragrance or this new concealer drop? I’m also looking into some documentary filmmaking on artists or brands I admire, i.e. filming your backstage rituals before your “first headline show”, etc.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
An ideal client would be down to collaborate but also trust my creative aesthetics and instincts. An ideal client would also provide a fair budget, so I can provide fair wages to my contractors. I like to work with people who are straight to the point, committed, thorough in their feedback, and pay me on time *wink*
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
I have a fantastic and trustworthy manager who keeps my books, Lucia, a superhero. Please e-mail her at lucia@rothmanandres.com.
For studio bookings, e-mail me k@kanyaiwana.com
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I take walks!
This member profile was originally published in February 2020, Updated July 2021.