Chicago native Karon Hamlet didn’t know it at the time, but a high school job at a local video store would soon change the trajectory of her life.
Already an avid tv and film lover, that chance high school job would open her eyes to all of the possibilities of the world of filmmaking and storytelling. After graduating from Kenwood Academy, Karon earned her Bachelors from the University of Illinois and her Masters at UIC. Her professional career has seen her holding various production positions at Fox, Sony, and CBS, among others.
In 2004 Hamlet created her company, Visions Blu Institute. Originally conceived as the Visions Blu Film Symposium, the 501(c)3 organization is focused on changing the pervasive negative narrative of minority communities. The company envisions empowered communities of color spreading unique inspiration through media and strives to help develop content creators amongst people of color, encouraging more powerful and accurate narratives. In 2019, Visions Blu Productions LLC was established to create and carefully curate multi-media content that showcases the vast experiences of people of color.
Vision Blu’s latest venture is the upcoming Short Films Shine showcase and live comedy fundraiser. Hosted by popular comedian Jay Deep, the event will feature films produced, written, or directed by a person of color from the city of Chicago. The action-packed night will also include an exclusive screening of Hamlet’s own short film, The Nell, a nostalgic film that takes us back to a simpler time in the 1980s before the internet.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the multi-talented writer, director, and producer to learn more about her background, the mission of Visions Blu, and who are some of the Black women in tv and film that inspired her.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Karon Hamlet?
Karon Hamlet: I am a Black woman in America. That says a lot all by itself. I was raised to be kind, be the best at whatever I chose to do in life, try whatever I desired, and be independent. Through the years, I’ve learned to go for all the goals I set for myself, despite the opinion of others, and be authentically me at all times.
How did you discover your love for media and filmmaking?
I worked at a video store while attending Kenwood Academy. Employees were allowed to check out six videos per night. After completing my homework, I would check out the maximum and watch all kinds of movies. I loved how films created different kinds of worlds in the stories that were told. The biggest television media influence on me was The Cosby Show and A Different World. Those shows changed how I saw stories about Black people. That’s when I learned the power of representation in television and media in general regarding my generation.
What is the Visions Blu Institute and its origin?
Visions Blu Institute is a 501c3 non-profit organization born out of a need I saw. In 2002 there weren’t many outlets in Chicago targeting people of color that provided information from industry professionals about the behind-the-scenes of the television and film industry. In addition, the existing outlets didn’t include many industry professionals of color in their panel discussions. I was interested in learning more and others expressed an interest as well. So, I started a non-profit and created the Visions Blu Film Symposium. That symposium sparked an interest that I had not witnessed before in Chicago. Panelists included people who started their careers in Chicago, such as George Tillman, Robert Teitel, Carl Seaton, and Phil James. Unfortunately, I allowed negative people to influence how much I did or didn’t do with Visions Blu. But time and hard lessons taught me to move to my own flow. Visions Blu is back on track now. I’ve also started a production venture, Visions Blu Productions LLC.
Can you speak to the importance of people of color becoming filmmakers and content creators regarding changing some of the negative narratives perpetuated throughout the years?
I believe you can’t change the game unless you play. If people of color want to see themselves portrayed in a more positive light or authentically, people of color must be involved in creating and influencing the narratives. Lots of people want to be in front of the cameras. However, there are so many roles behind the camera that have more power. The key is to tap into your skillset and work hard on your craft. Plus, learn the art of networking and building relationships. Our narratives are important. We must take an active role in allowing people of color to see themselves represented differently to influence our communities positively.
Please tell us about the upcoming Short Films Shine event and its purpose.
Our “Short Films Shine” event was created to showcase African American talent making their way into the film. Short films typically don’t get much attention from the general public. We want to shine a light on aspiring and already experienced filmmakers creating narratives representing people of color. The event will also include a live comedy show hosted by comedian extraordinaire Jay Deep. We’re providing the traditional movie-going audience with a different experience.
In addition to showcasing other creators and filmmakers at the event, your own short film, “The Nell,” will also be featured. Please give us a little insight into your film.
“The Nell” is a coming-of-age film. It’s based in the 1980s, prior to the start of social media and before cell phones dominated how people communicated with each other. We are taking people back to a time when youth played outside, knew their neighbors, and looked out for each other. We hope that people will leave the theater with nostalgic memories and the sense of community that existed during that time.
When it’s all said and done, what is the mark you want to have left on people, or what will you want them to remember about you?
Some may remember me for being the person that helped them start their career. Some may remember me for the kindness that I showed them. If I could choose how people remembered me, it would be, “She always did her best to be her best self, and she made a positive impact with the organizations and the narrative world(s) she created.”
Can you name three of your favorite films or television series created by Black women?
Living Single – Yvette Lee Bowser
Eve’s Bayou – Kasi Lemmons
Love and Basketball – Gina Prince-Bythewood
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
People may be surprised to know I loved to skateboard when I was younger.
Best advice to aspiring actors and filmmakers?
My best advice to aspiring actors or filmmakers is to be hungry, practice your craft consistently, collaborate and be authentic. Whatever you choose to do, work your hardest to be the best at it.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
It’s you against you.
What’s next for Karon Hamlet and Visions Blu?
My individual goal is to write, direct and produce streaming, television, and film projects. Visions Blu Institute is building our team in order to increase programming, events, and our own content creation opportunities. We are also starting to build Visions Blu Productions LLC and its clientele.
For more information on Karon Hamlet and the Visions Blue Institute or the upcoming Short Films Shine event, please visit www.visionsblu.com
