Today we’d like to introduce you to Kamiko Adcock
Hi Kamiko, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started seven years ago when I was a senior at BYU and me and my buddy, Tanner LeBaron, were going to the movies a ton. We had been talking about starting a YouTube channel as an outlet to express our love for film, but then a buddy of ours had just started podcasting, so we figured that would be an easier way to dive into talking about movies. So in May 2018, we started our movie podcast, Sweet Film Talk, and are still publishing episodes, every Monday, to this day.
After graduating BYU in 2018, I got married, moved to Arkansas, and started a job as a data analyst for a company that tested all of Walmart’s non-consumable products. I hated it. Everyday I did the same thing and worked in the most stereotypical office setting you can imagine. The only thing that kept me going were my daydreams of doing something with movies. I had no connections to film, so I just started making them through the podcast. We interviewed local filmmakers, built a following, got reached out to interview rising stars, and continued cultivating the audience and connections we made. Eventually, in 2020, I had built up enough confidence to quit my job as an analyst and pursue filmmaking full time. Specifically, I wanted to build a single-screen, independent movie theater in downtown Provo. I spent about a year working and figuring out the film landscape, and when I moved back to Utah with my wife, Bekki, I got a job producing ads for a local ad company. It was my film school and taught me everything I know today. It’s also where I met so many frequent collaborators and best friends.
The ad company was great, but I knew I needed to be doing more. I was actually in therapy and told my therapist, “I think it would be cool to teach, but maybe later after I’ve made movies and stuff.” Their response was simple, “Do it now.” So I went home and the Copper Hills video teacher position was posted that very day. It was very serendipitous. Being a teacher has been a big motivator for me because I try to live by example, so if I’m a video teacher and I’m not making videos, then what kind of teacher am I? I’ve made quite a few shorts, commercials, and features all while juggling my time as a teacher. Some of those shorts have taken me to the Cannes Film Festival. Others have won awards and even premiered at the TCL Chinese Theatre as part of the Oscar-Qualifying film festival, HollyShorts. I’m also proud of my students who have written, directed, produced, and edited a feature film each year that I have taught, all having multiple theatrical screenings and distribution. I believe in the power of filmmaking because it teaches one how to be a problem solver and critical thinker–two skills that are essential for kids to learn at such pivotal times of their development.
So that’s where I am today. I produce movies. I teach filmmaking. And most recently, I am part of the team that is bringing a single-screen independent theater to Provo Center Street. All the consistent work is paying off and I’m super excited to see what the future holds
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Man, when I think about it, it feels smooth, but I know there have been bumps along the way. As you overcome the bumps, you learn how to avoid them in the future and you keep making less and less mistakes. I’m super fortunate to have an incredible partner, Bekki Brau, who has offered unconditional support during my whole journey. I quit my job and we lived off her student stipend for about a year while I kept grinding to figure out my way. I think what has helped the journey feel smooth is having wonderful people around me at every turn. Family and friends have been everything.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a film producer which means I get my hands dirty to make sure that a movie can get made. I take the vision of the director and do everything to make sure that their vision can come to life. Budgeting, permits, phone calls, negotiations, if no one wants to do it, I’m your man. Because I have a background in Economics and analytics, I love developing budgets and organizing the spending.
I am known for being a good energy on set. As a producer, I always want to make sure that set is running smoothly, but most importantly, you’re around people for 12-16 hours a day. You don’t want to be around someone who’s boring or has a bad attitude, so I love making sure people feel comfortable, happy, and included when I’m on set. I’d rather work with someone who has a good attitude, wants to learn, but might not be as talented as someone else than someone who’s super talented and has a bad attitude.
I am most proud of my passion and seeing that passion be passed on to my film students. My passion for filmmaking and bringing ideas to reality is what has gotten me as far as I have. Additionally, I am incredibly proud of the short films I have made that have screened at the Cannes Film Festival as part of their Short Film Corner and another that played at the Oscar-Qualifying, HollyShorts in LA at the Chinese Theatre.
What sets me apart is my ability to form connections. I love to know peoples’ names and something about them. Connection is essential to a good team and making sure everyone feels welcome and included. Learning about people has introduced me to so many different interests that have helped me to connect to other people. Another thing that sets me apart is my commitment. There have been many people who have told me they would help me with projects in the past, but they would eventually drop out. I strive to agree to projects and commit to them from beginning to end.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I would say that most of my favorite childhood memories revolve around going to the movies. My first theatrical experience was seeing Star Wars: A New Hope in movie theaters with my mom. It felt so real and that theatrical magic still lives in me to this day. I’ll always remember the numerous times where I saved my money to take one of my parents to a movie I was super excited to see. I’d pay for our tickets and concessions and make them sit through another Pokemon movie or some other kiddie film I was interested in. It was a great nap time for my parents.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamikohookano/
- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sweet-film-talk/id1387703133
