For many aspiring filmmakers, the journey begins with a single spark—a moment when the magic of cinema makes them want to step behind the camera. For Keyon Smith, that moment came courtesy of *Star Wars*. The sweeping visuals, intricate storytelling, and immersive worlds ignited a fascination that eventually led him to pursue hands-on experience in video editing and production. That path brought him to an internship at Uno Deuce, a Lansing-based video production company that gave him the chance to turn his passion into real-world skills.

—
A Star Wars Spark

Keyon’s interest in filmmaking didn’t develop overnight. Watching *Star Wars* planted the seed, but it was his academic advisor who pointed him toward his first real opportunity. In December 2024, right before the fall semester ended, that advisor introduced him to Uno Deuce—an internship that promised not only technical training but also a deeper understanding of the entire video production process.

“I was seeking an opportunity to expand my skills into video editing and hopefully video production,” Keyon recalls. His goal was simple yet ambitious: learn every part of the process so he could tell stories with both accuracy and creativity.

—

Why Learning Every Piece Matters

For Keyon, filmmaking isn’t just about capturing beautiful shots—it’s about understanding every detail that contributes to the final story. Whether it’s the positioning of a camera, the pacing of an edit, or the tone set by color grading, each decision plays a role in shaping the viewer’s experience.

“As someone who wants to be a future film director, I would need to know every area of the industry just to make sure that the story is accurate,” he explains.

This philosophy guided his approach throughout the internship. He didn’t just want to edit footage—he wanted to plan shoots, adjust lighting, capture clean audio, and understand how all those elements work together.

—

Watching Movies Like a Director

Keyon approaches films as both a fan and a student. He watches and rewatches scenes to analyze camera angles, lighting choices, and audio design. Sometimes he imagines how he would change a scene to make it even stronger.

His method is straightforward:

First viewing: Follow the story.
Second viewing: Study the camera work and cinematography.
Third viewing: Focus on audio, dialogue delivery, and background sound.
Final viewing: Consider color grading, lighting, and visual tone.

By breaking down films in this way, Keyon learns from the masters while developing his own creative instincts.

—

Building a Full Toolkit

At Uno Deuce, Keyon’s hands-on learning covered all stages of production.
Pre-Production

* Brainstorming ideas and scripts
* Storyboarding to map out visuals
* Planning gear and locations

Production

* Setting up cameras and lighting
* Capturing clean, clear audio
* Assisting with directing on set

Post-Production

* Editing footage in Final Cut Pro
* Trimming clips for flow and pacing
* Applying basic color grading
* Layering music and sound effects

Final Cut Pro quickly became one of his favorite tools, and he was surprised at how intuitive it felt. “It’s a pretty easy platform to use when it comes to video editing,” he says. The drag-and-drop interface, preset transitions, and fast rendering allowed him to focus on storytelling rather than struggling with technical barriers.

—

The Art of Storyboarding and Writing

Keyon also discovered the power of storyboarding and scriptwriting during his internship. Even a rough storyboard—stick figures and arrows—helps a production team stay on the same page. It clarifies movement, camera positioning, and the pacing of scenes before filming begins.

“Just kind of like drawing a storyboard and planning out what the story is going to look like, trying to demonstrate the visuals and whatever’s going on in between,” he says, describing how he approaches the pre-production phase.

—

Lessons Learned at Uno Deuce

Working at a smaller production company offered Keyon something invaluable—variety. Instead of being locked into a single role, he bounced between tasks, gaining a broader perspective of the industry. He encourages other aspiring filmmakers to seek out similar environments.

“Uno Deuce is an awesome opportunity if you’re trying to get your foot in the door. If you’re trying to gain experience, this would be a way for you to expand yourself in this realm,” he says.

Key takeaways from his internship:

* **Say yes to new tasks.** Every challenge is a learning opportunity.
* **Work with what you have.** Creativity often beats expensive equipment.
* **Accept feedback.** It’s how skills improve.
* **Stay curious.** Inspiration can come from anywhere—movies, short videos, or even commercials.

—

Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

Keyon believes that anyone interested in video production should start small but start now:

1. **Watch movies as a student.** Study how they’re made, not just what happens.
2. **Experiment with editing software.** Try free tools like DaVinci Resolve or iMovie before investing in paid programs.
3. **Storyboard your ideas.** Even simple sketches help bring concepts to life.
4. **Seek mentorship.** An experienced guide can open doors and offer perspective.
5. **Jump in early.** The sooner you start, the more you’ll learn.

—

Looking Ahead

Keyon’s journey is far from over. While his time at Uno Deuce has given him a strong foundation, he knows there’s always more to learn. Whether he ends up directing indie projects, working on documentaries, or contributing to the next big blockbuster, the lessons he’s gained will shape every frame he creates.

For now, his story is proof that passion, curiosity, and a willingness to try new things can turn a dream into a concrete career path. As he puts it, “If you’re trying to gain experience, this is the way to expand yourself.”

—

If you’re thinking about entering the world of video production, take a page from Keyon Smith’s playbook: stay curious, learn every part of the process, and don’t be afraid to step into new roles. Like the movies that inspired him, your creative journey could take you anywhere.

—

Nubian, a vibrant small business rooted in cultural pride and community spirit, has captured the spotlight by winning the *Small Business Superstar Video of the Year* at the prestigious Deucey Awards. Led by founder Rihab Musa, Nubian is more than a store—it’s a living celebration of African heritage, unity, and joy.

The name “Nubian” holds deep personal significance for Rihab, as it honors her roots in the Nubian tribe of Sudan. While the term is sometimes used casually, Rihab intends to educate and share the actual history, culture, and beauty of her heritage. From the moment customers step through the door, they’re welcomed into an experience that challenges stereotypes and celebrates Africa’s rich traditions.

Inside Nubian, visitors find a colorful mix of men’s and women’s clothing that blends traditional African designs with modern style, joyful children’s apparel, unique pet accessories, handcrafted jewelry, and all-natural skincare products. Every item is carefully chosen, representing not just craftsmanship, but a story.

This commitment to cultural representation took center stage during Nubian’s recent “Threads of Unity” event, held just one week before Election Day. At a time often marked by division, Rihab brought together community members—including state workers who modeled in the show—to symbolize harmony and togetherness. The event was a vibrant display of fashion, music, and shared connection.

Capturing the heart of this event was the award-winning video that earned Nubian the Deucey Award. Produced with exceptional quality and attention to detail, the video allowed Rihab to see moments she missed while working behind the scenes. It captured not only the fashion on display but also the smiles, reactions, and spirit of unity in the room.

For Rihab, the recognition was both unexpected and deeply meaningful. “Just being nominated was thrilling enough,” she shared, “but winning—it’s an honor I didn’t expect.” The award validated her mission, energized her team, and set a new standard for how Nubian will tell its story going forward.

The impact of the video extended far beyond the awards ceremony. It brought new followers to Nubian’s social media, increased store traffic, and provided a blueprint for future events. By showing what resonates with her audience, Rihab can continue to craft experiences that inspire, connect, and educate.

Behind the success was a seamless collaboration with the production team, which Rihab described as “10 out of 10—phenomenal.” Their ability to capture her vision without needing adjustments or reshoots made the final product even more rewarding.

Looking ahead, Rihab is determined to raise the bar. “Now I can’t expect anything less,” she said. Each event, each product, and each story shared will continue to embody the joy, artistry, and authenticity that define Nubian.

Nubian’s journey is a reminder that when business is rooted in passion, culture, and community, recognition follows naturally. For Rihab, the Deucey Award is not just a trophy—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when heritage and creativity meet with purpose.

To connect with Nubian or explore its latest offerings, email **nubianjewelrymail.com**.

Innovate State: Boldly Becoming Your Best Self, hosted by the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation on Oct. 24, 2024, at Michigan State University, featured Charmaine Brown, CEO & Founder of Connextions Consulting, Inc & Simply Living Me, LLC.