Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Gray Bobino.
Hi Kelly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey in the film industry started around 1997. I was interning at the Dallas Fort Worth Film Commission as a production assistant under Roger Burke. This was around the time the original Walker Texas Ranger series was being filmed here. I learned a lot about being an office production assistant. My job was to read scripts, scout locations, and answer the phones. I had graduated from college, and I aspired to go to Los Angeles, but I was a single mom, so I went into the workforce.
Breaking ground in Texas was tough. I didn’t have any money, equipment, and I had very little knowledge on how the film business worked. I would read online trade magazines about film and hit the library with my kids checking out books by Alfred Hitchcock and Spike Lee.
After writing and producing Sweet Justice, I really wanted to learn the technical aspects of filmmaking. In 2009 I filed my taxes and got back 6500 dollars. I purchased a Canon XL1, IMAC computer, a DVD burner, and some software. I went downtown, filed my dba and went to the IRS, and got my EIN number. I was in business. I had a group of friends that were comedians and I started filming and editing their videos, but I put a spin on them they had behind-the-scenes and skits similar to what you see now on comedy shows, and that went over big with them.
The business here is fickle, so like most artists from this area, you have to have a full-time job to pay your bills. Right now, I’m teaching, and with that, I decided to return to school to get my MFA in Cinematic Arts. I finished in 2021 at the University of Texas at Arlington. Thank you to all my professors that pushed me to get better. Going back to school is challenging.
I spend a lot of hours mentoring and teaching as well.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey is never smooth in this industry. There are several bumps in the road. Balancing family and film is tough, shady distribution deals is tougher, but I believe these obstacles build character. There were many times when I had to choose, and I didn’t make the best choice, but you have to keep pushing the opportunity will come back around. I am passionate about film, so I will never quit.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a writer, producer, editor, and director I also dabble in casting and cinematography. I crew up as a director of photographer and shoot a short film every year as a personal challenge, so I am sharpening my skills. Directing actors and blocking are two skills that I need to practice often.
My body of work often symbolizes the struggle of the African American, focusing on women and children. Tati the Great my thesis documentary film was produced during Covid. Atatiana Jefferson was murdered before George Floyd by a white police officer in Fort Worth, Texas. I was determined to tell this woman’s story. I want to share stories that I connect with I feel I tell those stories the best.
Steps of Faith, Carter High, Hidin in Plain Sight, Sweet Justice, Impossible, Candy 2, Bring out the Lady, The Greg Ellis show, and Shadows of My Past are stories that I connected to and I was fortunate to work with some very talented directors and producers on these projects. These projects help solidify my career in this business, and I am very grateful that God placed each one of these filmmakers in my life. They are my extended family.
I’m in a year of transition. I see a lot of young people hurting. Mental Illness, post-Covid, the lack of love, God, and guidance is plaguing our families at a fast pace. I’m being led to start a small film institute catering to young people who want to heal through the art and power of visual storytelling. This is my next challenge. This is my way of giving back to my community and growing the next group of filmmakers in this area. I’m asking God how I can accomplish this goal and to provide me with the wisdom. Resources and knowledge to get it done. Our children are so talented, and if we channel that energy into the right spaces, it could change their lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy? God’s grace first. I have seen several soldiers go way too soon. My family, both of my parents, are still with me, my husband Michael, my children, grandchildren, my siblings, in-laws, friends, and students. Next is the art. I am relishing in the fact that North Texas is flourishing in film. People are open and sharing their perspectives about their experiences.
I believe there is an audience for every genre, subgenre, concept, theme or idea. Don’t be afraid to create. I am happy to still have the opportunity to collaborate with my peers and work telling stories that will be here long after I am gone. Both my grandsons play football. I can’t wait until they are old enough to see and understand Carter High, and their MeMe helped to produce this film.
Contact Info:
- Website: redajofilms.com
- Instagram: kellygraybobino
- Facebook: kellygraybobino
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi6ux-sF1VT5TP7YFzJxZDw
