DONALD KILGORE (dk)

It was a TV Drama class in high school that ignited my passion for filmmaking. Once I had a taste for telling stories through shooting and editing I was hooked.

Upon graduating high school, I attended Alderson Broaddus University in Philippi, West Virginia where I studied Broadcast Communications and toured with The West Virginians playing drums. I spent two years at AB before moving to Orlando to complete my studies at Full Sail University where I attained a degree in film & video production.

After graduation, I was hired as the assistant editor at Media Brothers, Inc. in Orlando where I worked on feature-length concert productions and music promos for Music Choice and Hard Rock Cafe, featuring mainstream rock and pop artists. It was during this time that I really developed a deep understanding of the art of editing.

In 2002, I moved to Los Angeles with only a suitcase for a position as an assistant editor on the dating reality show The 5th Wheel and later found a second job with 7ate9 Entertainment cutting promos for The Disney Channel.

While in LA, I accepted an opportunity in Houston, Texas to work as Director of Creative Media at Second Baptist Church where I conceptualized, produced, shot, and edited promos, documentaries, commercials, music videos, and other creative content weekly.

Today I work as a freelance cinematographer and editor and continue to reside in Houston, Texas with my beautiful wife Liz, our daughter Jordan, and Orson our lab. Through the years, I have had many opportunities to work with nationally-recognized brands, talents, networks, corporations, and advertising agencies. My work has taken me across the states and to many countries around the world.

I love being on-set. For me, the greatest rush and excitement comes from experiencing how the many roles and dynamics of a crew come together for a production. I thrive on collaboration. Nothing is better than collaborating with directors & producers and making a vision come to life. I am always learning. The cinematographer and editor I am today is a result of the mentors, travel, experiences, failures, and successes throughout my career. I am often humbled by the incredible stories I get to tell, the brands I get to represent, and the places I get to capture.