When pictures aren’t enough to tell the whole story. When you need to relive the moment and move through its various scenes and savour all its treasures. When the moment feels like a dream and you need proof that it’s real. When you feel the need to experience your life like it’s a movie and capture the magic of the moment live and in living colour, you call Kermany ‘Loggo’ Lionel.
Originally from Choiseul and now based in Canada, this 25-year old videographer was raised in Castries and lived most of his life in Summersdale with his father and stepmother. He attended the Carmen Rene Memorial and is a proud graduate of the Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School.
As a child, Kermany aspired to being a police officer like his father. In secondary school, he was bent on becoming an IT technician until he got introduced to Photoshop at the age of 16. This opened up a whole new world of possibilities and deepened his artistic interests.
He worked as a photographer for Sandals Resorts for three years before deciding to pursue other employment options in 2014. Things did not go as planned, however this gave him an opportunity to invest in his photography skills in a way that he had not been able to while working a fulltime job.
In 2014 Kermany established DreamVision, his own photography business. He soon realised that the photography industry was saturated and photography suddenly started losing its appeal.
At the time, his videography experience had been limited to a few amateur music videos he had done for budding artistes and musicians. Kermany wasted no time honing his skills and seeking opportunities to gain new experience, with the intention of making 2015 his breakout year. DreamVision changed its focus to become a videography company producing wedding and music videos and commercials.
Dazzle was lucky to catch up with Kermany during his last visit to fair Helen and convinced him to step out of his comfort zone to take us behind the lens.
Dazzle: As a videographer, what inspires your craft?
Kermany: I believe that anything can be transformed into a film and tell a story. Even a piece of paper flying in the wind … A music video is meant to tell a story and events have their own stories. I’m just trying to tell the story in a highlife video. For some it will be a moment relived and for others it will be a chance to see what they missed. For a couple it’s like a time capsule with the memories of one of the biggest days of their lives, and knowing this, I’m inspired by every detail – from how they met, their wedding theme and colours to how they interact with each other. I have to make everything memorable, including the preparations on the day, their first kiss and dance.
Trust us. His wedding videos will have you planning for that special day before you spot your prospective fiancé.
Dazzle: Tell us about your first professional project.
Kermany: In 2014 I was fortunate to work with Sean Field and an extraordinary team on a film called ‘Soucouyant’. He made me the assistant director for that project. It was my first time being deeply involved in the entire process of film making, including videography and script writing. It was also my first time working with a REAL camera. lol. I’learnt a lot of what I know from working on that special project and I’m grateful to Sean for giving me my first major break.
And that was just the beginning of great things to come. Since then, Kermany has provided us with the amazing visuals for Michael Robinson’s ‘Make You Mine’ which was his first major production as a sole director. (Remember Ezra D’ Funmachine and MR struggling to make it from the Rodney Bay Marina to the Landings on that yellow tandem bicycle? LOL.)
Naturally, this would be one of his most memorable works. Kermany has also had a hand in the music videos for Sedale’s ‘Neighbour’ as well as his collaboration with Trinidadian Soca artiste, Preedy, ‘Land I Love’. Kermany took us through the town of Gros-Islet for Teddyson John’s ‘Allez’ which was a collaboration with Jelani Paul and ‘In de Bay’ with Hollywood HP. He has also worked with Kes the Band on a promotional video for their brand at SOS, a major event in Canada, which was his first time working with an international artiste.
When the work is exceptional it speaks for itself and gets others talking too. Kermany has been fortunate enough to thrive and increase his clientele on word of mouth and a solid professional network, which includes WaveMaker Photography and the VERVE family. Now that he has moved to Canada, he is looking into developing a marketing strategy as he seeks to put down roots in the Canadian market.
Dazzle: What is your competitive advantage and why should someone choose DreamVision?
Kermany: Everything done by DreamVision is designed and tailored to suit each unique individual or project. DreamVision operates from this premise, taking time to create a perfect craft and aiming to satisfy our clients. Lots of passion and attention to detail goes into every production. It’s never rushed and incorporates the latest styles of shooting to keep things fresh and establish a wide creative base.
While he cannot boast of having the latest in technology, he is driven by a desire to please and give a good account of himself and his brand, and he works hard with what he has to produce great quality film productions. In the absence of formal training, he uses social media to follow and learn from reputable videographers and directors, like Director X, film schools and YouTube instructional videos. “Whatever they start doing is pretty much the new trend so I just follow how they go about applying new techniques,” says Kermany.
Dazzle: How do you deal with clients who are very selective?
Kermany: I present my ideas and visions explaining why I decided to take a certain route. I mean, at the end of the day I was hired as the creative mind and it’s my work and my brand that’s going to be affected. If it turns out horribly, the client wouldn’t have to bear the blame. People will say DreamVision produced horrible work. So I try my best to get them to see my vision and I try to understand their point of view, and if it works then we come to a compromise. If it doesn’t, they’ll just have to trust me and hopefully be impressed by the finished product.
Ha! All you bridezillas out there, Loggo has the remedy for you!
Dazzle: How do you handle criticism?
Kermany: At first I couldn’t but now it is my best friend. I learn from it and capitalise on it. To be honest, I look forward to criticism more than compliments about my work. Since I aspire to mastering my craft, I’m never satisfied with my productions and always feel like I can do better.
Dazzle: How do you handle criticism?
Kermany: At first I couldn’t but now it is my best friend. I learn from it and capitalise on it. To be honest, I look forward to criticism more than compliments about my work. Since I aspire to mastering my craft, I’m never satisfied with my productions and always feel like I can do better.
Every perfectionist’s gift and curse. Push on through Kermany but don’t be too hard on yourself.
Dazzle: Where do you see DreamVision in the next three years?
Kermany: I want DreamVision to be known in the music industry, specializing in music video production. I think music videos allow for more creativity with the use of abstract concepts. You could be really expressive. I also want to see DreamVision being active in the Canadian market. I understand that to do so I would have to be officially qualified in my field and start off by working for someone else. It’s a journey I am excited about.
To aspiring videographers looking to enter the market, Kermany encourages you to be patient, confident and open to criticism. Start where you are and don’t limit your creativity because of limited resources.
We couldn’t agree more. All the best Kermany, in all your endeavours. We look forward to much more from you and know you won’t disappoint.
