Project Spotlight: 'The Takeover', Exploring Relationships, Cannabis, and Creative Growth

K$K is a writer, director and advocate for women working at the intersections of filmmaking and cannabis who explores her real life experiences through short experimental essay films. With a background in directing hip hop music videos, seeing K$K’s creative vision come to life on screen is electrifying. In hopes of inspiring others to tell their stories, she started the Hussle Lab in 2020, a safe space and advocacy platform celebrating women in film and cannabis. The Takeover is a look into K$K’s creative consciousness as she navigates her identity as a woman, relationships - platonic and romantic, money, and all life has to bring. K$K isn’t afraid to be honest because that’s just her default. The Takeover is so special because it brings the viewer through both documentary style and set-like shots, blended together seamlessly to create an all-encompassing film experience that you’re sure to get lost in. We’re so excited to premiere The Takeover on the Light Leaks! Read on to learn more about visionary artist K$K.

How have your experiences as a woman working in cannabis informed your filmmaking? 
I make films to cope with my everyday life experiences, and working as a woman in cannabis has changed my life both negatively and positively. The "Walked In" series of films ("The Takeover" is part two) is about me processing all my experiences in that aspect of my life. Working in cannabis has helped fuel my independence as a filmmaker.

Are there other creators working at the intersections of film and cannabis that inspire you?
There are many creators that I work with in film that support the use and wellness components of cannabis. Through the launch of my digital event series "The Smoke Screenings" and my brand community The Hussle Lab, I consider myself a pioneer for women, merging together both cannabis and film. I am one of the only women in film that understands the benefits of using cannabis as a funding resource to improve equity and opportunities in both industries. I'm hoping to connect with more women in both spaces.

What creative decisions are you most proud of in this film?
I'm proud of the fact that our entire cast and crew was predominantly women and people of color; a demographic you don't really see on most film sets. I'm proud I reached out to some of my favorite artists like Monstabeatz to collaborate on the film. Their involvement as artists was truly inspiring and brought my vision to life.

Can you tell us about the Hussle Lab and how you’ve successfully brought such a unique platform to life?
I’ve always had this unique vision to connect filmmakers who are also stoners or just support cannabis culture overall. Being a part of both industries, I’ve recognized the lack of diversity and inclusion throughout my career and the lack of safe spaces, especially for women. The Hussle Lab (@thehusslelab) is a (for now) online platform that celebrates the intersectionality between women and non-binary people in both film and cannabis. The Hussle Lab is the brainchild of me and Ari Kill (my publicist). We were trying to find communities that might be interested in my work, and realized that even with all the ways the film and cannabis industries could work together to be mutually beneficial, it just wasn't happening. I feel bringing together women and non-binary leaders in both industries could make us an unstoppable force. This is just the beginning for The Hussle Lab.

What inspires you to make such personal art about your life experiences?
I felt alone in many ways most of my life because my trajectory has never been "conventional." I’ve always had an innovative spirit that has been focused on creating an environment that fits my true authenticity. I'm hoping my films will make other people like me feel less alone in their journey. The work really is a message to my younger self, because that's who I'm always trying to protect.

Were there any production challenges while filming that you had to swiftly adapt to?
There were a few particular challenges for a street scene of me and my lover at night. My original actor missed his bus and was unable to make the scene. Thankfully, I was able to cast my friend Briz again, which was ideal because he was also in my first film "Fuck All Boys from Uptown” (2017). I have several friends and collaborators I have casted in multiple films. My people grow with me, and I like that the audience can see that directly translated.

Can you take us through how you filmed a couple of the film’s pivotal scenes, such as the bedroom scene and the seated money counting scene?
I usually start with making a list of emotions that come up for me when I think about the subject of the film. Then I think of physical objects, people, and places in my life that represent that emotion or could represent that emotion. From there, I start to craft scenes combining the people, places, objects, and sounds. I try to get as close to evoking that specific emotion as I possibly can, so that the film as a whole represents my full spectrum of feelings surrounding a given situation. I was working with feelings of self-loathing and insecurity masked as arrogance with the Tony Montana scene. The last scene in the bedroom though is my favorite because it is about triumph and resilience. Nothing is more triumphant to me than looking in the mirror and choosing to celebrate what you see back.

Any advice for other rising women and nonbinary filmmakers?
Be authentic, but never ever let these boys see you sweat.

Keep up with K$K on…
Instagram and follow The Hussle Lab