Kevin McCall

The semester is approaching its end! In a few weeks I'll be finished with my first year as a graduate student at USC's Film Program. I'm still deciding my path for this summer. I need to make sure I'm being productive. As an undergraduate at Alabama, I quickly learned the majority of my education would not be in the classroom. This is not to say Alabama's TCF department didn't teach me. That is far from the truth. My best experiences were outside of class on projects with classmates, colleagues, and professors.

This is why I'm so adamant about productivity. You should always work on projects outside of your education. You will learn volumes. One of the biggest projects I've done since moving to Los Angeles, CA is my work with artist, Kevin McCall.



Hip-Hop fans will remember K-Mac as one of the featured artist on Chris Brown's "Dueces" music video. K-Mac was the songwriter as well.

Kevin Lamar McCall Jr. was born on July 25, 1985 in, LA Watts, California. He is the 2nd oldest out of 3 sisters and 1 brother. Kevin affectionately known to friends and family as “K-MAC” was introduced to music at a very young age by his family who noticed Kevin’s desire, talent and interest for music early on. Like many artist Kevin’s love of music stemmed from his time singing in the church choir.   

In his short time as a new songwriter and producer in the industry Kevin, has been fortunate to collaborate with both established and up and coming artist such as: Chris Brown, Keri Hilson, Tank, Trey Songz, Pleasure P, Keisha Cole, Kelly Rowland and Rich Girl just to name a few. As a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc, Kevin has created a name for himself on the college circuit from performances of his original songs and also songs he has written for his fraternity.

I was invited into the studio with K-Mac in between producing the first film of the semester and directing the second one. K-Mac was preparing for a show the next day, and his manager wanted a behind the scenes video to use as promotion. We ended up making two.

It's essential as a filmmaker to constantly produce work outside of short films. Everyone wants to be a director, but few are given the opportunity at the beginning of their career. The capability of producing work you may not be accustomed to is beneficial. This isn't my first music related video or promo, but without these previous experiences, I may not have been prepared to produce work for a high-profile artist. 

While you're reading be sure to check out what else I've been doing!

Featured on Blerd Nation. Read HERE

One of my most popular articles on Tumblr HERE

Read up on my Black History Month Spotlight HERE.

I've been busy in California, and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Lenovo Seize The Night - Bronze

First, I'd like to say thank you to everyone who supports the site and the work I've done as a filmmaker. The amount of people who helped me during the Lenovo contest was absolutely overwhelming. Frankly, I've been in numerous view based competitions and it's hard to sustain your film's presence without annoying your virtual community base. There is only so many times you can tweet, post, or message a person with your film before they just don't respond.

Still, the backing I received from Alabama alumni, friends, acquaintances, and film fanatics was astounding. It's amazing feeling when you know people who've seen your work enthusiastically support simply because they believe in you. That's true gratification.

We ended up receiving some great features on other sites as well!

The F-Stoppers feature was huge! Without their support we wouldn't have even placed.

Filmmaking.net also took out the time to feature us on a more educational note. 

Of course I had to mention the competition as a part of my guest post series on The Nu Black

The biggest push definitely came from twitter though. Well known tech master Thomas Clifford was a huge help along with many current undergraduate University of Alabama students. It was a huge effort and I'm happy people willingly supported. 

Unfortunately, we came in 3rd place at the end of the competition. Third place stills nets us a substantial prize, but nothing compares to the $15,000 the first place winners Critical Mass received. I still count this a blessing nonetheless. I was given the privilege to direct a great commercial/film for a well-known company, and work with some of the best film production students in the South. If you haven't seen the Lenovo video check it out now. 

Being a graduate student at USC's film program has not been easy. At this point I'm positive our schedule is set up chaotically to test our endurance as filmmakers and individuals in general. It hasn't been easy, but I've learned you have to sacrifice (especially sleep) to achieve. This will not change! 

Be on the lookout for more updates on films I've worked on soon. Till then be sure to follow us on twitter @QueTheLights! 

Working for New York Times

If you've read the title of the post you should already know what's coming. A few days ago, I got contracted by The New York Times to do freelance photography work.

I caught the job from Marquavius Burnett, the assistant Sports editor at the school's newspaper The Crimson White.

Last week Alabama took on LSU for what I would consider pre-emptive National Championship game (because most people should already have realized by now on one could beat these teams other than themselves).

The New York Times was covering the ongoing tension at each school and needed shots around campus to choose from.

Marquavius hit me up on twitter asking me if I wanted the job, but I didn't get back to him in time and another photographer picked it up. By some stroke of luck whoever the other photographer backed out and the spot opened up again.

There was no way I was going to let anyone jump on this before me. I shot a good amount of pictures for them, and they decided to go with my shot of the Paul Bear Bryant statue for the article.



I also took a few more shots of Bear.





Along with a few students from the University to cover everything they needed.



You can check the article on the New York Times site. The biggest outcome of this entire endeavor was the satisfaction of knowing individuals outside of my circle consider me a good photographer.

It meant a lot to know I was the first person Marquavius came to. I'm happy the other photographer (whoever you may be) opted out and gave me the chance to pick this job up.

This only makes me want to work harder.  Seeking validation in for my work is not my main priority, but I'd be lying if I said it doesn't make a difference.

To read more on my previous accomplishments check out the Featured page on Que The Lights.

Settling Down after the Storm

It's been over two weeks since the end of The International Grand Finale and I'm just now settling down from all of the commotion. Relatively, everything is slowly reverting back to normality.

Much of the wreckage has been cleaned up around Tuscaloosa, but the remnants of the storm still remain visible. Many of the places I filmed have been torn down. The majority of Tuscaloosa natives who lost their homes haven't returned considering their is nothing left. It's unfortunate, but it will be years before the city fully recovers. Through this unrelenting ordeal glimpses of progress can be seen. Relief efforts are still working to help people in need. Outside aid has been prevalent. Bama has finally pitched in as well.

I've also had the benefit of support from the community as well. I was featured on CBS 42 for my documentary,

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ABC 3340 also picked up the story,

I was also interviewed by The Neon Tommy, The University of Southern California's Digital Newspaper.

You can check out the write-up here as well.

This entire experience has been amazing, but I'm already back to working. I have a wedding video to finish editing, I'll be working with the mayor's office to shoot PSAs for Tuscaloosa to air on the local news, and I have a few photo sessions to finish editing (I got my first commission from a client for child photography so I'm looking forward to sharing).

School will be starting soon so I'm also getting prepared to apply for grad school and my last year as an undergraduate. It's amazing how time moves by so quickly.

International Grand Finale: The Aftermath

Everything recently has been a blur, an absolutely amazing blur. Last post, I let everyone know the amazing news. My film "Portrait of the Storm: Tuscaloosa, AL" won the Best 3D Film award at this year's International Grand Finale.

The aftermath (and exposure) from the win has been absolutely overwhelming. Since winning I've been featured in several newspapers, websites, and on television as well.

Had to get this taped the old fashion way, via cell phone. 

I also had the privilege of being featured on a few websites as well. Click on the icons to read the articles.

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I still have an interview with The Dispatch (Columbus, Mississippi's newspaper) as well as one with Tuscaloosa Magazine. It's been an absolute blessing and I'm happy to see so many people interested in this story. 

Hopefully, I can keep the momentum up! Be sure to LIKE Que The Lights on facebook as well. 

QTL Images

Good news once again.

Portrait of the Storm has been featured on the website, Confessions of a City Girl.






Sherine Patrick (founder and author of Confessions) recently covered me as her Artist Spotlight this week for my short documentary, Portrait of the Storm.

Sherine has been on the blogging scene since July 2010 (not too far from my own start) and has amassed a large following dedicated reviews, fashion forward thoughts, and interesting epiphanies on the world around us. Check out the feature as well as getting to know the city girl behind all of the confessions.

Still, there is even bigger news for Que The Lights! One of the biggest reasons behind creating this site was to maintain an online portfolio capable of presenting my work to the public in a professional manner. Que The Lights has evolved from a simple portfolio site into a full-blown center for my creative work, writing, and ideas.

This wasn't a bad thing, but I still believed the best way to reach clients and individuals interested in my work is through a site that centers solely on the work.

I'd like to present the newest addition to Que The Lights, QTL Images.

The portfolio site highlights my best work in a clean format anyone can comb through with ease. I'd been thinking of this idea for long period of time, but I only went to action when I realized my trip to California for the CMF Grand Finale Film Festival was nearing.


I wanted to make sure my was presentable as possible since I'll be in California for the Film Festival as well as scoping opportunities for the next year. Be sure to check it out. You can find the link by clicking the Portfolio button at the top or click HERE. Finally, with the success of Portrait of the Storm I'd like to say thank you to some of the people that helped me out with it.

Sumerlin Brandon- the musician who composed the score for Portrait of the Storm.
Trey Moe- One of the testimonials as well as great comedian in his own right.
Kevyn Bryant-Que The Light's Partner and photographer in the Tuscaloosa area.
Dr.Rachel Raimist and Professor Adam Schwartz- My professors and friends who have made it possible from the beginning when I entered The Telecommunication and Film Department at The University of Alabama.

Hard work sometimes pays off.

The Digital Imaging Diaries

One of the things I've come to appreciate about the atmosphere of blogging is the sense of community you gain with other like-minded individuals. I've found a multitude of cinematographers and photographers whose work I highly enjoy.

I've still found an acute interest in blogs whose main focus doesn't deal with photography, cinema, or video work. The common theme I've found in the majority of sites I regularly engage is passion.

There is a waning line between the throes of passion and the wilds of obsession. I believe many of the individuals I regularly read teeter on this fault. They are so thoroughly immersed within their field objectively splitting their career and personality is near impossible. If anything, their career is their personality or a major piece. I consider this the highest example of enjoying your given career.

So this brings me to the highlight of my day.

Rick Sammon, a veteran photographer whose style flows in a plethora of directions, asked readers of his blogs to send links to photos they took which resonated the theme of patriotism.

One of the big things I like about Rick is the fact he listens and answers. Much bigger blogs who gain tremendous notoriety tend to neglect their audience, but Rick is able to keep a happy medium.

I decided to send him a link of this picture from my Flickr account.

A few hours later, to my surprise, I checked back on his blog to find my picture had been featured as a representation of patriotism he liked. Pretty awesome surprise, especially considering how much I admire Rick's work as a photographer.

To check out the feature click HERE.

BWA 2011 & The Impossible Film Contest

Que The Lights has been privileged to be chosen for two different honors during this month. The first is The Black Weblog Awards.

I recently found out Que The Lights was nominated in the Categories of:

-Best Film Blog

-Best Photography Blog

After everything that has happened in the past few weeks this is a really great surprise. It's good to know there are those individuals who view this blog as a source of productivity and entertainment.

It hasn't even been a year since I started this site (June 17, 2010) and I can honestly say it is one of the best ideas I'm glad I stuck with.

Go VOTE HERE. Also, be sure to vote for these two sites as well: That GOOD GOOD Blog and The Nu Black. GOOD GOOD is nominated in Best Blog Design, Fashion, & Culture. The Nu Black is nominated in Best International and Best Culture Blog.

Voting ends June 17th so don't wait. As I've talked about before "Bottom of a Glass" has been accepted into The Short Film Corner of The Cannes Film Festival. Being accepted into Cannes qualified BOAG to be entered into another film contest known as The Impossible Film Contest.

The IFC contest allows short films that have been accepted into Cannes to enter in a competition between one another. The two winners get a Go Pro HD camera that allows you to shoot in precarious positions a regular camera wouldn't be able to handle. It's a prize that could really come in handy.



So go to the site HERE to watch "Bottom of a Glass" then on the right side look for a button with a heart on it and press the "I like this" button. Voting ends on May 23rd so be sure to check this one out and help Que The Lights as soon as possible.

The Fruits of Labor

It feels as if everything is coming to fruition.

Passion is something drives you to become good in your field of expertise whether or not you gain recognition. Your path is fueled by motivation and goals rather than the excessive nature of the spotlight.

Still, no one ever said it isn't nice to be recognized for your accomplishments,

This past week I've had the privilege of being featured in an abundance of areas, each of them reflecting the time and effort I've put into this blog, my work, and future aspirations.

The first one directly from my school, The University of Alabama. Entitled, A Well-Scripted Life, the feature comes up on the main page of the university's official webpage. The entire article (along with the pictures) has been a semester long project with staff at The University. I first sat down with writer, Katie Breaseale, to talk about the work I've done so far as well as what I'm planning to do with myself in the future. Mid-way, I had a mini-photo session with photographer Samantha Nandez, whose work honestly speaks for itself. Finally, at the end of a wait that seemed forever I had the news of the article coming out from one of my friends calling me and saying my pearly white teeth were sparkling all over the UA's webpage. The piece not only explained my drive and ambition for working on this blog, but even featured my short film, Bottom of a Glass, in the interview as well.  Check out a quick excerpt from the piece. I assumed this would be the only (and best) news of the day, but I was proven quite wrong. 

"If there was a script of Xavier Burgin's life, it could not have been laid out better.

Not everyone is lucky enough to build a major around their hobby. Burgin, a junior from Columbus, Miss., did just that through New College at The University of Alabama.

A film production major with a triple minor in French, liberal arts and telecommunications and film, Burgin is following his passion of film and art and making those hobbies a way of life."

You can read the rest of it here. 

I assumed this would be the only (and best) news of the day, but I was proven quite wrong. 

A few weeks ago website, TheNuBlack, featured my short film, Me and Mrs. Jones, as a gesture of interest in Que The Lights.  The Nu Black then came back and wrote a full article on my work as well as personally allowing me to explain my motivation and present previous work I've done. Here is a small excerpt from the post. 

"One of the quotes people love to say about someone they don’t like is “Just wait till they get out of high school.” Individuals love to visualize others doing nothing with their lives if they have something against them. I’m sure people have said this about me, but no one can ever validate the claim. I refuse to be another individual’s passing memory as they climb up towards success. That’s why I sacrifice to ensure my future is the talk of present, instead of someone’s faded recollection."

The Nu Black has been a big supporter of Que The Lights and their willingness to showcase my work only further leads me to believe I must be following the right path.  

Check out the two newest articles on Que The Lights here and here

Finally, but by no means the least important, I was informed that Bottom of a Glass was accepted into the Alabama International Film Festival in Troy, Alabama and would be screening in the next upcoming month. 

This gives Bottom of a Glass four accolades to its name. It won Best Drama at Campus Moviefest and as well as being a semin-finalist in the Rethink Possible Award. Bottom of a Glass was accepted to the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner . This is just a great honor by itself since the place that motivated me to be where I am now has one of the best examples of my labors as a part of its film lineup. 

Along with being informed my film made it in the local newspaper had a write up about the festival, other films being featured, and a portion detailing my film and me.

"In the five-minute short feature, “Bottom of a Glass,” Xavier Neal-Burgin uses an endearing puppet to teach that, even after great loss, life is worth living." “Bottom of a Glass’ won best drama at the University of Alabama’s Campus Moviefest 2011,” Jinright said. “The film has also been accepted to the Short Film Corner at the Cannes Film Festival 2011.” Film director Burgin lives in Birmingham and attends the University of Alabama."

If you would like to read the rest of the article check it out here

This has been one of the most overwhelming weeks I've had, but in a positive light. It feels to know that good work can be noticed if you're willing to put in the time. It also fills a void of validation every artist wonders about. 

Will others like my work? 

I feel as if my question has been answered ten-fold. The next step is maintaining and progressing. All of this is amazing, but I cannot allow myself to become complacent with what I've done when there is so much more left to do. 

Gallery No.3

Que The Lights has recently been chosen to become a party of Gallery No. 3. 

Gallery No. 3 is a collection of writing, photography, cinematography, and art from the internet hosted under one singular entity.  I listed some of the more the general pieces of submission, but Gallery No. 3 accepts anything and everything that can be deemed an artistic endeavor.  Short film, The Secret Affair: Me and Mrs Jones, was featured as a main post on January 15, 2011 

Me and Mrs. Jones-Gallery No.3

I'm definitely happy about being my piece being accepted and featured on the site. Gallery No. 3 also has an abundance of other material worth checking out.