Karena Evans; The Music Video Director to Watch
(Photo Credit: Jack Roy, Kat Webber, & Dean Rosen, via Karena Evans Instagram)
Currently killing it behind the lens with her vision and brilliant execution at the age of 22, is talented music video director and actress, Karena Evans. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Evans has directed several of the stellar music videos that have recently dropped on the scene. Most of these videos belong to fellow Toronto native and powerhouse Drake, including; "Nice For What," "God's Plan," "I'm Upset," and "In My Feelings". She's also had her hand in directing the visuals for Belly's "Mumble Rap," SZA's "Garden," SiR's "D'Evils," and many more.
The protege of the legendary Director X, Evans journey began when she joined X's production company Popp Rok, which "specializes in popular culture storytelling through commercial work, branded content and music videos," as an intern, and worked her way up to director. Evans amazing art direction doesn't stop at music videos, she's also lent her eye to directing different projects such as a Nike Air Max campaign for Nike Canada, CBC Arts’ “Heartbreak to Art” 10-part-series, and a moving “Black Lives Matter” social commentary piece.
Thriving in a male dominated field, Evans eye for detail and master of her craft is admirable. Her work is gaining the recognition it deserves, and putting more female music video directors on the map. In June, the young director became the first woman to receive the 2018 Lipsett Award, which is "presented to a Canadian music video artist for their innovative and unique approach to music video art". And not to mention also winning Video of the Year for "God's Plan" at the 2018 BET Awards, and being recently nominated for a number of awards for the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards and 2018 iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards.
Karena Evans is a powerful force in the world of film and a music video director to watch. She's earned a spot on my list of favorite directors which includes the likes of Melina Matsoukas, Lacey Duke, Hype Williams, The Little Homies (Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free), and Dave Meyers. Check out a few of her videos below, and be sure to check out the rest of her work here.
