Introduction
With Halloween just around the corner, I had the chance to chat with Brandon Robinson, a director, writer, producer, and founder of Imagination Upgraded, a creative production company. Brandon’s creepily-amazing horror short, Night Hag, is perfect for the spooky season, but his work spans much more than horror. From music videos to narrative films to launching his own streaming service, Brandon’s journey is one filled with innovation, insights, and a clear passion for storytelling.
In our conversation, we delved into Night Hag, his upcoming short Strong Friend, and his hard-earned lessons in the industry. With humor and honesty, Brandon offers advice for aspiring creatives and insights into a career built on persistence and genuine connection.
Q: Thanks for taking the time to chat! Let’s start with your background. How did you get your start in filmmaking?
Brandon Robinson: I kind of stumbled into it. I started with a video production class in middle school, and I just fell in love with the camera, with crafting something from scratch. Then I ended up at a high school with a video production program, so I had the tools to keep going. I never really set out to do this; it kind of found me. Later on, I moved to California to chase the dream of being a big Hollywood director, and I’m still working on that today.
Q: Moving to California is a huge move! What was one of the first big lessons you learned once you got there?
The biggest lesson? Humility. You get out here, and you realize real quick you don’t know as much as you thought (laughs). Moving to the West Coast, I had to start from the bottom and learn from everybody around me. Networking is everything in this industry. You can send out a hundred applications, but without real connections, it’s tough to break in.
Q: Let’s talk about Night Hag—what inspired it, and how did it come together?
Night Hag was one of those “get-out-of-a-slump” projects. My writing partner and I wanted to do something quick, just to get back into the groove, so we came up with this concept for a horror short. We wanted that creepy, atmospheric vibe—something simple but effective. The actress who played the creature was actually someone I’d met on another set. She showed me all these wild expressions she could make, and I thought, “Yeah, we’ve got to make something with this.” We shot it all in one night, which sounds crazy, but it was such a great exercise in creativity on a budget.
Q: One night? Would you say that’s normal?
(Laughs) No, I would not. But it was a good exercise to do. To do something with limited resources, and just be creative and get it done. I even wrote a little e-book on how to pull off a one-day shoot. People think filming in a day means the whole project’s done in a day, but there’s a ton of prep and post-production. For the shoot, you’ve got to know every angle, prop, and scene change. If you can make a film on a small budget, you’ll be in a better position when you do have money. It forces you to problem-solve, which is really what filmmaking is.
Q: You’re also working on Strong Friend. What can you tell us about it?
Strong Friend is inspired by the idea of “checking on your strong friend”—the people who seem like they have it all together but are struggling inside. The story focuses on a woman trying to keep it together on the outside while falling apart on the inside. It’s currently in post-production, and I’m excited to submit it to film festivals soon.
Q: You’ve worked on all kinds of projects—what’s been your favorite type?
I’d love to work on a series. With a series, you get to explore characters and story arcs over time, and that’s something I really enjoy. Don’t get me wrong—I love features too. But with a series, it’s like making eight mini-movies in one go. You get to build that depth and investment in a way that can be really powerful.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers who might be looking to follow in your footsteps?
My advice? Just start creating. Don’t wait for permission or for the “perfect” project. Make a one-minute film, write a scene, shoot a short with your phone. Filmmaking is problem-solving, and you’ll learn so much by doing it. Also, think about networking differently—don’t just hand out your business card; make real connections. It’s the genuine relationships that bring opportunities. And don’t take every project that comes your way; be selective. Say no if it doesn’t align with where you want to go.
Q: Are there any tools that really help you in your creative process?
I gather inspiration from everywhere. Celtx is huge for me—I’ve been using it since the downloadable program days, and now I use it for everything from scripting to storyboarding to production planning. I also use Milanote a lot for gathering ideas and visual references. Music plays a big role, too. I used to make music, and now it’s my way of finding inspiration when I’m not working.
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Q: What’s next for you? Any new projects on the horizon?
Apart from Strong Friend, I’m launching my streaming service, RedGradeTV. It’s a place for my shorts, like Night Hag, and content from other indie creators I know. YouTube’s great, but I wanted another platform where indie filmmakers can connect with audiences without worrying about algorithms and ad revenue.
Q: Finally, what’s the worst advice you’ve ever been given?
Probably when people say to take every opportunity because “it’ll lead to something.” In my experience, it almost never does. Take projects that align with your goals or that you really want to do. Don’t say yes because someone promises “future work.” Be intentional and build a portfolio around what you’re passionate about.
Conclusion
Talking to Brandon Robinson feels like a mini-masterclass in film, creativity, and resilience. His passion for storytelling and willingness to experiment — whether by launching his own streaming platform or making a film in one night — are inspiring reminders of what’s possible. Make sure to check out Night Hag on RedGrade.TV this Halloween for a taste of his work, and keep an eye out for Strong Friend, which promises to be both powerful and thought-provoking.
You can find Brandon on Instagram, YouTube, and reach him via the Imagination Upgraded website.
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