kate lakey
Director
Kate Lakey
Director, Editor, 3d Artist, Etc.
Need a commercial starring nothing but potatoes with googly eyes? I’ve got the glue gun ready.
Want a music video where you fall in love with an AI in a 3D fairy garden dreamland? Let me fire up Unreal Engine.
Need to show how your product makes a customer’s home feel bigger? Let’s build a set with expanding walls and pull a zolly—no idea what that looks like? No worries, I’ll have a storyboard ready by morning.
“Jack of all trades, master of none…”? that was written about me. I might not be Christopher Nolan but, hey “…still always better than a master of one.”
Commercials
In a world full of ads, 'entertain or die' is the only way to make it past that little finger itching to scroll past—and my ads? They’ll have you dying… with laughter, awe, curiosity - maybe all three - Who knows? Not every ad I make is comedic, but they’re all designed to hook you. Whether it’s a popping visual that’ll hypnotize you, a quirky twist that keeps you watching, or a laughable absurdity that makes you stop and think—there’s always something to grab your attention.
Short Films
As someone who copes with humor, drama and comedy aren’t exactly my wheelhouse. But somehow, they still managed to win a few awards! Between ad work and parent life, I’ve only had time for two short films in the last seven years. If you want to support a local artist or, better yet, collaborate on the next big project, hit one of the buttons below.
3D Work
I dove into 3D work after becoming a parent—long set days and diaper changes don’t mix. Now, instead of spending 12 hours on set, I’m creating everything from fairy lands and farm fields to sleek office spaces—basically, whatever I can imagine (that my computer can handle) from the comfort of my criss-cross office chair at home. I’m still early in my 3D journey, but I’m loving the process. Whether it’s product animations for new brands or wild environments for music videos or video fames, I’m getting better every day. If you want to see where I’m going (and maybe help me get there faster), check it out!
StoryBoards
Storyboards aren’t where the magic happens—they’re where planning the magic happens. And I’m about to reveal one of my tricks... (I use a software). Am I talented enough to draw things out by hand? My mom would say yes… and probably even put it on the fridge! But when you want to be efficient and accurately display the action, you can’t rely on your run-of-the-mill shot-by-shot storyboard. No, no—you need a timed, frame-by-frame animatic! It’s like a rough draft of the final film, before you even hit record. If you need a clear visual plan for your next project, this is where it starts!
Video Games
My husband and I have teamed up to create a few games for competitions. While he was busy with the coding wizardry, I took charge as director, artist, and designer (making things look pretty and feel nice). It’s been a fun and wild ride—taking our ideas and transforming them into playable worlds with just a little creativity and a less than a week to do it most times! While we're still learning the ropes of game development, I’m always up for collaborating to bring new, interactive experiences to life. Ready to press 'Start' on your next project? Let’s level up!
Behind The Scenes
Wanna see me point at things dramatically? How about a pic of me directing a potato like we’re headed towards the Oscar’s? (His name is Leospudro DiCapotato by the way). Enjoy my dramatic stares at director’s monitors, clipboards and sets in these Behind the Scenes pictures.