Do you know Tony? If not, get ready.
He was the subject of Brown is for Tony – one of our Bracelet Campaign films – and is in his second semester as an intern in our Art Department in San Diego. Tony recently sat down for an interview to fill me in on life since he met Jason, Laren, and Bobby in 2003, his involvement with IC over the past decade, and to give his insights on our San Diego office staff.
So to kick things off, what’s your name and what are you doing here at IC?
My name is Kilara Tony Bazilo and I’m interning with IC’s film and editing team.
How did you first get involved with Invisible Children?
I got involved before it existed as an organization. I met the founders back in 2003 when I was 14 years old. After I met them, they returned to the States, but they began to support me in school and returned to Uganda in 2005.
What were your first thoughts of Jason, Bobby, and Laren?
I always like making new friends and I saw them hanging at a swimming pool. My first thoughts were that they looked like really friendly people so I went over to greet them.
You shared a little bit about your story with Invisible Children when they were working on their film, Tony. Talk to me a little about that experience.
A lot of crazy things have gone on in my life; a lot of tough times. It was really a challenge to tell my story, to talk about my Mom all the time, but I know sharing my story helped a lot of people back in Uganda, and it’s helping more people in DRC and CAR. It’s all about teaching people that no matter what situation you are going through in your life, you have to not give up.
And now life has brought you back to IC. What do you hope to learn through your internship?
I really want to learn more in the technique of video editing. I would love to learn stop-motion video. I love working with cameras and computers. I would love to direct a film at some point.
Could you name your future film “Carl”?
I would love to. I also love producing music. Besides filming, I would love to produce music and music videos.
Before this internship, you interned in the Art Department at Invisible Children Uganda. And before that, you were sponsored with a scholarship through IC’s Legacy Scholarship Program?
Yes. I was in school as a child, but I was on and off because my mom could not afford it. It was elementary level. So some years I could go and some years I could not. After I met Jason, Laren, and Bobby, I got a scholarship to attend school. My plan is when I’m done with this internship, I would love to continue with school and get a degree in video editing. Right now what I have is a certificate in video editing and music production. I still have maybe two to three years to finish my diploma.
For all of the fashion people out there, Tony Bazilo is a very fashionable guy. How do you choose style and what does it take to look good?
When I was growing up I didn’t know much about style, but when I started high school I started seeing music videos and movies and got more inspired. I love wearing jeans and T-shirts a lot. When I first came to the States in 2010, I found these kind of shoes here called high-tops, they really look great and the skinny jeans, I started liking that.
Tell me more about the music videos that influence the way you dress. Is there one in particular?
There was a music video of Ja Rule, Fat Joe, and Ashanti is also in it. I really loved the way that Ja Rule was dressing. Right now I love the way Birdman dresses.
I’m going to ask you a couple questions about the office. You ready?
Yeah.
Who do you think is a better dancer – you or Jason?
Jason is the best dancer.
Who is the funniest person in the office?
I would say Jedidiah.
Who is someone that you think is intimidating in the office? For example I try not to see Ben Keesey too early in the morning when I’ve had a late night out.
That was my answer! It’s really hard to see him smile, you know?
What about Chris Carver?
Not as much as Ben.
We’re gonna play a quick game of word association. I’m going to ask you one word and you have to say the first word that comes to your mind. Ready?
Tony. Bazilo
Pink nails. Girls [for those who have seen the film Tony, he had his nails painted by girls in the house]
Snow. Colorado
Music. Tupac
KONY 2012. Jason
Celebrity crush. Kirsten Dunst
The number one thing you’re afraid of. Snakes
Sports. Michael Jordan
Nice job dude. Thanks for chatting with me.
Although our Fall 2013 internship applications are now closed (except this one!), we are currently hiring Roadies for our fall tour. We would love for you to join our team. More specifically, Tony would love for you to join our team. He just told me. The Roadie app can be found HERE.
Think people should hear about this?