Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas James Barber.
Hi Nicholas James, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in the Philippines and grew up mostly in Quezon City. I first got into the arts when I was around 6 or 7, and I stayed in it all the way to college. I fell in love with understanding a character and living truthfully through another perspective. I starred in different plays ranging all the way from Annie to a theater play our theater group produced ourselves.
Looking back, I am so thankful to my grade school and high school for cultivating my interests and strengths. I carried my passion for the arts as a means of making money, starting with print ads and commercial work.
I always remind myself that I was lucky I knew what to expect going in. Not just in Hollywood but in the Philippines too, it’s easy for artists to get pulled into compromising situations. My mom, the daughter of an artist/actress, definitely had multiple conversations with us about what exploitative situations looked and felt like.
At first, it was great, I get to do something I’m passionate about and I get paid for it. Oh, the money was good. All I had to do now was wait for my Ate to graduate then we would be off to a new land.
We’ve known for a long time that we would have to leave this place we called home. I remember being 11 years old when my mom told me. From there, I aimed to be in the moment while simultaneously savoring every moment because they were limited.
When I arrived in America, the moment we landed in California, I was already yearning to go back but tried to give it a chance. I got my first job here as a Salesman, which again, was the promise of great wealth. There I was, a young man three months into moving to America, the world on his fingertip. I had to learn the country and this new way of living fast; days turned to weeks, etc. I soon found myself in a pattern of prioritizing money over my happiness and trudged myself to work each day.
There were times I’d make my way back to the Philippines at least twice a year, and it felt and always really feels like you’re emerging for air after a long time underwater. I didn’t have to explain myself. The language, the culture – all of it made me feel so glad to be back. Every fiber in my being yearned to stay, but knowing that my family was in America, deep inside I knew I had to go back.
The flight home is always electric, You feel invigorated after seeing your hometown and all your loved ones. You come up with new ways of helping your community out, I felt I had a new purpose, to give back to the communities that have worked hard to give my generation everything we had.
It wasn’t long before I quit that Sales job and toned it down to a desk job at an art distributor. It allowed me the hours to be flexible with my day and learn how to effectively work on set. Before all this, I actually hopped on board Juan Raymundo Ramos’ project, it was this HIGH CONCEPT / NO BUDGET FILM, but let me tell you, I love that film; there’s no way to catch it in our film collection right now. It was my first dive into the production side of the film, and I found it more compelling than being the actor. I had finally found a vehicle in which I can share the stories of those around me, a way I could help bridge the human experience. Soon after that, we founded Howling Gale Entertainment, with a main focus on amplifying the voices of our community members who are commonly left unheard and shedding a spotlight on stories that cut to the heart of who we are. We’ve been sharpening our creative “blade” for five years now, and we have just released our first Filipino Feature film, “Tahanan (Home)”. It was the first feature film I had the privilege of Directing, and I really couldn’t have done it without the team; we throw around the word family a lot but that really is how we treat our sets; we watch out for each other and push each other to make the best out of the collaborations that we can. We recently finished another short film, and we are currently in pre-production for two documentaries; we share as much as we can on our socials, so do follow us at Howling Gale Entertainment! We are here to stay!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While my journey has been incredibly fulfilling, it hasn’t been without its share of challenges. Building a successful film production company from the ground up required tenacity and determination. One of the significant struggles we continue to encounter is establishing a strong foothold in the highly competitive entertainment industry. It took considerable effort to gain recognition and earn the trust of clients and partners alike
Additionally, navigating the complexities of project financing and budgeting was a learning curve. Securing funding for ambitious film projects demanded strategic planning and creative problem-solving. I had to carefully balance artistic vision with financial viability to ensure the sustainability and growth of the company.
Moreover, fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment was of utmost importance to me and my team. Encouraging representation and equal opportunities for everyone involved in our projects posed certain obstacles, but it was a challenge I gladly embraced. Creating a supportive and collaborative culture that nurtured creativity and innovation required constant effort and dedication as well as understanding and communicating with everyone.
Despite these hurdles, I believe every setback has served as a valuable learning experience, guiding me to become a more resilient and adaptable filmmaker. Overcoming these obstacles has not only strengthened the company but also reinforced my commitment to producing impactful and meaningful content.
In the end, I am proud of how far we’ve come and the positive impact our films have made on audiences. While the road had its bumps, it has been an extraordinary journey filled with growth and accomplishment. I look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of storytelling and making a difference in the film industry.
We’ve been impressed with Howling Gale Entertainment, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Howling Gale Entertainment, we are a passionate film production company known for creating captivating narratives that inspire and challenge our audiences. Our focus on authenticity, inclusivity, and high-quality storytelling sets us apart in the industry. We take pride in representing diverse voices and promoting social consciousness through our work. From compelling narratives to music videos and corporate projects, our offerings cater to diverse needs. Our brand is synonymous with powerful storytelling that leaves a lasting impact. Join us on a journey of compelling narratives and positive social change as we continue to push the boundaries of filmmaking.
What were you like growing up?
I was a quirky kid. I was raised by a single mom and both my Lolo and Lola, who I hold to my heart dearly and hope I make proud every day. I was the youngest, with one brother and a sister. My family described me as endlessly curious, sometimes to my mother’s frustration. I loved talking to strangers. I questioned the status quo, testing the limits of the adults around me, testing my own.
Growing up, I was always an imaginative and curious individual. I had a strong passion for storytelling, which led me to explore various forms of creative expression, including drawing, photography, and theater. As a child, I was drawn to the magic of the movies, and that fascination only grew as I delved deeper into the art of filmmaking. I loved immersing myself in different worlds, understanding diverse perspectives, and using storytelling as a means to connect with people on a profound level.
I live a pretty active lifestyle as well; I loved playing football when I was younger; I was in my school’s varsity, and playing sports really made me feel alive. I do love me some rock climbing, so if you know any good sends, hit your boy up!
This early love for storytelling laid the foundation for my journey in the film industry and continues to drive my work at Howling Gale Entertainment today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howlinggaleentertainment/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowlingGaleEntertainment/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HowlingGaleEnt?t=yrI3CLUT986DclHk-nSdgQ&s=09
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyonHszJd0awKc4zqqzHBYA
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/search/title/?companies=co0562678
Image Credits
Painting by Gianna Soliman
