Check Out Chris Barcia’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Barcia.

Hi Chris, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in New Jersey. At the time in my early 20’s as I’m 33 now, the schools near me didn’t have many offers for emerging filmmakers or if they did, it was way out of my budget range. Without financial aid or income to attend schooling, I opted to teach myself. Seeking knowledge wherever I could and seizing any opportunities to join any film related project, I began to learn the craft of filmmaking. Over time I found myself more attuned in camera department which eventually lead to today where I mainly freelance as a Director of Photography and camera operator. My main passion however, was always directing. Over the span of my career I’ve been fortunate enough to film in New York, my home state of New Jersey, overseas in the UK, and most recently in California!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been far from smooth. Transitioning into the industry without a school backing was kinda like finding a needle in a haystack. A lot of the foundation I’ve laid out for myself these days has come from a lot of trial and tribulations. Many times I was way out of my comfort zone and forcing myself to look in areas I wouldn’t normally be in seeking opportunities. In many ways I still navigate the industry today in the same way, attending varying networking events, sharing my work, and seeking collaboration from like-minded creatives. There’s always ups and downs yearly but the constant remains, no matter what I continue to grow.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I write and direct my own projects much of the time but I’m mainly know as a DP. I took the time to learn camera department more professionally so that I can better collaborate with others when I’m not behind the camera. An unsuspected surprise was how much I enjoy the craft of cinematography. I specialize in adapting vintage lenses in my camerawork and I try to learn as much about old glass as possible. What I’m most proud of to date is on my latest short film in post production, “The Painter” I successfully adapted a vintage lens, never before used on a movie. I took the time to research everything about it and figured out how to adapt it to Sony cameras. I ended up filming my entire film “The Painter” on that singular 35mm lens. I think the passion for the art form is what sets me apart from others. This is not just my career or something I happen to love. This is all of that and more! It’s apart my soul.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think risk taking is very necessary in th film industry and in general for life. Risk taking allows you discover new things and reach new heights. This doesn’t mean you gotta risk your life everyday, but those times where you think to yourself “what if I did this” and not knowing If you’ll achieve it? That just means when you overcome it, it will be that much more of a sweeter victory. In my career I’ve taken plenty risks. Each time I join a new gig there’s new people, and new areas, new heights to achieve! You never know what can happen good or bad, and that’s kinda the thrill of it all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7198676/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmingchris1?igsh=M3E5eGZqZWMwanMx&utm_source=qr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-barcia-869361247?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@darkmindproductions?si=-H_oaDNnAwqzEIRT
• Other: https://chrisbarcia.my.canva.site/

Image Credits
Nicole Agosto

Jaci Molina

Kaitlyn Drozdowicz

Emily Casey