Today we’d like to introduce you to Arvin Bautista.
Hi Arvin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in the Philippines to student activists during the downfall of the Marcos regime. My family moved to New Jersey when I was a kid, which felt idyllic despite us not having a lot of money. We would shop at dollar stores, garage sales and received donated toys and clothes (frankly, I was shocked at how much good stuff Americans would just throw/give away). While I’d always been an artistic kid, I discovered filmmaking in high school, which had a real film and animation program. From there, I was inspired to apply to and was subsequently accepted to the University of Southern California’s film program. I’ve lived in Los Angeles since then, establishing my own film/TV production company, Greasy Pig Studios, Inc. I’m married to TV producer Lynn Hamilton and we’re currently re-refinancing our mortgage.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel so lucky to have had the life I’ve led, given the obstacles that are typical of an immigrant family coming to America. As I said, we had very little money, but my family was very fortunate to have had the support of both the Filipino-American community and the local community in New Jersey. It was often not easy to fit in, but people were very nice and encouraging. Most importantly, however, am endlessly grateful for the unending support of my parents, who always inspired me to do my best at the things I was most passionate about. Aspiring to be an artist, a filmmaker, and moving to Los Angeles was a huge and uncertain undertaking, but my parents were always there, proud of my little accomplishments. I’ve also been extremely lucky to have made the friends I made at USC, including and especially Lynn Hamilton, the woman who would also become my wife. As an introvert, the type of “networking” that’s so important in Hollywood is often a struggle, but we have always had each others’ backs.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Mostly under my company Greasy Pig Studios, I’ve worked on countless films, TV shows, and music videos, mostly doing motion graphics, animation, and visual effects. Shows I’ve worked on include Food Network’s “GUY’S GROCERY GAMES,” “THE GREAT FOOD TRUCK RACE,” Adult Swim’s “DECKER: UNCLASSIFIED,” and Showtime’s “WHO IS AMERICA?” starring Sacha Baron Cohen. I also directed the short film “VULTURES IN THE VOID” starring Bai Ling and the late Tommy “Tiny” Lister, as well as a pair of award-winning viral music video tributes to the Marvel Comics X-Men characters Dazzler and the New Mutants. Most recently, I created and executive-produced (along with rapper Ice-T) the true crime miniseries “FRAMED BY THE KILLER,” airing on Oxygen Network.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was always an artistic kid, and drawing was my first love. Eventually, I realized a passion for storytelling, fueled by a love for comic books. Animation came next, and eventually (when we could afford a video camera), filmmaking. Despite mostly being an introvert, I do have some desperate need for recognition. Working from behind the camera seemed like the best compromise. I’d also consider myself fiercely independent, most evidenced by my having been a freelancer or small business owner for over 15 years now. I appreciate collaboration and some structure, but I always appreciate the freedom to pursue my passions, even at the expense of some security.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.greasypigstudios.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/greasypigstudios
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/greasypigstudios
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/arvinbautista
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/greasypigstudios
Image Credits
Photo by Michael Mondragon (DMALA) (for the single solo shot with the laptop)
