Today we’d like to introduce you to Bob Barnhart.
Bob, please share your story with us.
In May of 2016, three freelance Lighting Designers, Jon Kusner, Matt Firestone, and I decided to join forces and start a company called 22°. We felt we could better serve all of our clients if we pool our resources and serve our clients under one common business plan and style. Along with our Project Coordinator Marie Turner, this has turned out to be a very successful business model.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think things are running very smoothly now. However, starting a new business is always tough at first. In our case, maybe slightly different than other startups. We all had successful freelance careers going, so when we decided to join forces, we felt it needed to be seamless to our clients. Simply finding office space proved to be incredibly time-consuming and everything that comes along with a new business. Company name, Logo, Letterhead, phone service, etc…. It was all good fun but between all of our projects that happen throughout the country and around the world getting Wi-Fi in the office turned into a whole project in itself. Not to mention Marie working from a folding chair and card table for 3 months. In hindsight, maybe we should have gotten all that together before we announced but then we wouldn’t have any stories.
22 Degrees – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
22 Degrees is an Entertainment Design Group. We primarily do Lighting Design for Television Specials and some Series. Some of our work includes, 20 Super Bowl Halftime shows, AMA’s, CMA’s, VMA’s and the Victoria Secret Fashion Show. We also do series work like So You Think You Can Dance, Family Feud and Little Big Shots. In addition, we have done a few Set Designs. This last Super Bowl with lady Gaga, we did the creative to the opening of the Halftime show that included the 300 Intel Drones forming the American Flag above the Houston Skyline, as well as the lighting design. We pride ourselves in being more than just Lighting Designers for the production company. We want to be a part of the creative and problem-solving for the entire production. As a partnership we can run ideas by each other, we can support one’s client if one of us is already booked on another project. The formation of 22 Degrees has allowed us to support our clients and their projects at a higher and more efficient level.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Simply put, Attitude, work ethic and a good personality are the qualities we are all looking for from other people. At the professional level, your skill set is expected. So we find it hard to impress people by being able to do what we are supposed to be able to do.
You are remembered for the passion you bring to a job and the reputation you leave behind after each and every project.
Contact Info:
- Website: 22deg.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: 22deg
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