Today we’d like to introduce you to Darren Hawkins.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in Inglewood, and that played a huge part in shaping who I am—personally and creatively. It taught me resilience, pride, and the importance of staying true to yourself. From a young age, I was drawn to visuals and storytelling, always paying attention to the way moments were captured—whether it was through photos, film, or just real life happening around me. I stayed grounded by focusing on my education and constantly honing my craft. I didn’t let distractions pull me away from what I knew I was meant to do.
Bowling was one of the early things that gave me a sense of discipline and focus. It might seem random, but it taught me about patience, precision, and consistency—qualities I carry with me in production work today. My passion really started to fuel my fire once I realized how much it meant to my mom and my family to see me push forward. Their support and belief in me gave me the drive to keep going, even when things weren’t easy.
Now with Adaren Production, everything I do is rooted in that foundation—Inglewood, family, passion, and purpose. I’ve been able to build a brand that’s not just about creating content, but about telling real stories, working with intention, and bringing visions to life with heart.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most people chasing a dream, I’ve had to face some heavy moments and tough lessons. One of the biggest challenges was losing my mom—that changed everything. She was my anchor, and when she passed, it forced me to grow in ways I wasn’t prepared for. But I was blessed to have another mother figure in my life who poured into me with love, wisdom, and stability. She reminded me I could be anything I wanted to be and helped me see my own potential, even when I didn’t fully see it myself.
There were moments I failed—more than a few. Projects didn’t always go as planned. Equipment broke down, schedules got messed up, ideas fell short. But I never quit. Every failure became a lesson. Every setback pushed me to sharpen my skills, learn new techniques, and make sure I’m not just showing up, but showing out every time I touch a camera or sit in the editing bay.
I also had to learn about boundaries—how to protect my energy, manage my time, and separate who I am from what I do. That was key in growing not only as a creative, but as a person. Through it all, what’s kept me grounded is knowing my “why.” My passion, my people, and my purpose fuel me. That fire hasn’t gone out, and it won’t.
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?
Here’s a strong and authentic response for that question, with your voice and experience woven in:
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At my core, I’m a visual creator—I don’t keep myself in a box. I specialize in cinematography, directing, and editing, but I really pride myself on being able to adapt to different spaces and bring visions to life across the board. I’ve worked on music videos, documentaries, events, and even have a few movies under my belt. Each project brings something different out of me, and I love that. It keeps me sharp and always evolving.
What I’m most proud of is the ability to take someone’s idea—no matter how raw or unformed—and translate that into a powerful visual experience. There’s nothing like seeing a client light up when their vision comes to life on screen. That feeling never gets old.
What sets me apart is my work ethic and my commitment to growth. I show up when it matters, no excuses. Even when I don’t know how to do something, I take it as an opportunity to learn and get better. I’m not afraid to put in the time, the energy, and the passion to get it right. I believe that consistency, dedication, and being present in the moment are what truly make the difference.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about shooting a dope video—it’s about creating something with purpose, with heart, and with intention. That’s what I aim to bring to every project under Adaren Production.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I wouldn’t necessarily call it luck—it’s more about alignment and being ready when the opportunity comes. But I will say I’ve been blessed with good people crossing my path at the right time. The opportunities I’ve had came from showing up, being present, and bringing the right energy to every set I step on. My personality, my work ethic, and just being genuine with people—that’s opened a lot of doors for me.
Networking has played a huge role in my journey. Every set, every shoot, every conversation has been a chance to build something real. A lot of the gigs I’ve gotten came from someone remembering how I carried myself or how I handled my work. From that, more opportunities came, and I’ve been able to showcase my talent on different platforms and in front of new eyes.
So yeah, maybe some would call that luck—but to me, it’s just preparation meeting opportunity. I stay ready, stay hungry, and always lead with respect and passion for what I do. That’s what keeps the momentum going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://adarenproduction.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adarenproduction/?hl=en
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@FlashPoseProduction
- Other: https://adarenproduction.com/store
