This is the first year we launched our scholarship competition. The student was required to submit a video that was fun, clever, and relatable to our clients. After watching the video above, we knew there was much more to the filmmaker.
I caught up with our scholarship winner, Jesse Barron, to find out what he plans to do with the money. Without a doubt, I was blown away with his response. This 26 year old California native is on a mission to do nothing less than something incredible. Here are a few Q&A’s, with the full interview below.
What inspired you to be a filmmaker?
I have been an inspiring filmmaker since I was a child. In pursuit of that dream, I left Vista California to study at the New York Film Academy in London when I was a teenager. I intended to finish college there, but left after a year to chase a job opportunity in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
How was your experience in Argentina?
At one point, I was literally robbed at gunpoint. My laptop was stolen, which held all of the film work I had done abroad. Although that was intense, the most difficult thing I ran into, was simply trying to start a business there. In my experience there, I found that a days worth of work equates to a years worth of school.
I know you have your own company. Can you tell me more about that?
When I returned from Argentina, I began building my own production company. Primarily focused on helping smaller companies, my best friend and I created RYDL. Although we create short films for profit, we often focus on our own passion projects.
Which project would you think you’re most passionate about?
Our most prolific film was shot in Northern Mexico. We share this story about a man covered in tattoos, that frequents a poverty stricken area, only to give the locals sleeping bags and other helpful items. My goal with that type of project, is to not only develop awareness, but to develop a sense of appreciation in America; To be thankful for what we have.
What drives you to create projects that are so prolific?
I got it wrong when he was young, as I was thinking a lot about myself. The film industry in Cali can teach you bad habits. In my case, I found my purpose in Religion. “When I traveled, I realized it wasn’t all about me. I found my purpose in faith and Jesus. I was Inspired to come back to work for something tangible, that moved spirits, not just a vain life. In any project, I find that most of my energy comes from faith.
What would you consider your biggest creative obstacle?
Most of my challenges revolve around finances and getting out of pinches. You have to float through it. What’s the worst that could happen? You just have to focus on the task at hand.
What made you submit for this scholarship?
I went into our library to do research on scholarships when I came across yours. There wasn’t much information disclosed on your company, so I had to do extensive research about mHelpDesk. The program i’m trying to get into is the most competitive film program in the country. I believe this competitive culture is going to teach him how to perfect my craft.
What else do you like to do?
I spend any of my free time working on music. I’ve been playing since I was a kid, and I considers music as my Monster. It’s one of those creative hobbies that, no matter how much effort you put in, it never comes out the way you intended. Since the end product doesn’t align with your initial vision, you’re kinda just along for the ride. That’s why I call it a Monster. Although I love making music, it also plays a key role in my biggest goal as a filmmaker.
What would you consider as a dream come true?
Everyone in this industry has the same goal, which is really the essence of film. My dream and aspiration is to bring my script to my own production team, hammer it out, and make my own movie with the soundtrack that I created. Although my goal is big, I believe in staying true to his small town routes, by never losing site of where I came from.
From our perspective, we couldn’t be happier to help someone like Jesse. Our goal as a company is to help people thrive. In most cases, we do this by providing a software. In Jesse’s case, we’re providing educational assistance to help him achieve a dream come true. We will keep tabs on this aspiring filmmaker, as we have no doubt that he will accomplish what wants to do.
Last Updated By: Rochelle Sanchirico
Field Service Automation
Service Solutions
Last modified: January 16, 2018