Meet Isiah Barnes | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Isiah Barnes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Isiah, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I personally wanted to touch on the major importance of risks and taking them. I deeply believe with personal life and career, we all are faced with decisions and choices on how we all choose to live day by day. Risks are so important because they are like seeds needing to cultivate the life that you want. Every successful person I’ve had the pleasure of meeting tell me of stories of where they were at a crossroads and they could stay in the comfortable, stable existence that they were accustomed to or take a leap into the terrifying unknown. And that fear freezes most people and I was one of them for years. I had a good, stable job, bills were paid with a family. But I always felt that there was more to me than what I was doing. And I knew starting a business, chasing a dream, didn’t pay the bills right away so I had a choice to make. Stay making pretty good money, continue down this path or risk everything… I took the leap and I can say it was one of the best decisions I ever made! Years of hard work, planning, ups and downs come but you get so much stronger as you continue your journey. Against the odds we made and completed a feature film, that was profitable. Now have other dreamers on the team, collaborating making something we can all be proud of. To any person stuck at the crossroads, you can stay doing what you been doing and you’ll keep getting what you’ve been getting. Or start slow, start small and start with what you have. With the hard work over time, your breakthrough will come and you’ll go to a place even you didn’t think you could make if to. As well with the second option, the possibilities are limitless, I hope my story helps inspires even one to take on and conquer that fear.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our main mission at Reigning Talent is to help showcase homegrown talent on national platform, whilst showing kids from here that they have a real avenue to chase their dreams. As a kid from a small city, I was always told I lived in the wrong place and I needed to move away to be noticed. We want to shatter that stigma. This journey has been the hardest endeavor I’ve ever faced, so many obstacles and major challenges that you have to be mentally strong enough to deal with. A few we had to deal with; Ego filled producers trying to take over production, major investor falling through, last minute recasting of lead roles, department heads quitting/fired. All of which are major challenges you have to sit assess, after we plotted our next move or pivot in a new direction. We pivoted, luckily found even more skilled people to fill in those positions and we ended up in an even better position. The storm is temporary and you will make it through whatever you’re going through. There’s absolutely nothing easy about chasing any dream you have, but your “Why” has to be more important than any amount of work you have to do. So many lessons I’ve learned along the way but most of them are about people. Listen to the signs you want to ignore, and in most cases your gut feeling is right.

We want people all over this state, to be inspired. Them and the youth to know even though you may be from a small city, doesn’t mean you can’t do big things. We want to bring the magic of Motown back, but this time for films.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Hmmm fortunately Michigan has so many beautiful locations and attractions you can see! First I would do is take my friend to something fun to do is take them for some great burgers at Famous Dave’s in Saginaw. The next day we would make a day in Detroit at the Zoo and museum with the kids. Day 3 would be going to the U. P and possibly Higgins lake for a beach day; which is one of the most clear and beautiful lakes in North America. Day 4 rest… I’m not 20 anymore lol Day 5, hit soaring eagle casino for some adult fun. Day 6 go fishing in Freeland, and cool down with the dairy shop that has the best ice cream in the tri cities. Day 7 go to Bay City Midland St, stop at the festivities, great food and entertainment. And after a long week I’d send y’all home and hibernate for a month lol

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes absolutely, no one who accomplishing anything makes it there alone. It’s been quite a long journey and there been many instrumental people along the way, but I’ll have to say a double sided answer. First; Danzell Calhoun was the first local filmmaker I ever met. After acting in a few of his projects, it opened my eyes and mind showing me that there was an actual real path for filmmaking on a independent level. Secondly; Tonia L. Carrier, she was my first producing partner for my first film. I truly appreciate her and would definitely give her so much credit. For her guidance of me, kindness, patience, and willingness to collaborate. She gave me confidence in myself as a filmmaker that I actually can do this, showing me how to complete a film from beginning to end. I thank all the people along my journey but those two definitely deserve a shout out and more because I wouldn’t be the artist or the storyteller I am today without them.

Website: Reigningtalentproductions.com

Linkedin: Isiah Barnes

Facebook: Isiah Barnes

Image Credits
Ashley Brown- At Eleven Creative Photography