We were lucky to catch up with B.P. Edwards recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, B.P. thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

Its easy to look at the entertainment industry and see dollar signs, and to be completely honest the Film & TV sector of entertainment is in open season for Black filmmakers. We are truly in the renaissance of Black talent for both above and below the line creatives. The challenge in this is the existence of gatekeeping in the industry. Many people do not believe in spreading opportunity throughout the community, so it becomes challenging to break into the spotlight.

Being talented is not enough to differentiate yourself from your peers. You have to be a networker as well. You have to be able to step into rooms and communicate your intentions with those around you in a way that emphasizes your future profitability and usefulness to others ambition. This is a game of being useful, and not everyone understands that partnerships are how many are growing out of their seed phase.

I can recall a time when I was first starting out as a Cinematographer, and I linked up with a few friends, Monica Edelhoff, Richard Obasi and Antrell Terry to put out a short film project, Just Friends. Not a single one of us was paid a dime from the creation, filming and execution of that project. All of the gear used on that project was gear I owned. All of my friends worked for free on that project. That project had its run through multiple film festivals and it became my calling card for what I am able to accomplish as a DP. That initial project landed a 3 year acquisition deal with REVOLT TV and secured me a spot as one of four cinematographers in Issa Rae’s inaugurar Find Your People Program through her talent agency, Color Creative. Had I been worried about the money at that time and not taken on Just Friends, I would not be where I’m at today as a Cinematographer.

B.P., love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is B.P. Edwards.

I am a Cinematographer and Producer based out of Pasadena, CA. I am also the owner of a production company, BEARVISION Photography & Design.

I started my journey in camera back in 2013-14 while at Langston University in Oklahoma, and purchased my first camera, a Canon T3i in 2015 while in Grad School attending Texas A&M University Commerce. I worked heavily in the fashion industry as a e-commerce and portrait photographer, but found my passion in filmmaking after filming a recap the Black y Brown Arts Festival in Bloomington Indiana under the direction of Gavin Everett. From that project, I’ve gone on to travel the country as a camera professional shooting stills, videos, and movies.

My work consists of working with Directors, Producers and filmmakers to establish visual language, select equipment, bring on crew, and lead the below-the-line technicians on Narrative, Commercial, Documentary, Corporate, Music, and Informative video projects. I personally enjoy Film & TV projects in the Romantic Comedy, Sci-Fi and Fantasy genres.

I am huge on creative collaboration, and challenging filmmakers to push the boundaries of framing, composition, camera movement, and most importantly lighting.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

There are two goals that I have in my creative journey

My first goal is to grow my network and be more involved as a member of the filmmaking community. Being present and networking is so important! I want to continue to meet and support people that I can grow with, create with, make money with, and go to the top of the film industry with.

My second goal is to film a series of movies or a tv series that brings a fandom to life. I love seeing people become attached to characters and universes, especially in the fantasy genre. So something like Star Wars or Lord of the Rings would be my ultimate filmmaking goal.

Have you ever had to pivot?

At the height of COVID, I went in the mountains and asked God to take away everything that was not for me and replace it with people, places, and situations that were aligned in what His purpose for me truly is.

And within a few months time I lost literally everything. Relationships, my previous career, my living situation, everything. I moved back in with my parents and picked up my camera full time. From that pivot, I was given my success and flowers at a filmmaker through having produced a project that was acquired by REVOLT TV, landing a spot in ColorCreative’s Inaugural Find Your People Cohort, and establishing a fruitful career surrounded by individuals that pour into me, support me, and encourage my involvement in their project.

I’m forever humbled by the life in filmmaking that God chose for me. To be stripped of everything and to recover stronger than you could possibly imagine is something I will forever be humbled in.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bearvisionpnd.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/bpedwardsdop
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bpedwards/

Image Credits
Remy Robin Magda Gamreklidze Van Green Sandra Houghton