Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Buddy Chambers. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Buddy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I first knew that I wanted to pursue a path in the arts around 4 years old. At that age, I was writing and illustrating my own stories. Mind you, the stories were pretty awful and the illustrations were probably even worse- but that was me getting my feet wet in a sense. I’ve always been fascinated with storytelling and filmmaking so I think it was just inevitable that I would gravitate towards it as something I want to do with my life. As I grew up, I immersed myself with as much knowledge that I could absorb and I had this feeling that no matter what, this was what I wanted to do with my life.

Buddy, 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 story begins back in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where I grew up and was raised by my grandparents. My grandparents were both artists in their own ways. My grandfather was a contractor, who was a skilled musician and my grandmother was a florist who loved arts and crafts. I was the one who loved writing and film and fortunately, my grandparents encouraged me to pursue my passion. After much deliberation and heartache, I decided to leave Virginia and decided to embark on my eventual journey to California.

As a child, I used to tell my grandparents that I would end up in California. Instead of humoring me, they believed me. I always appreciated their unconditional love and support and I believe that without it, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I definitely wouldn’t be speaking to you right now. Their support absolutely meant the world to me.

I got into film the best way possible, which is baptism by fire. It was completely uncomfortable for me but the one good thing is, I welcomed the challenge. I shot my own projects and like anything, it was a lot of trial and error. I consider myself fortunate that I’ve been lucky to work alongside some talented cast and crew who have in many ways become more than your colleagues. I consider many my friends and family.

I’ve shot different types of genres: crime thrillers, creepy black and white terror in the vein of classic Twilight Zone, and even an off the wall comedy pilot. I’m proud of every single thing I’ve shot. I like the fact that I don’t pigeonhole myself into one specific genre. I like to push boundaries and I like to create fun sets where crew and cast get the opportunity to be heard and have voices.

I’m so proud of the actors I’ve worked alongside and the work that they’ve done. In my first film, “Lessons”, I was able to work alongside phenomenal actors like Elizabeth Colunga, J.D. Driskill and Santio East. I was able to work alongside these same actors again in my other films, “The Hard Sale” and “Blood Money”. I was also able to work with other great talent such as Nina Seul, who is an acting thoroughbred. She’s a tour de force to witness.

I’m incredibly proud of a TV pilot that I wrote and directed called, Bionic Beauty. It’s the most insane project that I have ever been a part of but I feel it’s the project that feels the most like me. It’s a perverse love letter to 80’s syndicated television and sitcoms. Basically, it’s an ode to the junk food television that I was raised on but done in the most comedic and darkest way possible. Carolina de Athey, who plays our lead, ANA, was everything that I was looking for when I wrote the part. She’s so amazingly gifted and she just tapped into the role. Marcelina Kalet, who plays Patricia Morris, made me laugh harder than I’ve ever laughed on a set. She just has great comedic sensibilities. Also, her and I have an unhealthy obsession with Killing Eve and the soundtrack from the show.

I want people to know that when you see something with my name on it, you will get something distinct that tries to be unconventional while maintaining my voice. My grandmother was a strong matriarch when I was growing up, so I try to have fully fleshed out and strong female characters in my work. I want characters with concise motivation and purpose, not rudderless devices to simply move a plot along.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Sure thing. I would say that sacrifice definitely should play a part in these journeys. I know it did with me. When I left Virginia, I had to sell absolutely everything that I had. All of my belongings that I was not tethered to- they were sold. This was done in order to support myself and have a place to live. I had to sacrifice and get rid most of the material belongings of my past in order to try to pave my future. I think a good thing that works in my favor is that I am insanely stubborn which makes the option of failure not something that I consider or am remotely afraid of.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative for me is that it gives me the opportunity to tap into the nether regions of my mind to tell a story and then I am able to completely put a visual to what I wrote. It’s in many ways like painting- and the canvas is limitless. The only limit is me and how far I want to take my imagination. I think I have a clear idea of what I want and what I visualize and the crew and cast I work are all talented so we are all on the same page. It’s like we are all a giant sports team and we know how to utilize our skill sets to achieve our goals.

As a resident of VA and the D.C. area, and a proud Washington Capitals fan- I hope that the sports comparison worked. If it didn’t, oh well… I tried.

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Image Credits
Salvador Velasco