Gregory Garibay of Chicago on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Gregory Garibay. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Gregory, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
My nephew is five years old, and whenever we see each other, whether in person or on FaceTime, we play a game called Imagination. Basically, it’s our version of playing pretend like in SpongeBob, except it always turns into a Kaiju-monster movie full of action and adventure… and ads. He’s a YouTube kid, what do you expect? “And we’ll be right back after this ad! Tio, can you please pretend to make an ad for this toy?”

He’s still learning how to wrap up our movies when his Tio needs a break. One time, I told him the last thing we’d do was the end credits. I found a white iPhone cord on my mom’s bed and stretched it horizontally across her black TV screen, saying, “Starring The Coltonator himself! Featuring Tio!” while slowly lifting the cord like scrolling movie credits. “Directed by The Coltonator and Tio!”

Not long ago, we were playing again, and I told him, “After this battle, we need to come up with an ending, okay buddy?” In my head, that battle was supposed to last five minutes. Twenty minutes later, I’m still fighting for Chicago while blasting the Transformers score in the background. “Alright! Good battle, good ending. It’s Tio’s break time.”
“No, wait, Tio—one more ad for my new toy!” Ten minutes later, I say, “Okay, that’s the ad! Tio’s going now.” My sister walks in: “Hey, can you watch him for like ten more minutes?” Forty-five minutes later, I finally say, “Alright, your mama’s home. Tio’s gotta go.”
He looks up and says, “Wait, Tio, what about the preview for The Coltonator vs. Godzilla: Chapter 5?” I laugh and tell him, “I can’t, buddy, I have to work.” He looks down, a little defeated, and goes, “Awww, okay.” Then he stretches a white iPhone cord across his tiny black iPad screen and says, “Can you at least do the end credits for me?”

My heart completely melted. I smiled proudly at him and said, “Yeah… after we do the preview for Coltonator vs. Godzilla: Chapter 5.”
He finished the game by saying, “And don’t forget to comment, like, and suscribe!”

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Gregory Nicholas Garibay, a Filmmaker who’s been passionate about storytelling since I was 11 years old. With over eight years of professional experience in digital media, I’ve built a career in videography, filmmaking, and image design. Through my personal brand, Shot by Bay (shotbybay.com), I’ve worked as a writer, director, producer, cinematographer, photographer, editor, and colorist creating professional video and photo content for a wide range of clients and platforms. I’ve recently started live streaming and content creation for fun. I love creating, gaming, learning, and spending time with my friends, family and pets.

Most recently, I founded Saucer LLC (saucerpro.com), an independent production company and creative platform dedicated to telling original, thought-provoking stories. My goal is to merge cinematic artistry with meaningful narrative projects that not only look beautiful but leave a lasting emotional impression.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I used to believe I was limited. Not in a negative way, but in the way kids sometimes feel when they haven’t yet discovered what they’re capable of. As a child, there were moments where I’d surprise myself and think, “Oh, I didn’t even know I could do that.” Over time, those little realizations built up and taught me that we’re all far more capable than we think. Now, I believe I’m limitless. All it takes is the willingness to try, to learn through trial and error, and to keep pushing forward because none of us are truly limited to anything.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Fear of failure has held me back the most. Nobody likes being wrong. We all want to have the right answers, because failure makes us feel like we’ve lost control. And for most of us, that’s one of the hardest feelings to accept. But over time, I’ve learned that failure is as natural as gravity. It’s part of life’s pull. We’re all going to fall at some point, and that’s okay. The truth is, we’re never fully in control, and learning to accept that is what keeps failure from defining us.

I used to, and still sometimes do, let that fear hold me back. But what helps me now is remembering that I can steer the wheel, yet it’s God’s road I’m driving on. Things might not always go how you plan, but that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be so don’t be afraid of it. Embrace it even. Let it motivate you.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I wholeheartedly believe every living being is meant to create. It’s that simple, make art, build things, innovate, evolve, and be kind. Creativity keeps us alive. It can challenge you, frustrate you, even break you down at times, but it’s also what pulls you out. When you feel lost, create something new. When you need rest, take a break, but never let the fear of failure silence your imagination.

I’m committed to creating for as long as I’m here. Filmmaking will always be my greatest love, but I’m also passionate about music and innovation and I know I’ll explore those paths too, sooner or later. For me, the goal is simple: keep building, keep creating, and never stop evolving.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m doing what I was born to do. I’ve always felt a force guiding and protecting me, leading me toward where I’m meant to be. I truly believe in destiny and that God has one for each of us. I’m just grateful to have that connection, faith, and sense of direction in my life.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Anthony Wilke [@awfilms_]
Usman Hafeez [@uhafeez_]

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