Meet Demetrius Borge

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Demetrius Borge a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Demetrius, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.

When I first began on that deranged carnival ride called college, I had the whole thing mapped out for a sensible future. The plan was to major in Computer Science—practical, lucrative, —and to minor in film, just to keep a bit of my soul alive amidst the rows of computer screens and sterile code. It was the kind of setup that would make any parent proud while simultaneously boring me to tears.

But as the semesters dragged on, it became brutally clear that I’d signed up for a double-edged mindfuck. Computer Science was a cold, cerebral maze of algorithms, logic puzzles, and the kind of mathematics that drives men to drink. It required precision, discipline, and an iron will to sit through endless hours of coding without going mad. I could do it—hell, I was good at it—but every line of code felt like another nail in the coffin of my sanity. I wasn’t living; I was merely existing, shuffling through the motions of a life I had no desire to live.

Then there was film, a wild, chaotic jungle where creativity roamed free and danger lurked behind every risky decision. This was a different kind of challenge—one that demanded guts, vision, and the ability to craft something real out of thin air. The rules were there to be broken, and the more I bent and twisted them, the more alive I felt. Every project was an adventure, a dive into the unknown that left me exhilarated and ravenous for more. This was what it meant to live.

The more I immersed myself in these two worlds, the more I realized I was caught in the outlandish dance between security and fulfillment. Computer Science might’ve promised a steady paycheck and a life of comfortable mediocrity, but it left me cold and hollow. Film, on the other hand, was a high-stakes gamble with no guarantee of success—but damn it, it made me feel something.

So there I was, standing at the crossroads of a life-altering decision, staring down the barrel of my future. I could stick with the safe bet and slowly die inside, or I could take a wild leap into the unknown and chase the thing that made my heart beat faster. It wasn’t just a choice; it was a fucking existential crisis.

In the end, I said to hell with the odds and threw myself headfirst into the chaos of film. I switched my major in the final stretch of my college career, knowing full well the risks and the madness that lay ahead. It was a gamble, sure, but one that felt like the only sane option in a world gone mad.

As I look back on that decision, I realize it wasn’t just about choosing a major—it was about choosing to live on my own terms, to pursue joy over security, and to embrace the beautiful uncertainty that comes with following your passion. The road is rocky, unpredictable, and sometimes downright terrifying, but it’s my road, and I wouldn’t trade it for all the code in Silicon Valley.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Hey, hey! It’s Demetrius. I’ve been making films and taking photos for over ten years now, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the ride. My journey into the world of visual storytelling began in a rather tragic, yet oddly motivating way—I once deleted all the family photos from a month-long trip to Europe. Yep, every last one. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to make up for that blunder, which also means I have a very firm understanding of what “format card” means. Lesson learned, the hard way.

My creative journey truly kicked off back in Middle School. While my classmates were busy writing papers, I was busy finding ways to make movies instead. Claymations, explainer videos about PEMDAS—you name it, I made it. Anything to avoid putting pen to paper! Then came high school, where I was fortunate enough to have an incredibly influential film teacher who saw my passion and nurtured it. He taught me the ins and outs of filmmaking and had this uncanny ability to pull off incredible opportunities for us. We’d have screenings with folks like Jennifer Lawrence (yes, that Jennifer Lawrence) and John G. Avildsen, the guy who directed Rocky and The Karate Kid. We even got private tours of Pixar Studios. With mentors and experiences like that, how could I not dive headfirst into filmmaking?

After high school, I decided to switch coasts, leaving sunny California for the snowy charm of Middlebury College in Vermont. I dabbled in Computer Science there but ultimately found my true calling in the Film and Media Culture program. My junior year was a game-changer—I got to study abroad in Prague with NYU Tisch’s 35mm directing course. There, I wrote and directed a short film about two old men trying to steal beer from a beer garden, all shot on glorious 35mm film. It was an experience that solidified my love for storytelling and filmmaking.

After graduating in 2016, I stayed on at Middlebury for a couple of years, working as a Digital Media Producer in their Communications and Marketing Department. I wrote, produced, directed, and edited a variety of projects, from a short documentary about the history of Middlebury’s Carillon to videos capturing the nostalgia of Vermont winters. It was a fantastic learning experience, but eventually, I felt the itch to branch out and create something of my own.

That’s when I co-founded 273 Productions, a full-service creative agency in Burlington, Vermont. Our mission was simple: help Vermont’s small businesses bring their in-person experiences to the digital world. We had the privilege of working with amazing clients like Whistlepig Whiskey, Vermont Small Business Development Corporation, and Danforth Pewter, among others. It was a rewarding venture, but after nearly a decade in Vermont, I felt it was time for a new adventure.

That adventure took me all the way to Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands—a bit of a change from Vermont, to say the least! But that’s what I love about this journey: every new place, every new project, is a chance to grow and explore.

Now, I’m focused on expanding my storytelling repertoire. I’m working on more narrative-driven projects, and experimenting with new techniques.

In all of this, what excites me the most is the opportunity to connect with people—whether through the stories I tell or by sharing what I’ve learned along the way. I’m always up for a new challenge, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best stories are the ones that surprise you.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been absolutely crucial: patience, taking risks, and surrounding myself with people who make me better. These have shaped my career and helped me navigate the ups and downs of the creative world.

First, patience has been key. Mastery doesn’t come overnight, and it’s important to embrace the learning process. Early on, I often felt like I wasn’t progressing fast enough, but I learned to trust the process and give myself time to grow. My advice to anyone starting out is to be patient with yourself. Take your time to refine your work, and remember that growth happens over time, not instantly.

Second, taking risks has defined my journey. Every significant step forward—from switching majors to starting my own company—involved a leap of faith. Risks come with the possibility of failure, but they also offer the greatest rewards. For those early in their journey, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. The biggest breakthroughs often come from taking the boldest risks.

Finally, surrounding myself with people who are more experienced and who push me to be better has been invaluable. Whether it was my high school film teacher or the talented peers I’ve worked with, these relationships have constantly challenged me to grow. My advice? Seek out mentors and colleagues who inspire and challenge you. Being in the right company will push you to new heights.

In short, patience, risk-taking, and surrounding yourself with the right people are key to success. Embrace these qualities, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I’m definitely looking to connect and collaborate with others in the film industry. I recently moved back to the Bay Area, and I’m eager to work with experienced professionals who are passionate about storytelling and the art of filmmaking. Whether you’re a director, producer, cinematographer, or part of a production crew, I’d love to learn from you, contribute to your projects, and grow together as creative professionals.

If you’re interested in collaborating or just want to connect, feel free to reach out. You can contact me via email or LinkedIn, and let’s see how we can create something amazing together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://demetrius.video/
• Instagram: @demetrius.video