We were lucky to catch up with Preston Barney recently and have shared our conversation below.
Preston, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I believe my optimism comes from God. It comes from God and is strengthened by God. We all have a natural proclivity to certain things; I have been blessed to be born not just looking at the glass half full, but honestly believing my cup can run over. I’m hard wired for optimism, but you can’t just have it, you have to keep it, and grow it. My optimism continues because of my unwavering faith in the future. I whole heartedly believe I’m not just going to achieve the things I set out to do, but it’s in my destiny. Because of that, I’m not just optimistic about the future. I’m expecting it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Preston Barney, and I’m the founder of WitnessTree Productions. A production company to make films that mean something. Films that make you laugh, cry, and sit on the edge of your seat. Quality artistic films with soul, that make you appreciate life, and inspire you to change yours for the better. I like to cross all genres and styles but we keep the core of WitnessTree to 3 main principles in all of our stories: Inspiring, Wholesome, and Fantastic. Right now we are focusing on short films to build a following and a team, but the future will include feature length films, series, documentaries and all other types of media. We are currently working on a short film titled “The Painter” about a painter with a brush that can bring his paintings to life. It will premiere for the Easter season across San Diego, with another short film titled “Pastel Petals: an Easter Tale” also currently in the works.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Talent, persistence, Passion.
Talent, everyone has a gift from God. Sadly not everyone has discovered that unique thing that you’re great at without much effort. Find that thing, train it, and you’re already a step above the rest.
Persistence. Some people have more of it, some need to find their grit. But you’ll never amount to anything unless you buckle down and get through the hard things KNOWING you’ll end up on top. Mike Tyson said “everyone’s got a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Purpose in your heart to roll with the punches.
Passion. You have to love what you do. If you love it, the people feel it. You can’t help but get better because you want it. And the grunt work won’t feel laborious because it will all seem like a game to you. Make sure it’s fun, make sure it’s enjoyable, stick with it and you can’t help but be great. Or at the very least, have a great time doing it.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Desperately looking for likeminded individuals. In the film business you need a mixture of things to have a successful team, you can’t just get anyone. First you have to be technically, artistically, and socially competent. That’s an interestingly powerful person as is right there! Then this person has to align with your vision, at least enough to add their artistic skill to the project. So to anyone out there who agrees with the dream of having inspiring wholesome fantasy, welcome aboard!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witnesstreeprod?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@witnesstreeproductions?si=28Kd9u722R4HjFPN
Image Credits
Preston Barney
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
