We had the good fortune of connecting with Keith Bearden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keith, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I think it’s born out of love. I saw my first movie (an old TV airing of the original King Kong from 1933) when I was in the hospital at age 3). Yes, I actually remember it. I’ve loved movies ever since. Cinema is a place to both engage in the world we live in and escape your humdrum reality. And when I actually got around to making films, it was, to quote the US Army, “The toughest job you’ll ever love.” It’s exhausting and stressful and complicated but it works for me. The collaboration with other people making true a dream I had weeks or years before is a very special feeling. And also, after a certain point, it’s hard to get other work. So I guess I’m stuck with it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
While I was filming ANTARCTICA, my most recent feature film (now steaming on Amazon, AppleTV and even Tubi!) the assistant cameraperson, Cheryn Park, whom almost never talked to me even though we spent all day with each other, watched a scene and commented, “This movie takes place on Earth 2.” That sums it up well. My stories are a somewhat surrealistic take on ordinary reality.

Is it easy? No, nothing worthwhile is. If you want to be part of the “content” industry, maybe it is. But if you want to do something besides that, if you want to do something unique or personal, it’s hard. But the only way you really succeed is reaching people. Money gets spent. Fame is a temporary thing. Knowing somebody really loves and remembers something you did is the big thrill. I’m happy to say I’ve had that experience.

The film industry is constantly changing. How you get to break through is different now than when I started. And the competition is even fiercer. Hopefully do something excellent or special and time will be on your side.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My first real film that jumpstarted my career involved a tiny group of people, namely Joel Haskard, Brad Buckwalter and Sharon Eagan. It’s like forming a band. Find people you like hanging out with and go from there.

Website: www.greasyfilms.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directorkeithbearden

Other: https://vimeo.com/greasyfilms

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.