Barrington Marson of Atlanta, GA on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Barrington Marson and have shared our conversation below.

Barrington, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently, I had one of those moments that made me stop, laugh with joy, and feel an overwhelming sense of pride—I won not just one, but two Emmy Awards. To even say that still feels surreal. Growing up, I never imagined that I would one day hold those golden statues in my hands, let alone be the first in my family’s generation to accomplish something of this magnitude.
This achievement is more than an award; it’s a reminder of the sacrifices, the countless long nights, and the unwavering belief that storytelling matters. It has inspired me in ways I can’t fully put into words. Winning these Emmys is not the end of a journey but the beginning of a new one. They’ve lit a fire in me to dream even bigger, to push harder, and to keep creating stories that resonate with people.
I’m proud of what I’ve done, but I’m even more excited about where I’m headed. My next goals are set on the Golden Globes and the Oscars—for Best Film and Best Director. To me, this isn’t just about recognition, but about proving to myself and to the generations that come after me that anything is possible when you commit, believe, and never give up.
I carry this pride not just for myself, but for my family, my community, and every dreamer out there who’s wondering if their voice matters. Trust me—it does.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Barrington Marson, and I’m a filmmaker, director, writer, and producer based in Georgia. I am the founder of Barrington Marson Productions, a company I built with the mission of telling stories that are bold, emotional, and unforgettable. What makes my work unique is my ability to blend cinematic intensity with raw human truth—whether I’m creating horror, drama, action, or animation, I always ground my films in themes that audiences can deeply connect with.
My journey has been one of resilience and determination. Coming from a family where I am the first to pursue this path, I’ve always felt called to break barriers and open doors. That dedication led me to winning two Emmy Awards, an accomplishment that fills me with pride and motivates me to dream even bigger. My next goals are to one day bring home a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Film and Best Director.
Currently, I’m working on several exciting projects, including the supernatural-horror film The Family Story, the animated Pixar-style project Uncle B, and my grounded superhero feature Mr. Watson—a dark, emotional vigilante story that explores trauma, justice, and the human cost of carrying a double life. These projects reflect my passion for not only entertaining but also inspiring audiences through diverse voices and powerful representation.
At the heart of Barrington Marson Productions is a mission to create films that leave a lasting impact. I want people to walk away from my work not just entertained, but moved, challenged, and inspired. That’s the legacy I am building—one film, one story, and one unforgettable moment at a time.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself was with my grandmother. Losing her in 2010 was one of the hardest moments of my life. She wasn’t just my grandmother—she was my anchor, my safe place, and the person who saw greatness in me long before I ever saw it in myself.
There were times growing up when I doubted myself, when I felt like the odds were stacked too high, when my dreams felt impossible. But she never wavered. She reminded me, again and again, that I had something special inside me. She carried that belief so strongly that it gave me the strength to keep moving forward, even when I didn’t feel worthy of it myself.
The last words she ever spoke to me before she passed were: “You are going to do great things in this world.” Those words broke me and built me all at the same time. They were her gift and her charge to me. From that moment on, I made a promise—not just to her, but to myself—that I would make it. That I would push through every setback, every doubt, and every obstacle, because she had seen something in me that I couldn’t let die with her.
Even now, years later, every success I’ve had—including winning two Emmy Awards—has been fueled by that promise. When I held those statues in my hands, I thought of her. I thought of the little boy she looked at with so much love and faith, and how far he had come. I know she isn’t here to physically see it, but I feel her with me every single day.
Her belief in me shaped everything about how I see myself. It taught me that even when you feel small, even when you question your worth, the right words spoken at the right time can carry you for a lifetime. My grandmother’s love is still carrying me, and it always will.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have absolutely been times when I almost gave up. One of the clearest examples was when I was working on my film Abiding. What many people don’t know is that before that project ever came to life, I faced setback after setback. I couldn’t raise enough money, I didn’t have access to the best equipment, and at times it felt like there was very little support or belief in what I was trying to do. It was discouraging, and there were days when I wondered if it was even worth continuing.
But what kept me going was my consistency and my faith. I prayed through those moments and reminded myself why I started in the first place. I pushed through the obstacles, one step at a time, and eventually I made the feature film. That experience taught me that even when things look impossible on the outside, if you stay committed, keep your faith strong, and refuse to quit, doors will eventually open.
Of course, I still have moments where doubt creeps in—that’s just part of the journey. But I’ve learned that those moments are not a signal to stop; they’re a test of how much you believe in your purpose. That’s why I try to stay prayed up and keep moving forward no matter what. For me, giving up is no longer an option.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say the public version of me is very much connected to who I really am, because my body of work and the quality of my films reflect the type of person I strive to be—someone who is constantly pushing the envelope creatively, refusing to stay in a box, and always reaching for something different and meaningful. At the same time, I’ll admit I’m a perfectionist. I pour everything into making sure my work has a certain standard because I believe that when people watch something I’ve created, they should feel that passion and attention to detail.
That being said, I also recognize the world we live in today, especially when it comes to social media. It can be a very judgmental and toxic place, so I try to separate myself from it as much as possible. For me, social media is primarily a tool for business and for sharing fun, lighthearted moments—but it doesn’t define me.
At the core, I’m simply a person who is ambitious, driven, and deeply committed to my craft, but who also values balance. I love spending time with my family and true friends, the people who ground me and remind me of what really matters in life. So while the public version of me shows the filmmaker, the storyteller, and the perfectionist, the real me is also the son, the friend, the believer, and the man who treasures connection just as much as achievement.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand—deeply, in a way I don’t think most people do—is that there are always two stories happening at once: the one you can see, and the one you can feel. I see the world from a spiritual, “third eye” level—meaning I pay attention to energy, intention, timing, and the quiet truths underneath people’s words and actions. I’m always asking, What’s moving this moment from the inside? Pain, fear, hope, love—those currents shape everything, and if you learn to read them, you can guide a moment toward healing and meaning instead of just letting it pass by.
That perspective shapes my filmmaking. I don’t just look for a “cool shot”; I look for the why behind it. Light isn’t just illumination—it’s a character. Shadows aren’t just darkness—they’re memory. When I’m scouting locations, I listen to how a room breathes. When I’m blocking, I ask what the character’s spirit is trying to hide or reveal. In performance, I protect the actor’s vulnerability so the scene carries truth, not just technique. In editing, I treat silence like dialogue and cuts like promises—every transition should honor the story’s soul.
It also shapes how I lead. A film set can be loud, fast, and stressful, but I try to make it a safe, focused space: clear boundaries, real listening, and respect for everyone’s gift. I’ve learned that when the energy is right, solutions appear. The right “no” can save a day. A five-minute pause can unlock a performance. Budget limits can become creative design. To me, obstacles aren’t just problems—they’re choreography from something larger, asking you to move differently so the final piece can be stronger.
Personally, I stay grounded through prayer, gratitude, and stillness. That keeps my intuition sharp and my ego quiet. It reminds me that the goal isn’t attention; it’s resonance—leaving people changed, even a little. I measure success by whether a scene gives someone the courage to face their own shadows, to forgive, to hope again.
So, what do I understand that most people don’t? That the visible world is only half the picture. If you learn to see with your spirit—to notice the subtext, the timing, the intention—the work becomes more honest, the leadership becomes more compassionate, and the art carries a weight that lingers long after the credits roll.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.barringtonmarsonproductions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barringtonmarson/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrington.marson.2025