BARNEY ARCHIBALD

Professional Introduction

G’day - I’m Barney, a freelance video director / videographer / filmmaker based in Sydney, Australia (Bondi). I’m in my element creating emotive, story-driven, aesthetically pleasing video content for myself and my clients. Check out my portfolio here (and more vertical content on my instagram).

I offer a full range of video production services, from concept development / pre-production / content planning / scriptwriting/ marketing & strategy to lighting and filming, directing, editing and post-production. I have all the gear and skills to work end-to-end with you on delivering high quality video content and offer peripheral services such as website development and social media management. I have a finance background and I’m good with numbers. Plus, I’m an easy-going bloke.

Whether you're looking for help with your documentary, Youtube vlog / content, a promotional video for your business (e.g. cafe, bar, restaurant, gym, farm & rural, automotive, you name it), a business pitch or highlight reel for your special event (e.g. wedding, party, corporate function) - I bring a fun, upbeat attitude, cinema-quality gear and a tailored approach to every project.

If you’d like to get in touch, feel free to email me and consider joining my mailing list Chinwags (my inner sanctum where I share updates on my latest projects).

My Story

I grew up in the small town of Murrurundi, nestled in the mountains of the Upper Hunter Valley - where some of my earliest memories include camping, riding horses and binge watching documentaries (and Spongebob). This instilled in me a deep curiosity for humanity and the world - as well as a good sense of humour and creativity.

I got a scholarship to a fancy boarding school in Sydney, studied Commerce at USYD because I didn’t know what else to do. I was determined to do whatever it took to achieve riches, and wound up becoming an investment banker. After a couple years I landed my ‘dream job’ and began planning how to retire as quickly as possible, so then I could…do something I was passionate about?

It wasn’t until my ~mid 20s, burnt out and unfulfilled in my banking job, staring down the barrel of 30 more years, that I actually considered the possibility of making my own career in content, film & documentary. After reading ‘The Pathless Path’, I had an epiphany and took a year off to vagabond and backpack around South East Asia and Europe as I had always dreamt, soul-searching and thinking of next steps. Over time my relationship with money has shifted drastically and I’ve accepted I may live a humbler but happier life - and I am excited for the future and have an entrepreneurial spirit. In 2024 I invested in the Art of Documentary, a zero-to-hero course in documentary filmmaking and a community I continue to actively participate in and study with as I set off on this new path.

For now, my dream is to build a small, sustainable freelance video production business in and amongst following my heart and curiosity as far as it will take me and travelling the world to document the stories of incredible characters.