Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Arend.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born and raised in San Diego, California. Although travel and adventure are deeply engrained in me, I will always consider this place my home.
Growing up, I always had a natural affinity towards film. I remember first editing videos on Windows Movie Maker when I was as young as 10 years old. I was fascinated (even through the crappy software) that I could piece together music and visual components to tell a story–it seemed so easy.
Although I toyed around with video producing at a young age, my background is actually in musical theater. Acting in plays and musicals, and studying drama, laid a solid foundation for storytelling in a way that I otherwise wouldn’t have experienced. At some point when I was 16, I picked up a camera, started shooting, and was lit on fire with a passion that has yet to cease.
Please tell us about your art.
I believe that the ambience of the human experience is at the core of all storytelling. I believe that presenting the pain and beauty of life in film, is equally as important to demonstrate the power and value of human existence. I am a director and filmmaker, and am most excited by telling stories in narrative form. This last year I had the opportunity to do that. I set out to make a short film entitled Boy on the Track. It’s based on the book, “In Progress,” by Aliya McReynolds. We shot the film back in April and we have been in post-production ever since, as we start to submit to film festivals in the next month.
The film is about Atticus, an older teenager who struggles with a deep, depression, after the death of his younger brother. The scene is very dark and dismal, but I hope people will be able to see how hopeful it actually is. I really hope audiences all around the world will be able to see that there is always hope, even in the darkest of situations.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Today’s conditions for artists, are more than ideal. That’s not to say it’s not hard; it is. One question I always ask myself is: “Am I letting the technology do the work?” In other words: am I letting the quality of my camera “wow” the viewer, or am I using my mind to create its own beautiful composition and story to “wow” the viewer?
We have become so technologically advanced, that many of us will worry more about what sort of camera we use, than what we are actually creating. But forget it; we live in the days of the iPhone X being comparable to a DSLR. As artists we need to focus on the MEANING of our work. The city of San Diego is very conducive to artists. The strength of support always lies within the community; so, get out to the local galleries, film festivals, plays, etc. Any ounce of support received from a community of people, is so encouraging to any artist.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My website is CalebArend.com. You can view my film reel, weddings, and other promotional work up there. If you know of personal brands or businesses that need help creating genuine content to tell stories with their brand, you can contact me through my website and shoot me a message. I will always respond to any questions or desired quotes that you have.
Also: get out to the film festivals! Honestly, filling the seats at film festivals and private screenings alike, help independent directors (and actors, writers, etc.) gain exposure, and meet new people. I highly encourage people to see what sort of local film festivals are in your community, and help support the rising talent. Because we ARE rising.
Contact Info:
- Website: CalebArend.com
- Phone: 7605808406
- Email: hello@calebarend.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caleb_arend/
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here
