Barry Jacobs
Cinematographer/Director/Producer
Barry is a veteran producer, director and cameraman with over 40 years of screen craft, known for running up to six cameras — gimbals and drones included — on a single shoot.
Since joining Grainger TV in 2019, Barry has directed and shot 153 episodes of Travel Oz for Channel 7, filmed tourism documentaries in Palau and South Africa, and covered live bushfires for US Fox News.
Earlier in his career he founded Australia's first specialist drone retailer, produced the country's top-selling automotive DVD series, and directed political campaign commercials for two federal elections. He brings the same wicked sense of humour to every shoot, keeping the mood light even on the toughest days.
Before GraingerTV, this was Barry’s professional experiences:
Owner and Founder: Camzilla
2009 to July 2017
Formed to fill a gap in the market, Camzilla began as an E-commerce retailer selling unique camera support equipment and accessories.
After 2 years of online success, the business moved to a physical store in Lindfield, Sydney, before embracing the new category of Drones, ultimately becoming Australia’s first specialist Drones retailer.
Winner of 2016 Local Business Awards for "Outstanding Specialist Business”.
Camzilla was sold in 2017 and remains successful for the new owner.
Producer/Director: Serious Business TV
1988 to 2008
Formed Serious Business TV to concentrate on producing and directing documentaries, TVCs and business programs.
In 1997, he began writing, shooting and producing a series of automotive videos titled Serious Performance. The eight-part series became Australia’s top-selling automotive DVD until production ended in 2006. He also formed a distribution division to license other related programs from overseas suppliers, ultimately distributing a catalogue of nearly 200 automotive DVD titles to retailers throughout Australia and NZ.
In 2008, the business came to the attention of Beyond International, who made a successful bid to purchase it.
Executive Producer: Kookaburra Productions
1984 to 1988
Kookaburra was a mid-sized production company specialising in TV commercials and corporate programs.
In the role of EP, while continuing to produce and direct, he was responsible for tenders, proposals and supervision of all productions. Clients included most Sydney advertising agencies and all TV Networks.
With John Singleton Advertising, he produced numerous political campaign commercials for two Federal elections and a NSW State election.
Freelance Director/Cinematographer
1981 to 1984
After 7 years learning his craft as an ATN7 studio and sports cameraman, Barry left to pursue a freelance career as director and DOP.
Employed by TV networks, advertising agencies and corporate clients for a large range of diverse jobs.
In 1983, he also created and taught a TV Production curriculum course at two independent training colleges in Sydney.
Recent Cinematographer Credits
Grainger TV - (Ch.7) 153 “Travel Oz” episodes, including directing a half-hour special in New York.
Tourism documentaries in Palau for Australian DFAT, and in South Africa for SA Tourist Board.
US Fox News - Live-to-air NSW bushfire coverage with local American presenter.
Corporate training videos for UBT Aust.
Short Selection Of Previous Credits
Documentary production:
“Serious Performance 1 to 8” - Australia’s top-selling car DVD series (1997 to 2006)
“Off On A Tangent” - (ATOM award winner) TAFE Education doco on mathematical calculus for NSW High School syllabus.
"Unique Cars" Magazine - Production of DVDs for on-cover promotions.
Corporate production:
Barbeques Galore Group - Production of cooking programs
Hyundai - Dealer conference videos
Zoo Weekly Magazine - Production of Zoo website videos
PRD Nationwide - Dealer presentation videos
Chrysler - Dealer launch videos for Grand Cherokee and Wrangler
TVC Production:
Hundreds of TV ads for a large array of Australian and international clients.
All in all, a talented young bloke.
