Meet Rob Bradford | Documentary Producer and Director

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

Hi Rob, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in an unfortunately-named southern city called Lynchburg, VA (thankfully named after a person, not a hate crime). I would have never thought I’d be where I am today when I was growing up, but looking back, it all makes perfect sense. Growing up, I was always outside. The Blue Ridge Mountains were directly out my front doorstep, and you could always find me hiking, camping, building forts, etc. When I wasn’t playing outside alone in the woods, I was playing sports with my friends. What sport, it didn’t matter, my parents kept me active in just about every sport all year long and while I couldn’t care less about sports today, that time spent on teams would prove invaluable to me later in life.

My trajectory changed dramatically during my freshman year in high school when my girlfriend at the time auditioned for a school play. She was way out of my league on just about every level, and she was beginning to figure that out. Meanwhile, all the seniors had definitely figured it out and were circling like buzzards, waiting eagerly for us to break up. So as not to allow them potential time with my girlfriend when I wasn’t around, I auditioned for the play as well, having never previously exercised an artistic bone in my body. Bizarrely, I was cast in the play, and she wasn’t. I ended up having the time of my life, and a new passion for storytelling was discovered. She moved on from me very quickly and made one of those seniors a happy man.

Life in the theater ushered in many new passions, acting, ballet, filmmaking, directing, comedy. I dove in completely, and when the time came to choose a focus so that I could further pursue it in college, everyone encouraged me to continue with acting. I was eager to learn more, but the thought of putting all my eggs in one pursuit of one passion was making me feel uneasy. Throughout college, whether consciously or subconsciously, I continued to take as many dance classes, directing classes and film classes on the side as I could manage, while pursuing a BFA in acting. I had a little handicam camera with me always, that I would use to shoot skits with friends, and I kept my pockets lined by dancing professionaly with a studio in town.

Upon graduation, I moved to New York, just like everyone told me I was supposed to do, and got the job waiting tables so I could build my acting career. Immediately, I felt off. The sole pursuit of one passion just wasn’t doing it for me and unfortunately, it would be several more years before I could let myself consider dropping acting as a career ambition. Meanwhile, I began to work with people on various films and commercials and really started to bond with some great producers and directors. I didn’t just like their style and skill, I really admired their work ethic and when we were on set together, we really felt like we were all on the same team, working together on the same mission. Afterward, I made friends with these people and asked to be taken under their wing, so I could work with them on more projects. Not as an actor, but as a producer and director. Thankfully, they agreed, and thus my producing and directing career would begin.

Fast forward ten more years, and I’m on the side of Mount Everest, shooting a documentary with a team of some of my best friends. We have a company together that creates advocacy and educational documentary films championing the rare disease community. I get to lead a team of amazing people and create inspiring work day-in and day-out. And while dancing and acting haven’t been able to fit in my current lifestyle, I’ve found I don’t miss them. My creative juices are tapped on a daily basis and I can’t imagine a better job.

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.
In addition to producing and directing, I also dabble in photography. I say dabble because while I do work professionally as a photographer from time to time, I mostly strive to keep commerce out it in order to keep it fun. I feel like I can constantly practice and never have to worry about something being perfect. In contrast to my storytelling work, my photography is almost entirely of nature. It’s my retreat from the hectic day-to-day life that we’re stuck participating in. I love to share it on instagram in hopes that it helps someone else retreat as well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite things about LA is how easy–and worth it–it is to leave. Driving the PCH for views and seafood stops is always a must. The Parker Mesa Overlook trail is a decently long hike with rewarding views. I also love heading east into the San Gabriels, the Echo Canyon and Inspiration Point hikes are always very worth it.

In town, I typically stay on the east side. Grab a six-pack of beer and sit outside at Guisados for their steak picado tacos, then maybe Ye Rustic for wings and then Harvard and Stone to hear some music. Probably the Echo for dancing at some point too. Brunch at either Beachwood Canyon Cafe, Square One or Little Dom’s.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Patrick Lynch, Ryan Gielen, Josh Bragg, Amy Board and all of my teachers and friends along the way. These people are vital to my everyday happiness and success.

Website: www.robbradford.com

Instagram: @therobbradford