Barnaby Southcombe's odyssey in the realms of theatre and cinema commenced with his academic pursuits at University College London, where he concurrently pursued degrees in French and History of Art, laying the groundwork for a multifaceted career that would span both artistic and intellectual pursuits.
As he navigated the halls of academia, Southcombe's fascination with the performing arts led him to become increasingly involved in theatrical productions, eventually culminating in his directorial debut with an adaptation of Harold Pinter's celebrated play, 'Betrayal', at the esteemed Studio des Champs Elysées in Paris, a testament to his burgeoning talent and dedication to his craft.
After graduation, Southcombe's trajectory in the world of theatre and film was set in motion, paving the way for a distinguished career marked by creative innovation and artistic excellence.
Noteworthy is the profound impact that his extensive experience in the theatre had on his subsequent career trajectory, ultimately guiding him to participate in the esteemed NYU S.C.E film program, where he leveraged his creative prowess to write and direct his inaugural short films. The resounding success he achieved in this venture served as a catalyst, propelling him to secure a position with the distinguished Film and TV company Communicado in Auckland, New Zealand. Subsequently, he made the pivotal decision to relocate back to London, where he successfully transitioned into the realm of music video and commercials production.
Barnaby's television career received a significant boost with his involvement in the popular cult teen drama series 'As If' broadcast on Channel 4, marking a pivotal moment in his professional trajectory. This initial success was swiftly followed by his direction of the acclaimed Channel 4 drama 'Teachers', further solidifying his reputation as a talented and in-demand television director.
Subsequently, Barnaby played a key role in the launch of MTV's foray into fiction programming, spearheading the innovative and groundbreaking drama series 'Top Buzzer', a pioneering endeavor that expanded the boundaries of television storytelling. His exceptional direction of the pilot episode for the award-winning BBC1 drama 'Waterloo Road', a peak-time drama that garnered widespread critical acclaim, is a testament to his versatility and skill as a director.
Throughout his illustrious career, Barnaby has had the opportunity to direct a diverse range of television shows, cementing his position as a respected and accomplished figure in the television industry.
Barnaby's creative endeavors extended beyond the realm of television, as he ventured into the world of cinema, scripting and directing his debut feature film, 'I, Anna'. This critically acclaimed production boasted an impressive cast, featuring the talents of renowned actresses Charlotte Rampling and Hayley Atwell, alongside accomplished actors Gabriel Byrne and Eddie Marsan.
The film's premiere at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival in 2012 marked a significant milestone in Barnaby's career, followed by its official selection at the Shanghai Film Festival. Furthermore, 'I, Anna' garnered widespread recognition, receiving the coveted audience award at the Vancouver Film Festival.
Charlotte Rampling's remarkable performance in the film earned her a Best Actress nomination at the Evening Standard British Film Awards, a testament to her exceptional craft.
Barnaby is a co-founding partner of Embargo Films, a production company that has been instrumental in bringing a wide range of cinematic projects to life.
Throughout his illustrious career, Barnaby has had the privilege of producing a diverse array of films, each one showcasing his exceptional skill and dedication to the craft.
Some of his most notable productions include 'I, Anna', a gripping drama that explored the complexities of human relationships; 'The Sweeney', a crime thriller that paid homage to the classic British police procedural; 'Pusher', a gritty and intense drama that delved into the world of drug addiction; 'Still Life', a poignant and thought-provoking film that examined the human condition; and 'Me and Me Dad', a heartwarming and humorous tale of father-son bonding.
In addition to his work at Embargo Films, Barnaby has also served as an Executive Producer on several other projects, including 'Miss You Already', a poignant drama that explored the complexities of female friendship, and 'High Rise', a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that examined the darker aspects of human nature.
Through his work at Embargo Films and S Films, Barnaby has established himself as a highly respected and accomplished producer, with a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of the cinematic process.
