Beyond the Lens: Follower Edition
Updated: Aug 8
Thank you for checking out this edition of Death of a Cameraman's Beyond the Lens: Follower Edition! I like to spotlight people following @DeathofaCameraman on Instagram. Welcome to the website if this is your first time.
The genesis behind this community is the Death of a Cameraman ebook and limited series podcast. In the podcast we explore my journey of reinvention as a Hollywood Entertainment professional to a Financial Professional after losing everything and living out of my car during COVID19. The podcast is competing in this years Signal Awards!
Here's a quick sample clip from the limited podcast series as well as a link to the episodes. Please Like, Share, and Subscribe! I'm also host an online webinar Tues. Aug 18th, and Sat. Aug 22, 2026. Check out the EVENTS page for more detail to RSVP. Thanks for being here now, and feel free to look around the website!
Audio Podcast sample
Full episode link - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF1iRslk3DBc0jgDPll7uXcAJuq4e0-1V
Follow on IG Terri Grillo
What does the phrase "Beyond the Lens" mean to you?
Terri: "Beyond the Lens" means looking past outward appearances. It's about going deeper than what people see on the surface and discovering who you truly are. It represents finding purpose, embracing personal growth, and understanding the meaning that comes from within.
Have you ever had a "Death of a Cameraman" moment?
Terri: Yes. I used to be a people pleaser, constantly worrying about what others thought of me and trying to meet everyone's expectations. Over time, I let that version of myself go. Today, I still believe in treating people with kindness and respect, but I no longer let their opinions define me. I've learned to be comfortable with who I am, and that has given me a greater sense of confidence and freedom.
Follow on IG - Darren Anselmo
What does the phrase "Beyond the Lens" mean to you?
Darren: The phrase beyond the lens means to me that there is much more behind the people that you see in those photos, social media, big screen and tv than meets the eye. People always ask me how I’m always booked and busy . They see me on sets almost everyday , posting my work etc . They don’t realize that I’m spending hours a day and night behind the scenes, searching, applying, networking and self taping . Even while I’m waiting when on set I’m searching ! I’m also a Husband and Father so I’m also balancing my family life! So yes there’s a lot beyond the lens that people don’t realize.
Have you ever had a Death of a Cameraman moment?
Darren: I’d say my death of a cameraman experience happens to me about every 10 years or so. I get bored , burnt out and need to do something different. So I have to reinvent myself. I was a firefighter, an elevator mechanic, a cosmetologist/salon, owner and stylist, a farm owner and when I got bored of all that 4 1/2 years ago at the age of 51 I decided to reinvent myself and become a actor.
Who has helped you when you're at your lowest.
Darren: I would say whenever I’m at my lowest points, which I find myself there once in a while, I talked to God and he gets me through. I’m always trying to remember not to give up, because you never know what God has in store for you the very next second!
Follow on IG - Beth Barnes
What does the phrase "Beyond the Lens" mean to you?
Beth: Beyond the Lens means everything that goes on behind the scenes to bring entertainment to you in any form. People have no idea what it takes individually and as a group to pull off an episode of a show for example.
Have you ever had a Death of a Cameraman moment?
Beth: I feel like I have had a death of an identity moment... In late 2018, I moved to CA to pursue acting. I had had some success in VA. I was just settling in and making contacts in CA when I was hit by a car as a pedestrian. This happened 3 months after arriving. Almost all of 2019 was spent recovering and I lost jobs I had booked. This brought me to my knees physically and mentally. I had a friend who helped get me through it. He is a musician and wouldn't let me give up. Reminded me of what I'm made of.
Follow on IG - Samarra Jean Pursell
When did you first start chasing the dream?
Samarra: I fell in love with acting at the age of 5, and I started acting at 9 a little. A little more at 12, but I really started putting my best foot forward at the age of 16.
What has your journey taught you the hard way?
Samarra: I learned that not everyone will always land the role that they want, sometimes no role at all. And while it can be heartbreaking, never give up on what matters to you.
What version of yourself did you have to outgrow?
Samarra: I had to outgrow the version of me that would complain over not getting the lead role or the roles I wanted and realize that I have the power to make the most out of whatever role I get.
What does "beyond the lens" mean to you?
Samarra: To me, "beyond the lens" means seeing the deeper picture in someone’s story.
What would you say to someone trying to reinvent their life?
Samarra: I’d say “Don’t try to become a different person overnight. Become the kind of person who keeps the promises they make to themselves.”
Follow on IG - Tim Randle
What does the phrase "Beyond the Lens" mean to you?
Tim: Beyond the Lens means looking at the person in front of the lens as a person... how do they impact people beyond the camera.
Have you ever had a Death of a Cameraman moment?
As far as "Death of a Cameraman" moment... I don't recall having a specific moment in time where I felt like my identity had a mini death. I've had numerous times where I reinvented myself, let go, and moved onto something else. In fact the most recent one was when I started acting. I was a real estate investor with no inclination to be an actor. And now a couple years later here I am doing auditions, and acting in commercials and films.
Who was someone that stepped up for you when you found yourself at perhaps your lowest point?
Tim: Back when I was a real estate investor, doing single-family homes... I had purchased a home from someone who was having somewhat of a tough time. And in the early 2000's a lot of the white-collar jobs left the Austin market. And my wife and I were stuck with six to eight homes that were empty. And we were making payments on these vacant homes and we couldn't get anybody in there... And the most expensive one, as far as payments... I reached out to the owner to explain the situation, that I've been making payments for 5 years and never missed a payment, but I'm in a bind and I'm not sure what to do, and I'm just sharing my situation. By that time he had turned his situation around, so we agreed that he would just buy the house back from me, so he took over the payments... That was a huge help and a turning point in getting our lives back in financial order.
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