Búi Baldvinsson is an Icelandic filmmaker and founder of Hero Productions Iceland, known for his cinematic storytelling and creative leadership. With a background in photography and production, he has worked across feature films, commercials, and television.
How many years have you been a judge?
This is my first year!
What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?
As a filmmaker, I’m endlessly inspired by the ways people tell stories through image and emotion. Judging for the Telly Awards is exciting because it offers a front-row seat to some of the most creative and daring work being made today. I love seeing how filmmakers around the world use their vision to move, surprise, and connect us.
What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?
My first job was PA taking care of the walkies in the feature film Little Trip To Heaven. It thought me how to fall in love with the industry watching magic happen.
What project are you most proud to have worked on?
Almost every single project we take makes us proud, there is one that stands out. FlyOver Iceland is an immersive rollercoaster ride over Icelandic nature. Filmed for weeks in a helicopter challenging the direction of everything on the ground and sea to match up with the ride was the most challenging. The hardest part is there is no link or video to show what we created but I need to take the ride and experience the visuals physically. But that makes it even more unique.
What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?
Keep calm and not have stress take over. Filming in Iceland can be challenging and many locations require the foreign crew to understand the safety and logistics.
What do you look for to determine excellence in video?
When the project gives you goosebumps and touches you emotionally.
What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?
My goal with my company is lending a helping hand to the ones in need, Second chances are rare.
What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?
Currently we are producing a documentary about one of the worst avalanches that happened in 1995 where 20 souls lost their lives. Storytelling with both survivors and families that lost their loved ones is challenging. But it’s a story that needs to be told.
Do you have any specific practices you lean on to spark creativity?
Talk to the whole crew and allow them to open up with their ideas. Creativity never comes from just one person.
What inspired you to pursue your career path?
Starting Hero Productions gave me the opportunity to change the industry in Iceland, how production companies should treat the crew with love and respect. Without them, nothing happens.
