It kind of feels weird that I’m talking about myself for the last edition of The Movie Guyde, but at the same time it just feels right.
I started this online magazine to provide a platform for creators, creatives, artists, actors, filmmakers, and writers to share their lives with others. I wanted to give my audience an insight into the minds of these amazing people. Unfortunately I won’t be able to continue doing this.
This was also a project I used to keep sharpening my skills as a journalist, while I also worked on establishing myself as a film content creator. At the end of the day it became hard to balance both. I had to take a step back and reevaluate my work. I’m still a journalist, but now I’m a content creator first.
That’s why for one last time I want to introduce you to someone quite peculiar, a sort of misfit – if you will. The one-and-only, Movie Guy, Barry de Klerk Yes, that’s how I usually introduce myself when I’m about to write a whole feature article about myself or when I’m confident enough to get up onto a stage So now is your chance to get to know a few things about me that you might not have known before. Please note that I didn’t write all these question myself
Who is Barry de Klerk?
I’m just a humble guy who doesn’t enjoy talking about himself… Just kidding, I’m just a guy who loves movies. Ever since I can remember I had this deep love for movies, TV and pop culture. I was raised in the 90s and that sort of feels like the last decade to have a culture of its own.
As a kid I was sickly, so on the days I stayed home from school all I had was the TV with a few VHS tapes to keep me busy. So movies like The Lion King, and recordings of Aladdin were played over and over again. And the older I got, the more I fell in love with the art of filmmaking and writing. I hope I get to write a huge blockbuster someday or at least get to experience making one. I have a first draft script ready.
What’s the one movie that influences you the most?
It has to be The Lion King. Out of all the movies I watched as a kid, this one stuck with me the most. Now I know I can’t be an animator, because I suck at drawing. I just hope I get to write or at least make something as impactful as The Lion King. A story that will still be relevant for generations to come. And yes, I know the movie was based on Hamlet.
Why did you start creating content?
I’ve been a journalist for almost 10 years now and I’ve always wanted to tell stories. I started with poetry and that led me to journalism. I never wanted to write about politics or heartbreaking crimes and accidents. I wanted to share the beautiful side of life with people and movies seemed like a good start.
I started writing movie reviews for a local newspaper, but I knew I could do more. I branched out and started my own movie blog which eventually became The Movie Guy. I knew I needed to do more and at the time I was producing live videos for the company I worked for. I was always behind the camera and didn’t have the confidence to go in front of it.
It took some time to make the move and right before the pandemic I recorded two YouTube videos. It wasn’t until 2022 that I started posting more on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. I realised no one in Namibia was doing it, so maybe I could start something new. And I haven’t looked back since, I just hope my audience keeps growing so this can became a paying gig.
Where do you want to go next?
Well I want to go to New York, but that’s probably not what you meant. I first want to establish myself as a real content creator and film “critic”. If that’s successful then I hope to get a few people to read my script. I also hope I get to host special curated movie events someday. Kind of like movie screenings but with something special for the audience
First movie you watched in the cinema?
Bringing Down The House with Steve Martin and Queen Latifah. At the time it was the best movie ever for me, because I’ve never seen anything on the big screen. And then I went to see Spider-Man 2 and my whole world changed.
How much time do you spend creating content?
40-50 hours per week It’s basically a fulltime job And that doesn’t account for all the movies and TV shows I need to watch. Also I help create content for other people as well.
Who are your biggest influences?
My dad’s a preacher, so he is basically a storyteller. My mum is the funniest person I know, so she influences me in that way. When it comes to films, I think Steven Spielberg and John Hughes have had a great influence on me since childhood. Right now James Gunn and Christopher Nolan are my favourite storytellers/filmmakers. And content creators that influence me are Kit Lazer and Supes.
Do you love what you do?
I really love doing this, I just wish I could earn money from it. If this work can pay the bills, then I will be the happiest and most blessed guy alive, but I’m grateful I made it so far.
If you would like to sponsor me, please find my banking and contact details below.
Bank Name: Bank Windhoek
Account Holder: Barry De Klerk
Account Number: 8024920357
Branch Code: 260
Branch Name: Mariental
Account Name: EasySave Basic Bank Account
themovieguy.nam@gmail.com
