Meet Darren Coby of Pure Action Productions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darren Coby.

Hi Darren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
How I Started My Career:

It all started by complete accident. I never set out to become a cinematographer—at least, not in the traditional sense. One day, a friend asked me to shoot a video for them. I picked up the camera, unsure of what I was doing, but the moment I hit record, something clicked. What began as a favor became the spark that lit a fire I didn’t even know was there.

Looking back, maybe it wasn’t such an accident after all. As a kid, I was always drawn to movies. I didn’t just watch them—I studied them. I’d lie on the living room floor, eyes locked on a small box TV perched on my nightstand, mesmerized by the way scenes unfolded. I didn’t have film school. What I had was instinct, curiosity, and a relentless fascination with the way light shaped emotion, how camera movement breathed life into a story, and how framing could whisper just as loudly as dialogue.

I didn’t know the terms back then—cinematography, composition, blocking—but I knew what felt right. And when I finally got behind a camera, everything I had absorbed over the years came pouring out naturally.

What started as an accident has now become my purpose. I fell in love with the art of storytelling through visuals, and I haven’t looked back since. Every project is another chance to create something meaningful. And that kid staring at the screen? He’s still here—only now, he’s behind the lens, telling stories of his own.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road—and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As a cinematographer, the journey has been filled with late nights, tight budgets, and projects that didn’t go as planned. In the beginning, I didn’t have access to the best gear or the most experienced crews. I had to learn how to make magic with whatever I had—cheap lights, borrowed cameras, and a lot of creativity. There were times I doubted myself, wondering if I could really turn this passion into a career.

One of the biggest challenges was proving myself. I didn’t come from a film school background, so I had to let my work speak for me. Every frame became my résumé. I studied obsessively—watched breakdowns, reverse-engineered my favorite scenes, and practiced until I could feel lighting, movement, and composition in my bones.

Another struggle was learning how to balance the art with the business. Cinematography isn’t just about creating beautiful images—it’s about collaborating, managing expectations, and adapting on the fly. I’ve had to shoot in crazy conditions, pivot last minute, and find calm in chaos. But those moments taught me resilience and resourcefulness—traits every great cinematographer needs.

The road’s been anything but easy, but every setback sharpened my skill, deepened my vision, and reminded me why I love this craft. I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.

As you know, we’re big fans of Pure Action Productions. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At the heart of my business is storytelling—real, impactful, visual storytelling. While I specialize in cinematography, my work spans far beyond just operating a camera. I offer full-scale production services including creative direction, directing, crew management, and all aspects of filmmaking—from concept to final cut.

I work on short films, feature films, branded content, commercials, marketing campaigns, music videos, and any project that requires a camera and a strong vision. Whether it’s a quick social spot or a narrative-driven film, I bring the same passion and precision to every frame.

Over the years, I’ve stepped into many roles—Director, Director of Photography, Creative Director, and Producer—depending on what each project demands. I build and lead film crews, manage sets, and ensure each department—from lighting to art direction—is moving in sync to serve the story. That’s one of the things I pride myself on: being able to see the full picture while also honing in on the smallest details that make a scene come alive.

What sets my brand apart is the emotional depth and cinematic quality I bring to everything I touch. I’m not just about creating content—I create experiences through visual storytelling. Every light placement, camera movement, and composition choice is made with intention. I direct with vision, shoot with purpose, and lead with clarity.

I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me to not only capture their story but elevate it. Whether you’re looking for someone to shoot, direct, creatively lead, or assemble a crew from the ground up—this brand was built to make your vision real.

This isn’t just film work—it’s film art. And I’m here for every frame of it.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Honestly, I think the industry is going through a major evolution right now, and it’s only going to keep shifting over the next 5 to 10 years.

Technology is moving fast—cameras are getting better and more affordable, editing tools are more accessible, and now we’re seeing AI pop up in everything from planning to post-production. But with all that tech, the real standout will still be the people who can tell a great story. That’s always going to matter.

I’m also seeing a big blend between film and marketing. Brands don’t just want ads anymore—they want cinematic storytelling. So the demand for high-quality visuals in commercials and branded content is definitely growing, and I love being in that space.

Another big trend is smaller, tighter crews. Productions are more efficient now, and with remote work becoming more normal, it’s easier to collaborate from anywhere. As someone who wears multiple hats—cinematographer, director, creative lead—that flexibility has been a huge advantage.

And finally, I think there’s going to be a bigger focus on real, diverse stories. People are craving authenticity, and the industry is starting to open up to new voices and perspectives. It’s an exciting time to be in this field, especially if you’re passionate about creating work that actually connects with people.

So yeah, the tools might change, but the heart of it stays the same—great visuals, strong storytelling, and the ability to make people feel something. That’s where I see things going, and that’s the lane I want to keep growing in.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pureactionkc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alpone_da_producer/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BTpCzRtEb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@indelibleartsnetwork