Deep Love, (Deep) Following, and Deep Space 9
Hey everyone — back with another update.
I'm not sure what Deep Following is, but I couldn't think of anything. A lot has been happening lately, and this felt like a good time to check in and lay out what I’ve been working on and what’s coming next.
First up: Lights, Camera, Bullshit is finally out in the world. I released the feature on YouTube, which honestly feels like a long time coming. This one’s been sitting with me for a while, and I finally feel comfortable with putting it on YouTube.
On the short film side, I shot How Deep Is Your Love back in December, starring Shannon Walton and Steven Burk. This project was especially important to me because I shot it with my son, Mason Fox Barton. The goal was to keep things small and manageable and use the film as a hands-on way to teach him the basics — from set etiquette to storytelling to just seeing how a shoot actually comes together. It turned into something really special for both of us.
Mason and I are also currently writing something new together — a little secret project we’re calling Project Meltdown for now. It’s still early, but it’s been a lot of fun building something from scratch side by side, and I’m excited to share more when the time’s right.
I’m also circling back to Follower, the short I shot for the 53 Hour Film Competition, starring Moxie Macabre and Ron Gephart. I’m in the process of fixing a few things and tightening it up before release. One of the shorts I’m working on should be out in February, with another following in March.
On the podcast front, episodes of Dispatches from Deep Space 9 are now rolling out online on YouTube. This has been something I’ve wanted to do for years, and I finally stopped talking about it and just started recording. If you like Deep Space Nine and overly thoughtful conversations about Star Trek, it’s very much that.
There are also a couple of other surprises coming down the pipe that I’m not quite ready to talk about yet — but they’re coming.
Thanks for sticking around and checking things out More soon.
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Chad Allen Barton
1-30-25
CHAD'S JOURNEY #1
Hey everyone — welcome to the blog! I’ve been wanting a place to share what I’m working on, what’s going on behind the scenes, and some of the random creative ideas floating around in my head… so this is it. This is where all the extras, updates, and “how it’s going” moments will land.
Library Channel
Narrative Work
A lot of my current work is rooted right here in Memphis, and honestly that’s one of my favorite parts of being a filmmaker. I’ve been deep into documentary work with The Library Channel — projects like Memphis Makers and Second Editions Presents — and we’ve got a couple of new docs starting to take shape. One is about the Memphis Public Library system itself, which has so many cool stories behind it. Another one explores the surprising connections between Star Trek and Memphis… which is exactly as fun and nerdy as it sounds.
On the narrative side of things, I’m juggling a few projects: I’m writing a feature film, I’m developing a short film with my son, Mason Fox Barton (which has been a really special experience), and I’m also putting together a horror short of my own. All of these are at different stages, so you’ll definitely see updates, sketches, and maybe even some messy early drafts pop up here from time to time.
Podcasts & More!
And if you know me at all, you know I can talk Star Trek for hours — so I’m starting a podcast where I’ll be diving deep into every episode of Deep Space Nine. It’s been on my mind for years, and I finally decided to actually make it happen.
Anyway, thanks for stopping by. This blog is going to be home base for behind-the-scenes looks, creative notes, Memphis-centric stuff, and whatever else I’m working on. More soon.
Chad Allen Barton
11-21-25