Meet Calvin Barnes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Calvin Barnes.  

Hi Calvin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
So as a kid from Maryland living throughout Prince George’s County (PG County), sports were part of my life. Watching the highlights from last night before I went t school was part of my routine. I would wake up at a specific time early to catch the SC Top 10 and go back to sleep right after. During high school, I already knew what I wanted to do, be working in sports, whether I’m Stu Scott, Stephen A, Mike Breen, Kevin Harlan, etc. Decided to go to NCCU, and from there, it took off. In the first few months of me attending school, I started editing/filming videos for the FabLab. The next semester, I walked into the SID’s office for a class to interview Jonathan Duren & talk to Kyle Serba to see how can I be involved in working with the games. I met with them on a Thursday, and two days later, I’m shadowing the broadcast. From there, I started learning how to shoot video at various camera angles, do replay, edit videos, make graphics, etc. Every week I improved and started getting more and more responsibility. I also started expanding my network and working for Duke, UNC, Durham Bulls, and many more opportunities around the Triangle. By junior year I was filming & editing videos for the department. Senior year I was help directing/producing broadcasts and was the social media/content creator. Once I graduated, I did an internship with the Wizards/Mystics, and after that, I came back to NCCU full-time as the new Video Production Coordinator. After 3 years there, I moved to ATL and work for TNT & NBA TV. There I make notes, graphics, live production, etc. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If anybody ever says it was smooth, they didn’t have a journey. 

Time management 

Doubt 

Multiple times saying I’m qualified but not for that job 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Creates graphics and notes for NBA TV Shows Track stats during games on NBA on TNT (like stats of players, team stats, runs, etc.) 

Find tweets on social media for Inside the NBA, MLB on TNT, & NHL on TNT 

Helping with social on The Big Podcast 

Produce/edit segments for NBA App 

Appear in skits for work 

Create content for the shows and networks 

Most proud of imitating Charles Barkley for a skit, having content featured on Inside the NBA, & being a part of the first production crew ever to do a California NBA home playoff game in one single playoff 

Any big plans?
Currently am to stay there and see how far I can go but eventually create my own production company 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chillcalvin19/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-barnes-b8b734177/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChillCalvin19