Barry Jay was born in New York City. He moved to Los Angeles in 1983 to be a songwriter. During this time he became devoted to fitness. By 1998, Barry founded Barry's Bootcamp. Since then, Barry's has grown with 60+ studios worldwide. While this is quite the accomplishment, I was more interested in how he got his start in the movies!
In 2015, Barry penned his first horror film, The Chosen, produced by Terror Films. He wrote the wraparound story for another Terror Films production in 2016, the horror anthology Patient Seven. Barry then made his directorial debut last year with a script he wrote, Ashes, which is what got the two of us acquainted.
While in no way is Ashes a perfect film, but as both myself and Barry mention, it is definitely a fun one. It was interesting to hear that while the film is extremely dark at times, it was Barry's family, the inspiration for the film, that helped keep the film grounded and fun. Keeping that in mind, if you're a fan of films like Paranormal Activity with a twist of Modern Family, then Ashes is for you. It is now available on digital and demand from 1091 Media.
Barry has one of those personalities that just attracts you. When I'd start asking about his childhood, we'd quickly jump to a movie inspiration. When we discussed a film, we'd start exchanging dinner stories. I can't explain it, but it was fantastic. Barry wasn't someone I had heard of until I received the press release for Ashes, but to put it lightly, I'm glad we were able to FINALLY meet and talk our passion, film.
Jessie Hobson