Meet Christopher Beytia Frentzel | Writer, Director, Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christopher Beytia Frentzel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christopher, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Prior to March 13th, 2020, we had filmed a considerable amount of our independent feature film. Then Covid-19 happened. We thought we’d be able to jump back into production a few weeks after spring break, but those weeks turned into months as we all were thrust into quarantine. However, in August 2020, we planned our comeback with carefully thought-out safety and health procedures as outlined by Florida filmmaking standards. We knew the risks of resuming production during quarantine, and we even had a lead cast member leave the project because he was uncomfortable with filming during a pandemic. We’ve had to cancel or postpone shoots due to cast members being sick or positive, as well as making sure cast and crew tested negative before coming to set. Nonetheless, we did our best and were able to wrap production in December 2020 by following our strict on-set safety guidelines. We truly demonstrated that anything is possible if you dedicate time and diligence to making your vision come true, even in the middle of a global pandemic.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I would say my art focuses on stories and identities that are not often widely showcased in the mainstream. My narratives tend to be queer-focused and illustrate aspects of LGBTQ existence that are not present in most media. I’m most proud of the feature length dramatic musical, Somebody to Love, that I wrote, directed, and produced. It is currently in post-production, but I am quite excited to show the finished product with the world hopefully by the end of the year. It’s been difficult to juggle my own independent creative projects, finances, coordinating tons of cast and crew, all while working part-time and as a full-time student about to graduate. It was incredibly difficult, and I’m proud to have accomplished it all. I want to the world to know that I am unapologetically myself, my stories are an extension of my life and the queer lives I want to showcase to the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If its Tallahassee, it would have to be all my favorite eating spots and parks. If it were in Hollywood, FL, it would of course have to be the Hollywood Beach boardwalk and all the restaurants there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Karlee Prevatt, my director of photography for Somebody to Love

Website: cbf-media.com

Instagram: @chrisbeyfren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbeyfren/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chrisbeyfren/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChristopherBeytiaFrentzel