Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Coffey.
Benjamin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my career in the film industry in 2017, when I was 17 years old. I was working fast food and job-hopping to get funds to buy a camera. I’ll never forget sitting in my parent’s garage with a VHS camcorder, building things and filming lego figures (because they didn’t require a talent release). Toward the beginning of 2018, I decided to create the foundation for my first business. After receiving my Associate’s Degree, I decided to further my education in the field. I attended certified training in LA & Chicago on the weekends while working fast food on the weekdays.
Today, I’m the owner of two Film & Video Production companies currently based in Charlotte, North Carolina. These agencies supply high-end production services from pre-production to post-production for clients internationally. Within two years (2020), my team and I had collaborated on over 250 Productions in Europe, Asia, and North America. I’ve had the honor to represent clients such as Google, Disney, Dreamville, GK Hair, Lingodeer, and a variety of other top-rated Agencies and Corporations.
My business is founded on creating art that resonates and building teams that feel like family. I’m stronger because of the artists I work with. I’m stronger because I have the opportunity to work with a diverse community of creators and tell their stories through the creative process. The crew and I spend hours on set working to illustrate something that resonates. We’ve run take after take to get a final product that fits the Director’s vision. I’m thankful for the opportunity to create new ideas, resonate, and connect with others through the work I do… it’s beautiful.
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?
I struggled in 2018 with addiction. I was relying on the pills and toxins to take me away from the dark. What can I say… a lot of people struggle with depression and anxiety. At the time, I tried to end my life twice. I’ll spare the details… but I’ve come a long way. Most probably never even realized what was happening to me at the time. This industry and art and cinematography has taught me so much about seeing the beauty in everyone. I’ve been beat down, judged, told to quit, cussed out, and misunderstood but I continued to push through it all. Looking back, I’m proud of how far my life has come.
With all humility, it’s been a remarkable journey. My work is influenced greatly by my personal experiences. Although art is a reflection of who I am, the work should never control me. The team taught me so much about mental health without even realizing it. The community I had on set gave me the freedom to release my mind and find peace. I’m not always understood, nor will I ever be. The team I work with taught me to keep going. My life will never be the same. Despite my health issues and all of the trials that paired with it… I’m still grateful. Every part of my life (even the darkest of times) made me who I am today.
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?
I’m a Director and Cinematographer who currently has 4.5 years of experience working in the film industry. Currently, I am the owner of a Production Company that provides services from pre-production to post. The company also owns top-tier Digital Cinema equipment to efficiently and safely bring stories to life. My crew and I have served over 250 clients during the 4.5 years of being in business. In recent months, I’ve started developing a focus in Cinematography and taken a break from Director work. I struggle to take pride in my work because I feel like there are so many stories still untold. I’ve always tried to see the beauty in everything in order to create imagery that moves an audience. It’s important to understand that the emotions we feel as humans are driven by our past experiences. I believe that cinematographers can influence an audience through the use of rhythm, lighting, camera movement, and composition. If every frame is a painting, then it is my job to develop imagery that guides an audience through illusion and technique. Cinematography is a beautiful mix of creativity and technical expertise.
I’ve always used cinematography as a tool to drive collaboration. The diverse stories, voices, and perspectives I have the chance to collaborate with ultimately add to the beauty of my work.
We are currently working on a feature film in Wisconsin on wolf conservation and coexistence, short-form work relative to anxiety/depression, and Community Innovation projects with Google. It is truly remarkable to see the influence and change that happens directly through these endeavors. I truly believe that cinematography has the power to motivate and drive change. When we have a purpose… the outcome is always beautiful.
What’s next?
Huge plans for the future. We are hoping to begin implementing full-time crew positions as well as opening physical studios in Charlotte, NC. Creative spaces and industry-standard production gear will be available for artists to rent. We also are working to grow a separate agency that passes off smaller production work to upcoming directors, cinematographers, and content creators. Our new agency will serve as a platform for creatives and provide tools for learning/growth in the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.benjamincoffey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_overweight_ostrich/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bccinematics
- Other: https://vimeo.com/benjamincoffey
