Today we’d like to introduce you to David Ben Smith.
David Ben, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Coming from a small town in Indiana, I never thought about becoming an actor or model. Once I finished playing baseball, due to injury, I was working at a gym in Indianapolis, IN finishing school. One day, a gentleman approached me and asked if I ever thought about modeling. I told him, yes, but never put much thought into it. He said, I’d be perfect for a new book cover for his company and asked if I’d be willing to shoot with them. I agreed. He ended up being the VP of Wiley publishing. A couple weeks later we did the shoot and before long I was on the cover of a worldwide publish iPhone tech book. From there, I sought out the agencies in the Indianapolis area. I ended up being signed by the two main agencies in the Midwest (Helen Wells Agency and Heyman Talent) I worked with them for a couple years doing mostly print and commercial campaigns. When Atlanta started the process of filming more movies/tv shows it caught my attention. For a couple summers, I would stay at a friends house for a few months and do extra work. I eventually signed with an agency (M I Talent) and made the move down permanent. Since then. I’ve been continuing to learn and grow as an actor.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. There are times when you are busy non-stop and others when you question why you are still doing this. You’ll have times where you’re working a few jobs to keep money coming in during slow times but always trying to be free when an opportunity arises. The part that keeps me going is the challenge of every day knowing something could change for the best when you’re working hard for something. Even though it wasn’t a childhood dream to become an actor, you only live once. I want to do what is enjoyable to me, and the rest will figure itself out along the way.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I have worked with or been in campaigns for iPhone, iPad, Adidas, VISA and multiple other campaigns. I’m currently helping film a new Netflix pilot along with hoping to generate fresh income for our Amazon show, Living Vee, to continue production.
What were you like growing up?
I was kind of shy growing up. I also loved sports and would ride my bike all over town in the summer with my friends. Growing up in Indiana, we played basketball nonstop every day we could. Whether it be in our driveway or AAU or Gus Macker tournaments. I was always involved in some sort of sport. People are always surprised when they find out, I’ve taken up acting.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: davidbensmith
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