Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Benitez.
Hi Anthony, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I have always had a fascination with film. My obsession with film started as a young kid when I watched Ferris Bueller’s Day Off for the first time. In high school, I was thrown into a film production class which solidified the career path I wanted to take. Throughout high school, I was obsessed with capturing the lives of those around me mainly being my artist friends. After pursuing this throughout college, I found my way within the grip & electric side of film and have been pursuing it for three years. With the pandemic halting productions and life as a whole, I was able to connect with other film students from my college and was given the opportunity to create something of our own. Future First was then born through the support of both connections I’ve made working in the industry along with friends I’ve made. From commercials, documentaries to now our own podcast we hope to bring a voice to local artists and creatives within the Inland Empire.
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?
There’s been some struggles coming from a place like the Inland Empire, where there is little to no opportunity for aspiring filmmakers and artists to thrive outside of LA. We’ve been fighting to bring the resources and knowledge from working on sets to people within the IE, these experiences ranging from music videos to feature films allow us to utilize our connections to help us learn and grow. Working with little to no budget, we are forced to be creative and think outside the box to make visions possible and strategize our business moves.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently, I am on my third year of working freelance in grip and electric on music videos, feature films and anything with a light. I specialize in lighting, however, I am working my way to becoming a director, producer, or showrunner. Whatever it takes to run productions that amplify stories that are true to me and the people around me. Currently, I am most proud of successfully running a production company for almost a year and having a strong support system for each other within my team. I believe that my luck in constantly having a variety of artists around me throughout my youth to now has created a foundation of support that allows our team to thrive together.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think the beauty of life is finding connections and if you are passionate and dedicated enough to your craft, you will be able to find the resources and people you need in order to give yourself a fighting chance at whatever you need to achieve.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.futurefirstentertainment.com/
- Instagram: @future.1st
- Twitter: @FutureFirst__
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4mZYK-4rrojUIBec94M4Pw/featured
Image Credits:
Alexa Vasquez @makingbrekfast
