Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Dukes
Hi Ben, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Like many in our industry, there have been numerous starts and stops and restarts along my path to where I am today, but I’d say this latest chapter started around a decade ago, when I was a singing country music in Los Angeles, and didn’t quite make it onto NBC’s competition show “The Voice.” I decided that the reason I didn’t make it was that I hadn’t prepared well enough – that I just wasn’t ready to take that next step, and I didn’t want that to happen again. So, I moved out of my apartment, rented a rehearsal space, and spent all of my extra time and money on music.
My “survival job” at the time was at a television studio, and after a funny incident where I had to remove an audience member from the show, the host (Craig Ferguson) took a liking to me. He “interrogated” me on the show, and then found out I was a musician. Not long after that, I got a call from the EP, asking if my band and I would be interested in being the musical guest. That performance led to an album, a tour, festival appearances and a return to the show for a 2nd musical appearance after it moved to the new studio. I had NOT been ill-prepared that time.
Soon, I had new representation, and that created a return for me to the front side of the camera. I landed some small film work, costar tv work, and a few other gigs before the “big one” came through. That was a scene with Academy Award Winner, Renée Zellwegger on her Netflix show, WHAT/IF. Working with her and that team was a fantastic experience, and helped me make my decision to leave my survival gig and go full-time into acting/filmmaking – just before COVID hit.
Great timing, yeah?
As luck would have it, in the midst of the whole Covid ordeal, I got a call from an old friend who was looking for help producing a film. He wanted to do it through the Union, and since I was a long-time member of SAG-AFTRA, and at the time serving on various committees, I knew I could help. I jumped on board, and that began a multi-year process of bringing that film to life. After Covid, the Strike, and the unfortunate death of our film’s star, we have locked the film and moved it on to final Post.
During the production of that Film, I came to realize I enjoy directing as well as acting, and Wrote/Produced/Directed my first short late last year. That Short is also now complete, and in consideration at multiple festivals.
I’ve had a Pilot Screenplay reach the 2nd Round at the Austin Film Festival, and am currently writing a Spec Feature while continuing to audition for Film and TV, and look for interesting projects to Produce and possibly Direct. Everything is open in front of me, and that’s right where I want to be.
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 don’t think anyone gets anywhere in this business without a manner of struggle – even the most highly privileged of us will experience bumps and potholes in the road. For me personally, spending restless nights in my truck while trying to develop myself as a musician was pretty rough. Extremely long hours on set took its toll on my health, and also on personal relationships. There have certainly been months were I questioned whether or not rent would get paid, and months when I only stayed fed by taking home extra plates of food from set. Still, in all honesty, I think I’ve been very blessed to be able to pursue my goals in this business and not have to pack up and head back to Georgia. I know MANY who haven’t been so fortunate.
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?
“What are you known for?” is always an interesting question, because I never really think of myself as “known” for anything. There are people who still know me as a football player from my days at Georgia. I’ve been recognized on the street for my days playing country music (those still shock me). Frequently I get the “I think I know that guy” look from people, and they always say they can’t really place me, and will eventually ask if they’ve ever seen me in anything. My constant reply: “It’s possible – I don’t know your viewing habits.” But, at the end of the day, all of these boil down to the same thing – I’m known for entertaining people.
That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. And it’s probably that of which I’m most proud. I love that I can move folks, and entertain them.
I think what sets me apart from others may be the kindness that I embody in my day-to-day, coupled with the depravity into which I’m willing to delve for a role. I think we all have duality within us, and that those who strive to live by the deepest love, can turn absolutely evil when that love is twisted. That’s a fun and scary thing to explore in a character, and a meal I love to chomp on.
In my Producing/Directing work, I think the thing that sets me apart from many is that I’ve been through the ringer enough times to know precisely when to panic – and that’s never. A good plan will survive most hiccups, and a great one will be malleable enough to never know the hiccups were there. Ya gotta roll with the punches in this business, and I’ve been punched… A LOT. Just drive on. That’s what we do.
Oh, and many people know me from volunteering my time at the Burbank Animal Shelter where I shoot and edit videos for these adorable adoptables… once again, telling stories and entertaining folks. You can see that on my Instagram, and the IG I made especially for the dogs, @DukesDawgs.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
You know, I listen to a few different podcasts but I’m not sure they help me do my best in life. At least, if “Small Town Murder” *is* helping me do my best in life, it’s hard to put a finger on how. I do like Chris Williamson’s “Modern Wisdom” an awful lot – great guests, solid insight on myriad disciplines across the societal landscape.
As for books, right now I’m reading “Madly, Deeply: the diaries of Alan Rickman”, and it’s quite eye-opening. Rickman lived an amazing life, one that many of us know nothing of… and to get the chance to read his thoughts on the process of moving from a fairly unknown actor (in Hollywood anyway) to one of the most cherished actors alive for a role that he was often at odds with (Snape from Harry Potter) has been a blessing. It challenges me to be better at my own Journaling practice, and to take better stock of my experiences day-to-day.
I also knocked down a pair of Gladwell titles earlier this year, “David and Goliath” and “Talking with Strangers,” both of which had interesting takeaways for me.
Milton Katselas’ “Dreams into Action” was a re-read for me this year, and I think a good one because it comes at the actors’ life-process from a much more practical and administrative POV than many “gurus” put forth.
Pricing:
- Everything is up for negotiation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bendukes.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bendukes
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bendukes
Image Credits
James Donnelly
David J. Crewe
Matt Stasi
