Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin South.
Benjamin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all began on July 27th, 1999, I was born at 28 weeks and weighed just 3.5lbs!
It was a rude awakening to everyone around me and the following years proved challenging, learning difficulties, etc. but I caught up just fine!
As a child, I always wanted to perform or was performing for my parents or anyone that would listen to me do a rendition Junior Senior’s “Move Your Feet”.
I was a pretty hyperactive child and my Mum made one of the best choices she could of by enrolling me in dance classes at the amazing Classical Ballet Center in Surrey, England. With the incomparable Jo Young, who taught me everything I know about dance over an 11-year span. I acted as well but singing not so much….
I was involved in a lot of am-dram, pantomimes with David Hasselhoff (I’ll just leave that name for someone to pick up off the floor), anything I could really!
However, once I started studying my A-Levels at Hurtwood House in Dorking, England. Everything changed!
Not only had I found the best school in England for what I wanted to do but I found my calling! Filmmaking! I was lucky enough to be under the guidance of Luke Gilchrist, Matt Demois, Tom Gass, Mike Niland, Adam Grant and James Baker all these exquisite teachers helped me to get my understanding in Media and Filmmaking that ultimately led me to move to Los Angeles and enroll at The New York Film Academy. It was a giant leap to move 6,000 miles away from home at the age of 18, but, now as a 20 year old and having one film successfully into a number of film festivals called “No Child Left Behind” (a mockumentary comedy about two boys who are on the verge of going to College but get sent back to the fifth grade). I can safely say that it was the best choice I could of made at 18.
I am now pushing on to my Thesis film which is a script adapted from acclaimed and best-selling author A.M. Khalifa’s story “Virus” who is an Exec. Producer along with many other great talents attached, Tom Gass, Mitch Martin and Scotty Owen!
Moving to LA was the best decision I ever made and so far I’m thrilled to be evolving and discovering new things about my craft and myself. To any other English students out there that are thinking about making the leap to America, all I say is DO IT!
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?
Being born at six months was certainly one of my early challenges.
Being a boy and in school while still trying to be a “dancer” or that one boy in the drama department. The backlash I received for not doing what was considered “cool” was horrific at times. But it’s a stigma that really does need to broken. Boys can perform, boys can dance! Just like girls can play a sport or do anything! I really do hope that future generations will become more understanding of that! I think the message here is acceptance and one that should be spread more widely.
I think the move to LA was my toughest challenge yet. Having not lived away from home for all 18 years of my life and to say I had the most caring supportive family going is an understatement. Therefore, to move away (6,000 miles) from the comfort of home and a family that you adore to then try and start fresh was almost too overwhelming! But as it turns out my biggest struggle has become a building block for me, that has given me the strength and determination necessary to tackle a beast like LA and the Hollywood Film industry.
I owe it all to my family, my Mum Caroline, my Dad Peter and my brother Tom. Who without I would not be here, everything I do or have done is with the hope that I can make them proud!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
As I mentioned I’m a filmmaking student at The New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. I am now in my final year of a three year BFA program.
I then hope to go on to do either a master’s or obtain a visa in order to work here in Los Angeles the film industry, set up base here and the be able to branch out wherever the work calls.
As far as where I want to work it’s all things Directing. I find such a thrill in bringing art to life, helping a team, motivating them, the collaboration and also the stress that comes with it. By directing you put all your creative being and everything of you physically and mentally on the line and it’s that vulnerability that lights a fire in me. To bring a project to life with outstanding filmmakers in a team with me is a feeling I can’t quite describe.
My recent film “No Child Left Behind” is doing well on the festival circuit with its debut screening in September at “The Valley Film Festival” and that was brought to life by myself, Tom Gass, Mitch Martin, Michael Cimino, Matt Van Smith and many other outstanding creatives!
My new Film is currently in pre-production and comes from acclaimed author and best seller of “Terminal Rage” A.M. Khalifa, who has written and adapted one of his stellar short books into a pilot script “Virus” (working title of: “The Ark”). We are thrilled to be bringing this sci-fi thriller to life (all the puns intended) with a similar team as before, but ,certainly with a far more ambitious goal, vision and drive! We are currently still gaining the funding and welcome anyone who may be interested in getting involved! For more info please email thearkproductions2020@gmail.com
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was into everything but mainly performing and sports!
I loved football and support Manchester United, my family is season ticket holders so when I’m home I try to catch a game whenever possible!
I loved to dance, act or just put on a show for anyone!
Once I got a little older Golf took over my social sporting life and I currently enjoy playing my golf at Wentworth Golf Club in England! As well as with my LA family Dominic and Michaela Lowe down in Palm Springs!
Contact Info:
- Email: Thearkproduction2020@gmail.com
- Instagram: BenjamingeorgeSouth
Image Credit:
@BethDubberPhotography (valley film festival one)
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