Meet Ben Wilder | Creative Producer & Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ben Wilder and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ben, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always wanted to have ownership of something that represents what I love. BeWild Productions LLC is my way of tapping into film/content creation and contributing to various projects with friends and colleagues. I want to use my company as not only a platform for my content, but for other projects that represent a whole slew of ideas and themes made by fellow storytellers. The hope is to, one day, see my company’s name appear on the silver screen before your movie starts.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What I want BeWild Productions LLC to represent that is different from others is that the content created by us or in association with us is made by passionate creatives who do not necessarily have access to major studios or incredibly high budgets. Since this company is starting out fresh and I just graduated school last year, finding the time and resources to film a major project hasn’t been easy. So there hasn’t been much movement yet, but things are slowly coming together. My first project that is officially under the BeWild Productions LLC banner is a small internet show called My Grandma’s Basement, which can be seen at BeWildProd.com. Although my main goal is to create scripted narrative projects, this show has been a blast to make and has opened my eyes to potentially creating more unscripted content. It is also filmed with just three iPhones, so it goes to show that you don’t need anything fancy or flashy to film something.

So far, the only experience I have had on an actual Hollywood project was a props department intern on a film. There I learned how important below the line work is. I also got a taste of the dedication that set work requires. It taught me a valuable lesson in that movies are truly made through perseverance and passionate people. At my current job, I am always meeting people who share my interests or are currently working in the film industry. The few that I have met have been kind enough to share their experiences and struggles me. Those types of conversations are incredibly important and I always look forward to hearing more.

If there’s one thing that I want my brand to represent, that would probably be creative independence. There are so many people who have incredible ideas and scripts but feel like they can’t do anything with them. Although I have struggled with these doubts and certain restrictions, I know that if you can put an idea on paper, some version of it can be made. On a big studio production, you might have many people telling you what you can and cannot do. But if you have a phone with a camera or an old camera hidden somewhere in your basement from years ago, you can make something that you want without someone telling you “no”.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Personally, I think the best way to have a good time is to have some good food. It’s difficult for me to pinpoint specifically what foods I’d recommend, because there are so many options and I’m not picky. I’d start with some great wings I recently tried for the first time with my girlfriend. It’s a spot called US American Deli on LaVista Rd. in Tucker, GA (not to be confused with American Deli). Get an order of 30 wings to split; 15 Honey Lemon Pepper and 15 Hot Honey wings with a side of fries. And don’t forget to sprinkle on the fry seasoning. Next, I’d pick a new movie to go see in theaters. Seeing movies on the big screen is one of my favorite hobbies, especially since I’m an AMC A-list member. Afterwards, definitely going to stop by some thrift stores and my local comic shop, Infinite Realities. Then We’d need dinner somewhere. Maybe some good Indian food or Gimbap and then boba. Lastly, I’d do my best to convince them to go to the gym with me. I love having a good time and some great food, but let’s put some of those calories to use.

Other than that, I’d recommend exploring downtown ATL. There’s always something to do.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I absolutely have to thank my mom. There is no one and never will be anyone else who is as supportive as she has been. She has never doubted me or my ability even when I was the most pessimistic or unsure of myself. The best way I can describe her is that little angel on your shoulder telling you not to give up.

And of course, the rest of my family and my close friends. Being able to bounce ideas off of the wall together is the best way to find a creative spark. And to my uncles Allen and Sidney, my Dad, thank you all so much for introducing me to people whose experiences and wisdom will continue to help me follow my path in life.

And lastly, my Grandma. You have been so amazing and supportive. I can’t thank you enough for helping me start my journey in this space and also for letting me drag you into our internet show together.

Website: https://www.bewildprod.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeWildProductions