Meet Benjamin Coffey | Drawing the Line

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

Hi Benjamin, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
Education and experience is the foundation of my creative technique. Learning from credible educators has provided me the resources and knowledge I need to interpret my artistic vision. Although I’ve been working in the film industry for a short time (five years), I find so much value in the experiences I’ve had. Artists often view their work as a reflection of the life they have lived. It can be difficult sometimes for me to draw the line between personal and professional life. Art is an expression. No matter how much I want to protect the artwork I create, I am not in control of the public’s perception of my work. Working in this industry has taught me how to love the work I do, respect the process, and ultimately create work that resonates. This work is a reflection of personal experiences that I find valuable to me. The public may not understand the value of my work without learning the historical context from which it was created. My career has been incredibly rewarding and still won’t please every audience. Learning this has helped me become comfortable with making mistakes and creating without fear of expressing myself.

What should our readers know about your business?
I began my career in the film industry in 2017, when I was 17 years old. I was working fast food and job-hopping to get funds to buy a camera. I’ll never forget sitting in my parent’s garage with a VHS camcorder, building things and filming lego figures (because they didn’t require a talent release). Toward the beginning of 2018, I decided to create the foundation for my first business. After receiving my Associate’s Degree, I decided to further my education in the field. I attended certified training in LA & Chicago on the weekends while working fast food on the weekdays.

Today, I’m the owner of two Film & Video Production companies currently based in Charlotte, North Carolina. These agencies supply high-end production services from pre-production to post-production for clients internationally. Within two years (2020), my team and I had collaborated on over 250 Productions in Europe, Asia, and North America. I’ve had the honor to represent clients such as Google, Disney, Dreamville, GK Hair, Lingodeer, and a variety of other top-rated Agencies and Corporations.

My business is founded on creating art that resonates and building teams that feel like family. I’m stronger because of the artists I work with. I’m stronger because I have the opportunity to work with a diverse community of creators and tell their stories through the creative process. The crew and I spend hours on set working to illustrate something that resonates. We’ve run take after take to get a final product that fits the Director’s vision. I’m thankful for the opportunity to create new ideas, resonate, and connect with others through the work I do… it’s beautiful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Although I’m currently located in Charlotte, NC, I make frequent trips to Atlanta for expos, conferences, and production work. Piedmont Park is one of those places that always catches my eye. The view of the city, the rush of the people, and the rhythm at which Atlanta moves can all be discovered here. Piedmont Park was one of the first locations I ever visited in Atlanta, GA. The park was the first memory I had in the city of Atlanta, and the beginning of a long extensive career and large number of future adventures.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout my career, I’ve found myself searching for educational opportunities that are in alignment with my learning patterns. I’m definitely a Kinesthetic learner. School systems and Universities are unable to provide me with the experimental learning patterns I needed. I found that growth in the Film Industry was significantly founded on the relationships you create.

After receiving my Associates Degree from a local University in Virginia, I decided to order all of the required textbooks and drop out of college. With textbooks in hand, I was able to study the material at my own pace and begin working on set. I was able to make use of conferences such as CineGear Expo and NAB, as well as local Chambers of Commerce for networking opportunities. While making these connections, I carried out extensive research and training (which I continue today). “The Visual Story,” by Bruce A. Block, served as my bible for cinematography, lighting, and composition. The American Cinematographer Magazines were inspirational and informative, helping their audience understand future technological advancements in Film/Television industries. Between meetings and extensive research, I also attended training opportunities through cinematography conferences, AbelCine Chicago, and Online AbelCine certified training. This was just the beginning of my education, as educational opportunities, networking, and involvement continues to expand in the industry.

I’m honored to be a part of such an inclusive age of technological advancement. I encourage all cinematographers, students, and artists to continue to educate themselves (through credible sources) with the large variety of education opportunities we have available online and in-person. The education and networking I’ve attended is the foundation of my entire career. We are all learning, and are currently living in an age where education for our industry is easy to access… please take advantage of it.

Website: www.benjamincoffey.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_overweight_ostrich

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/benjamincoffey2

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bccinematics

Youtube: https://vimeo.com/benjamincoffey

Image Credits
All work by Benjamin Coffey Black & White Photos by DirectorE & Travis Jones