Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Bowman.
Hi Benjamin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in a small town in southeastern Illinois. Grew up on a farm, riding dirt bikes, doing farm work, and was always outside. I’m the youngest of 9 kids, we were always doing something.
As the years went on I started filming little things on the family camera, whether it be a cooking show, action scenes with my toys, or lego stop motion movies. As I progressed, one of my older brothers introduced me to some of his camera gear and showed me a few things. I really began to get into the trade of videography and filmmaking. I kept making videos, watching youtube tutorials, and gaining more and more experience. I eventually picked up a few little freelance jobs here and there. I did work for a theater, a performance car company, and other local businesses.
I eventually came to the realization that the ceiling was too low in my area, and I had to get out and discover something bigger. I quit my part time job doing social media management and content creation for a company and got ready to move out. At the age of 18, I packed up my car and started my 24-hour drive to Utah.
My first job in Utah was doing garage door installment with my brother, I learned a lot, it was fun at times, and miserable at others. Doing a labor-intensive job really teaches you patience and perseverance.
After months of doing installment, and through a very random happenstance, I met my current boss. It took months for us to finally get connected, I had to DM him a few times asking about doing video work for him, he sounded interested but I had to make an extra push. A few weeks after sending a formal email he gave me a time to meet. During our meeting, he told me about a media production company he was starting, and expressed that he wanted me to be the first person on the team. I gladly agreed. Putting in my two weeks that day was the best feeling ever (besides the fact I broke my finger from a garage door spring on my last day).
I started doing video production full time, full speed ahead. I’ve been consistently busy with work ever since. Being able to travel to places like AZ, NYC, and L.A. to film.
I have to give a huge shoutout to my parents and family and friends for continually supporting me. I wouldn’t be here without them.
Doing something I’m passionate about and honing in on my craft is a beautiful thing, and I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to do so. Being in construction was suffocating, I wasn’t able to scratch my creative itch. I hope to continue on this path and eventually have a platform where I can help inspire others who are in a similar position to go after what they’re passionate about and do what they love.
Never quit until you get what you want.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Things could’ve been a lot worse, but it definitely wasn’t easy. There were a lot of failed attempts to get through. Doing a lot of free work, not getting paid what I’m worth, and getting rejected.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do content creation for individuals, and businesses, as well as real estate listing videos.
I would say my biggest thing is shooting car videos and extreme sports. I’m most proud of my work when my videos bring out emotion to the viewer. Whether it be capturing an amazing skill someone has worked hard at, or a creative art form such as dance. I feel like my job was done well if the viewer feels something when they watch.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Ethan Decker @etdeck
Connor Lyon @cnrlyon
