4/01/2013

Happy belated New Year and April Fool's Day! Its getting harder and harder to make time to keep this section updated, but that's a problem I welcome. This year has been filled with auditions, short projects, meetings and of course, pilot season. Recently, I was inspired with a story concept for a feature and have just finished the script which marks my first foray into the Thriller genre - more on that later as things develop. Project Bluefish is so close now, I can taste it! Mr. Wrightson is nearing completion of the costume and it looks incredible, I can't wait to share! DE51 Films continues to move forward and make sacrifices to get Angelz Landing into principal photography. Got my new reel up and running on the media page of the ol' website, feel free to give it a look if you'd like. I also just recently shot a teaser pitch for Brett Lopinsky's "Restless", alongside the very talented Kojo Asiedu, check him out when you have a chance. My fellow comic geek buddy and commercial/music video director, Ethan Teller, invited me to be a part of the first commercial for the soon to be launched sportsfansdate.com, a fun experience and big thanks to him, Anastasia, Diana and the rest of the crew. Big hugs and a whole lotta love to you all!

10/15/2012

So again with the big gap in time between updates. Things are going well on many fronts as I trudge on! First, that great role in that sweet feature that I booked earlier in the year has had some push backs, as it happens. But the production company, DE51 Films, has other projects on their slate and were awesome enough to offer me a role in their upcoming horror film, "Angelz Landing"!...and I must say, it's one helluva script! We've been holding meetings over the last couple months in preparation for that (shooting sometime next year) and will plunge into the other film shortly after AL hits post. "Project Bluefish" is still moving forward, albeit slow, but trust me it will get done! Last weekend, The Brothers Cran/Squire Film Shoppe called me in to help shoot the promo trailer for the sequel to "The Millennium Bug". Yep, the sequel is taking it's first baby bug steps back to the screen! So I got to rock out an incredibly uncomfortable beastly monster suit again and bust through miniatures, like a boss. Working with those guys is always a pleasure. Any spare time I do have has been dedicated to working on improving in my craft, trying new methods and soaking in every minute of this ride. Lots of love.

06/10/2012

I know it seems like it's been awhile, and...ok it has, but all has not been quiet I promise you! Where to start? Well, earlier this year I booked a great supporting role in a feature that I'm very excited to tell everyone about - more on that soon as scheduling is locked down and we prepare to shoot. I shot a fun action/comedy promo with my friend, Ben Seton and our mutual friends Dominika Wolski (who it was also written by) and Nick Bicanic a few months back, looking forward to the final cut on that piece! In May, I jumped on board with Hailstorm Entertainment as a Producer to help them with their newest indie horror, "Cold Storage", we're getting close to a wrap on that beast. Last month I shot small but fun role for the climax of Eric England's new film, "Contracted", along with my good friend and fellow horror hound, Matt Mercer, as well as the lovely Najarra Townsend (both of whom I shot the short "Pincushion" with). Also, things are moving forward with "Project Bluefish"! We found an incredibly talented costume designer in John Wrightson and some of our locations are lining up, as are the rest of our ducks. Can't. Wait. So many amazing things coming up and I can't wait to share as they unfold! 

02/06/2012

My buddy Ben Seton and I did a fun little interview with James Tucker for his new web series show which highlights web content, appropriately titled, "the Web Series show". It's their pilot episode and we were brought in to discuss web related entertainment and the creation of Matchstick McCoy! Good times and a big thanks to James and his lovely wife, Patricia! You can find the episode on the website, or their youtube channel here.

01/28/12

Happy New Year! Starting this year off strong with new shots, a reworked website, along with freshly updated demo and comedic reels! This will also be the year to push a couple of projects forward that deserve to be rocked out. Including one that has always been very near and dear to my heart. Finally, after the last two years of trying to get everything lined up to make it right we should be ready by summer's end to shoot. Fingers crossed on "Project Bluefish"!

12/10/11

Had a web series role fall out of the sky thanks to Stephen Sprinkles. The series is titled "Hit" and follows a hitman as he navigates the world of...well, a hitman. I play a Russian rival who will have his ass handed to him in the first episode. Big thanks to Adam, Jeff, Russell, Ben, Julian, Andre, Stephen and Cody. It was a blast shooting with you all, here's to more!

11/14/11

Matchstick McCoy is now featured on J.B. Smoove's comedy site, "The Ruckus" via iThentic's best-of-comedy channel! Huge thanks to the team at iThentic for their continuing promotion and belief in Double M! You can view the episodes on The Ruckus here.

11/12/11

Parvez Alam has put on the second annual "World Fighting For Lives" event to raise funds for schools to be built in Sierra Leone, Malaysia, Kenya and Ghana! I was very honored to be invited back to participate. Unfortunately, this year as I prepared my event a number of obstacles came about that bested me and I had to cancel my LA event the day prior. Although some funds were raised from all of the lovely friends I have that support the work I do and for that, I am endlessly grateful to you all. Worldwide the event did well and I can't wait to hear the news as the children enjoy the fruits of everyone's labor. Big thank you and lots of love to all of the instructors that rocked out their events. Much respect, guys.

10/29/11

One of my beautiful nieces is all grown up into an amazing artist of her own. Photography, traditional and sketch, she's got it in spades. Jump on over and take a gander at her site, "like" her Facebook and follow her Twitter...y'know, all those things that you kids do nowadays: www.selinabarrett.com

08/28/11

Ol' Matchstick has been picked up by another online host, iThentic.com! iThentic hosts a slew of web series, short films and online content ranging from drama to comedy. Excited to be added to their roster, thanks fellas!

07/20/11

More Matchstick McCoy gravy! I recently sat down with Supercool Creative's Darci Wong to answer questions about the series and online video. You can check out the interview here, if you're so inclined. Fun stuff and a really casual back and forth on making the series. Enjoy.

06/04/11

The world premiere of The Millennium Bug last night was an absolute blast! It was great seeing everyone again and amazing to finally see the finished film. It's safe to say all the hard work and love put in, especially from The Brothers Cran, completely paid off. Definitely a genre film that will go down as a modern cult indie classic. I am looking very forward to seeing where it goes from here - thanks to all my friends and supporters who came out last night to see the film at the Dances With Films festival and continue to support it, if you haven't "liked" the Facebook page, please do so by clicking here: it'll also keep you updated on all things Bug. Here's to the success of No CGI Films and the Squire Film Shoppe!

04/29/11

"Big and Black", the third installment of the Matchstick McCoy web series is up! Check out the ol' Double M website for the latest absurdities in the world of McCoy. This episode features my friend Cassius Willis as actor Julius Axsomebody Jenkins playing Willie Moses and Ervin Ross as Tyrone Goldstein/Ray Moore. These guys brought some serious fun and heart to this episode. Thanks for keeping the enthusiasm going for this bad boy!

04/22/11

Episode 2: The English Connection is live and streaming at www.matchstickmccoy.com! The second installment is our Bond spoof and features my good friend Ben Seton as actor Rod Steele playing Hugh G. Richard, as well as the ever talented Ron Keck as his nemesis, Monty, played by faux actor Lance "Ironblade" Mahogany. See Matchstick sip tea proper, find out what his connection to Monty is, see Hugh G. Richard keep his cool in the most dire of circumstances, enjoy the worst Rube Goldberg style trap you've ever witnessed. Good times.

04/15/11

First episode of Matchstick McCoy is online! Click here to view some Kung Fu-sploitation and good ol' American cop action in "The Oriental Express". With the machismo of a hardened cop and the assistance of a specialist, can McCoy stop Chan's latest shipment of uncut dust? Will he use his "Tiger" style of Kung Fu or just keep shooting people? In an age without cell phones, how can you quickly make a call when the nearest pay phone is at the end of the block? All of these questions and more are answered in the pilot episode. Tune in next Friday for the second installment "The English Connection".

04/11/11

The Brothers Cran/The Squire Film Shoppe has released the official trailer for "The Millennium Bug"! You can gaze upon all its non-CGI glory here: www.mbugmovie.com. While you're there, feel free to browse around, subscribe to their mailing list for updates and read up on the "Millennium Blog". I'm so excited to see the fruits of everyone's labor come to bloody life on the screen!

04/03/11

The Matchstick McCoy premiere/preview screening on April 1st was amazing. It was awesome to see everyone again and man, what an audience response! I'm looking forward to what's ahead Matchstick and otherwise. Special thanks to The Bungalow Club for the event space, the staff and Ben Seton for all of their hard work. A huge thanks to everyone who keeps spreading the word and supporting our show! Yesterday I had a chance to be in studio with Hot Talk L.A.'s "Dina and Gregg Show", discussing Matchstick McCoy and some other acting opportunities I'm excited about. I'll post the link when it airs online. Be on the lookout for episode 1 of Matchstick McCoy, coming out April 15th at www.matchstickmccoy.com! 

09/14/10

Just got back from filming a supporting role in Idaho for the feature "Right To Remain Silent", directed by Angela Heffner. Also coordinated a bit of Free Running (I say that because a few "showy" moves were executed, so I can't exactly call it "Parkour", for all you purists out there) which was fun and exhausting. Angela was great and hospitable, as always. Our DP, Phil Anderson is exceptionally talented and everyone involved from the ground up has been lovely to work with. I wish the cast and crew all the best, you all made the experience memorable and fun. Thank you Angela, Nate, Alastair, Nicole, Pat, Phil, Bethany, Mark, Jim, Randy, Mary, Gayla, Nick, Kevin, Jake, Gabe and the dude that stepped in awkwardly as Julio, thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart. 

07/29/10

Finished shooting a fun short film last month with Micah Moses titled "Witness This" along with some great actors, Malek Hanna and Gariyaki Mutambirwa. Also just wrapped an all too brief shoot for Mike Cuenca's absurdist web series "Oblivion:The Series" as an Irish loan shark in the fictional town of Holwenstall. 

04/12/10

Although my birthday is usually saved for celebrating my mama, since it is her day... after all, she did all the work - I'm using my birthday this year for charity: water. Instead of gifts, I'm urging my friends, family and associates to donate to charity: water. I've set a modest campaign goal, but would love to surpass that. You can donate very easily by clicking here: Benjamin's 29th Birthday

What is charity: water? It's an organization whose goal is simple; to provide clean, safe and sustainable water to developing nations. Every three months they gather the funds collected from individual campaigns and put 100% of it immediately to work in the field to help drill wells, sand filters and rain catchments. Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80% of diseases and kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Children are especially vulnerable, as their bodies aren't strong enough to fight off most illnesses. My birthday lands on July 1st, so I've started the campaign early to allow time to hit my goal. The fundraising page closes June 30th - so I know that on the day of my birthday, all of the funds collected from all of you are going to something worthwhile, incredible and very much needed. 

Rock.

12/04/2009

The extremely informal website to refer interested parties to the feature screenplay "Oliver", is up! The script has had many revisions and nearly funded experiences over the years but has finally come full circle, being back in the genre it needs to be with the most recent rewrite. Taking it back to its original concept of being more of a dark film with a comedic edge instead of a straight forward drama, Oliver's philosophy is now more accessible through the sarcasm and absurdist approach instead of the overbearing drama it had become. Although the story remains exactly the same, the approach and visual style now differs which gives it back to the burgeoning black comedy it's always been. The script follows an animal loving, comic book reading hitman as he tries to piece together his life and ponders his moral flexibility. Seeking producers, DP, key crew, investors and anyone who is willing to lend their talents to get this fun, creative and unique piece of cinema going! Feel free to visit the site here for more info:

http://oliverinthecity.weebly.com/ 

Happy Holidays!

11/05/2009

Coming out from teaching hibernation, I'm volunteering and producing a fundraising event for the Children's Defense Fund in association with Fighting For Lives. On Saturday, November 14th I'll take part in the first ever "World Fighting For Lives Weekend". Never before have combative/martial arts instructors from around the globe gathered simultaneously to share their respective styles in order to raise donations in their favorite childrens charity. All one, all at the same time, all for children. If you cannot take part but would like to donate to my chosen charity, please visit:

http://www.change.org/childrensdefense/projects/fundraising/fighting_for_lives

It's quick, easy, and secure to get involved by donating. The page will remain open for the duration of the event and for two months afterwards. The seminar will be held at an TBD location given out to those who meet the modestly requested donation of $25. If you cannot afford to donate but would still like to participate, learn a bit about Indonesian culture and it's fighting systems, all are welcome! Feel free to contact the site administrator or Me directly for more details.

08/25/2009

It's a wrap for "The Millennium Bug"! The stunts and fights went off without a hitch - all thanks to the detailed attention of the actors on set when it came to the safety of themselves and everyone around them. There are only a few pick up shots left to do, then The Brothers Cran hit post production hard! Its been a year long process (even longer for others!) to finally get to the end of production and the result is sure to be something special. Special thanks to Ken and Jim Cran for the opportunity and the passion they shared. Oktay Ortabasi for his incredible DP skills in lighting the "Bug" (and the rest of the film, of course) to make it look as amazing as it deserves. Ben Seton for all of his help and expertise. All of the crew: Nito, Dustin, Robert, Baron, Frank, Dion, Will, Bridget, Lea, Steve, Frank, Mehri, Jenna, Mari-Liis, Gregory, Susan, Inga, Josh and everyone who repeatedly showed up to help make the film possible. Of course, my fellow actors who made the stunt coordinating part of the job smooth and enjoyable, especially all the last minute gags. In no particular order: John Charles Meyer, Christine Haeberman, Jessica Simons, Trek Loneman, Jon Briddell, Ken MacFarlane, Ginger Pullman, Sandi Steinberg and Adam Brooks. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Check out the link below for updates as it moves through post production:

http://www.themillenniumbug.com/ 

05/30/2009

BET's fan prank show "Played By Fame", still in its first season hits episode 25 this month. It features me as "Deuce", a disgruntled Aussie stunt man that has it in for Jackie Long. The episode follows Jackie and a fan as they traverse the life of Mr. Long, only the entire day is an elaborate prank with the climax being an audition for an action film which Jackie wants, but Deuce thinks otherwise. You can view the full episode on "BET on Blast" here:

01/23/2009

Having finished performing as the monster "Bug" and exhausted from tearing through miniatures while wearing an incredible suit of sweat, I'm continuing my work with The Brothers Cran and taking on the role of fight/stunt coordinator on "The Millennium Bug" for the next phase of production. With enough caffeine, it can be done.

01/14/2009

Finished shooting "Too Fast", a 5 minute short film written, choreographed, produced, edited, scored, directed and starring myself as a spy who utilizes Sun Tzu's "Art of War" as a means to get out of the situation he faces after quitting the business. This action short was made last minute with fellow filmmaker Dustin Yoder for youtube's "Project: Direct" competition. Unfortunately the deadline hit while the short was being processed by youtube so it never qualified for consideration. You can now view it by visiting the short films page.