Meet Benson Quach | Producer & Assistant Director

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

Hi Benson, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in San Diego, CA as a 2nd Generation Chinese/Vietnamese American and youngest of 3 boys. Both of my parents came to the United States as refugees from Vietnam in the late ’70s. These factors played a huge role in my upbringing as I had to navigate between several identities. At the time, there wasn’t a blueprint on how to raise kids in this brand new environment and culture but my parents made sure we learned the value of hard work and discipline.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The Producer and Assistant Director roles aren’t typically seen as “creative” roles. Balancing budgets, schedules, and logistics does not sound like art but it is. I get to use my creativity every day through creative problem-solving. Figuring out the most efficient and effective solutions is an artform in itself that takes hours of practice and perseverance. When a writer/director gives me a script, that tells me “what” needs to be shot. It is then up to me and my team to figure out “how” each item will be executed. During this process I’m imagining each and every possible scenario that can go wrong. You can never be 100% prepared for anything, but I’d rather be closer to 99% than 75% prepared. I’ve somehow trained myself to turn that anxiety into a functional workflow.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Street tacos and Korean barbeque are a must when visiting LA. Of course all the theme parks are great like Universal Studios, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Six Flags. As a San Diego native, I’m still very much a Chargers fan so I’m excited to visit the new SoFi Stadium. I’ve yet to see a Dodgers or Lakers game so those are definitely on the list for me. The film nerd in me just wants to visit all the famous filming locations and studios. The San Gabriel Valley has been my home for the past few years so for any type of Asian food you can imagine and more boba tea shops than Starbucks, the SGV is the place to be.

Alright, so let’s jump right in! 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 a person, group, organization, book, etc. that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?  
My first job in high school was at Velocity Paintball Park in Ramona, CA. This is where I first started learning about the importance of branding, business management, and operations. I took these lessons to start my own paintball team that competed for several years.

During high school, I was a member of the Mt. Carmel High School wrestling team. My coaches were amazing role models and taught me some of the most important lessons in becoming a good man. Through wrestling, I was able to push myself and test my limits both physically and mentally.

The last six years at Wong Fu Productions have been life changing. I’m so lucky to be working with the same group of people that inspired me to pursue this career in filmmaking. Through Wong Fu, I’ve been able to travel to so many places and meet such amazing and inspiring people. We have a long road ahead of us in this unpredictable and ever-changing industry, but I’m so proud of what the team’s been able to accomplish.

My wife Jessica has been with me through my entire filmmaking journey. From applying to CSUN’s film production program and through the long hours working as a production assistant, she was always there by my side. The first half of our relationship was long distance and uncertain but I’m so happy to have been able to marry the love of my life last December.

Website: https://www.bensonquach.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bensonq

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bensonquach/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bensonq

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebensonq

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/bensonq

Image Credits
Sophia Chang Chris Lam Jessica Lin Marlo Coloma