Meet Jeremy Benbow | Assessing Risk

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

Hi Jeremy, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

I feel that choosing to work as a black filmmaker depicting black life is risky in and of itself. I’m not convinced the general public is accustomed to watching black faces on screen on a consistent basis for an extended period of time. Times have changed, but reminding myself of this keeps me grounded in the responsibility I see for myself as a storyteller.

It all depends on my heart of hearts desire for the work and the long term goal. If said decision, project or job is meant to fulfill and get me closer to the stories I’m driven to tell on a grander scale, then I’ll take that risk.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I moved to LA after graduating college with my life packed in the back seat of my Hyundai and a bit of money I’d saved working in D.C. I’m blessed to have a day job as an associate producer at FOX Sports, a position I landed a few months after moving out here 3 years ago. I shoot live shows, podcasts, interviews and other digital content with an extremely talented team that’s constantly pushing to innovate. It’s truly inspiring.

Resilience is key to success in this industry. It’s your own hard work, dedication and drive that provides opportunity. That said, it’s equally essential to surround yourself with like-minded creatives that you can grow with and learn from.

The biggest takeaway from my time in LA thus far is to take your time in creative pursuits but to prepare so much so that when the time comes, you’re able to execute on autopilot. I’d like my film work to function as some sort of catharsis for people, namely black people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

We’d probably rent out an AirBNB up in Silver Lake. We’ll spend the first day or so there and Los Feliz, walking around the Sunset District just catching up and hangin. Hit Bar Henry, Black Cat, Sawyer (RIP Kettle Black.)Thursday we’d be downtown in the Arts District, checking out The MOCA, Hauser and Wirth, some galleries, Grand Central Market. Probably spend the night downtown and get dinner at Redbird and hop around The Standard, Perch, the rooftop bars.

Get up early Friday morning, grab sandwiches from Larchmont Wine and Cheese and head to Manhattan Beach for the day. Come back and grab Burgers Never Say Die. Freshen up, head to Mama Shelter for early drinks. Then the Hollywood circuit. Not really the move anymore but they gotta see it, you know? Try No Vacancy and likely give up after half an hour, hit Dirty Laundry for a bit then probably head to Davey Waynes to close the night and get kicked out for doing absolutely nothing because that’s what they do.

Saturday, probably head to the west side. I’d probably link up with some friends who know the area well since I don’t frequent that side and bar hop hop around Venice. Around 6 or 7, go back to the east side, grab dinner at Gigi’s. Dip out and head to the Cha Cha Lounge before hopefully heading downtown to a house show. If there’s no one good playing, The Friend or Tenants of The Trees.

On Sunday, we’d likely take our time getting up and head to Malibu for the day to hang around and relax for a bit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shout out an incredible photographer/roommate Spencer Williams. I really admire his maximalist approach to his creative work, and he’s a great team player who’s always game to collaborate and assist in any way he can.

Instagram: @jeremybenbow

Image Credits
Chandler Perry, Dillon Stewart