#5: Ben Wangenye, Producer's Assistant - The Unsung Craft: Aiding the Producer's Vision

Filmmaking Framed

In this captivating episode of Filmmaking Framed, hosts Tom Dexter and Danion Hughes engage in a deep dive with Ben Wangenye, an dedicated producer's assistant whose credits include high-profile projects such as Bob Marley: One Love and Netflix's Back in Action. Ben opens up about the day-to-day life and challenges of being a producer's assistant, shedding light on the essential yet often overlooked tasks that bring a film project from script to screen. He emphasises the role's foundational importance in his career path towards becoming a producer, detailing the skills and experiences gained through direct involvement in various stages of production. Ben also shares his unique journey into the film industry, from networking and leveraging relationships to navigating the transition from student films to major productions. Throughout the conversation, Ben provides valuable advice for those looking to break into the industry, including the significance of building a financial buffer and the power of networking through genuine connections. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the heart of film production, highlighting the dedication, creativity, and resilience required to thrive in the ever-evolving world of filmmaking.

Key Lessons

• Networking is Crucial: Ben highlights the importance of building industry connections through on-set presence and leveraging various roles for career advancement.

• Leveraging tools like IMDb Pro can be instrumental in building industry connections and advancing in the entertainment field.

• Financial Preparedness is Essential: He advises maintaining a financial buffer of six to nine months' expenses, enabling freelancers to navigate the film industry's unpredictability and pursue opportunities with financial stability.

Resources

• IMDb Pro Subscription: He recommends subscribing to IMDb Pro as a tool for networking, finding production opportunities, and reaching out to industry professionals by accessing detailed industry contacts and information.

https://pro.imdb.com/signup/index.html?u=http%3A%2F%2Fpro.imdb.com%2F

• Screen Daily: For researching productions shooting in the UK, Ben suggests using Screen Daily. It's a useful resource for staying informed about ongoing and upcoming film projects, which can help in identifying potential job opportunities and understanding the landscape of film production in the UK.

https://www.screendaily.com/

• Members Clubs and Networking Events: Although not explicitly named, Ben discusses the benefits of joining members clubs, especially those based in Soho, for networking opportunities. These clubs host events where creatives can meet industry professionals, potentially leading to collaborations or job opportunities.

• Filmmakers Podcasts and Interviews: Ben shares how listening to podcasts and interviews with industry professionals can provide insights and advice for those starting out. Such resources can be inspirational and educational, offering perspectives from different roles within the industry.

Enjoying the podcast? Check out the video version on YouTube!

https://www.youtube.com/@FilmmakingFramed

Filmmaking Framed is proudly supported by Centroid Motion Capture, a leader in providing state-of-the-art motion capture technology to the entertainment industry.