We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Benjamin Dutill a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Benjamin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

My entire life, my mother has always told me that I should take risks. But first, always weigh your options. What are the pros and cons of the risk you are taking? In this case, the pros most definitely outweigh the cons. And whatever the results may be, positive or negative, keep trying.

In February of 2022, I decided to create a YouTube channel for reviewing horror movies, but I came up with the conclusion that was not good enough and that I should take it to a whole new level. I wanted to interview actors from each sub-genre of horror, but I did not even know where to start. I asked another creator on TikTok who happens to be a director for A24 Films, and he suggested that I create my own Internet Movie Database Pro Account, that way I can get in contact with the publicists of the actors of who I’d like to interview. After creating my account on IMDb Pro and setting up my profile, I did not hesitate to reach out to publicists and managers because I was too excited and nervous, at that point I did not know what was going to happen.

Just a little over two years later, I have interviewed over 100 guests for my YouTube channel and podcast, and I am still reserving actors, all of April is filled up and now I am working on getting guests for May. There have been a few instances already where the actor’s publicist or manager has reached out to me via email requesting me to interview their clients due to upcoming projects or movies that they (the actors) need assistance with promoting on social media.

Benjamin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

It all started in my somewhat sizable apartment one day in December 2019. I started a podcast called “South Jersey Horror” on the Anchor website because I have a lot of love for the horror genre. I wanted to share my knowledge and love to the horror community, and I wanted to establish that by providing my opinions on particular movies and actors. I searched online for podcast equipment; a microphone with a pop filter that I could attach to my desk so my voice could be heard. Did I know that it was going to be popular so quick? Not exactly, I was receiving notices that my podcast was reaching out to listeners worldwide, countries on the other side of the globe and on multiple platforms.

After voicing my opinion for several years, I thought to myself that I need to go further. What can I do to make myself known more to the general public? What necessary steps do I have to take? I decided to create a YouTube channel for myself and those who already listen to my podcast. I want to interview actors regarding their role in a particular movie and to connect with them on a more personal level, to get to know who they really are without having someone giving them directions from behind the camera. A few days later, I created a TikTok account so I could get advice from other creators; a received a lot of responses, advice on what I should and should not do. Finally, a few months later, I receive a message from a director from A24 Films. He suggested that I create an Internet Movie Database Professional Account because it would provide the names, numbers, and email addresses for the actor’s publicist, manager, or talent agency. The second step he advised is that I should come up a written request, a template I should use when requesting the actor to come on my YouTube channel and podcast.

I believe what sets me apart from other interviewers is that I do connect with the actors on a deeper and personal level. I informally interview actors; meaning that in the email I have written that the actors who I interview can be relaxed and show the world who they really are. There’s no script, there’s no rehearsal, and most importantly, it’s about having fun for 30 minutes. If I can provide that to an actor, a place where they can tell me about their background, their past experiences, any advice they could give to new actors without the stress or being nervous, then that’s what I shall do. And I explain to the actors right before we start to record, just be themselves. It’s not an audition, tell me what you loved and hated most about the role. Tell me a memorable moment about being on set while filming. Tell me where they see themselves in 10 years. What would they do if they could flip the script? There are a myriad of questions I could ask the actor as long as I keep it respectful, and I am cognitive of their wishes. Moreover, the interviews can go in any direction; there may be lead-in questions, there may be follow-up questions, there may be a lightning round of questions, and sometimes the roles are reversed, and the actors ask me questions. For 30 minutes, there is laughing and smiling. In the end, when an actors look me in the eyes and they tell me that would love to be interviewed again in the future, that indicates that my goal was achieved and that I am on the right track.

There is a moment that I am really fond of… A moment that I never would have imagined. While interviewing Ken Sagoes (Kincaid) from “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors” (1987), I told him during the interview that I have a friend who is a fan of his work. During the interview, Ken Sagoes asked for his phone number so he could call my friend. At that moment I did not know how to react. How should I react? In an email, I provided my friend’s phone number and the next thing I knew, Ken is calling him during the interview. Unfortunately, my friend was sleeping but he still received Ken’s message in a voicemail. I realized that’s when I knew I could talk to anyone I wanted to if an actor can be that comfortable with me during an interview.

I would like for the readers to know that they should never give up on their dreams. I never thought that I would be here, in this position, interviewing actors for my YouTube channel and podcast. I never thought that I would be invited to private screenings, I never thought that I would have actors calling or emailing me wishing me a happy birthday. I never thought that I would have publicists and managers reaching out to me and asking me to have their clients on my shows. It’s all about taking risks and shooting your shot. If you get rejected like I have so many times, don’t let that bring you down. At first you don’t succeed, try and try again.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my perspective, I found that social media is a very powerful and resourceful tool for supporting artists and creators. By word of mouth or simply sharing a post can reach thousands, maybe millions of people on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter. Once someone becomes a part of a community, the possibilities are endless. Social media allows artists to build and to become a part of relationships, staying connected, finding their voice, and offering support. Not only does it foster innovation and learning, but it also provides entertainment and a platform for societal change.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a digital creator is that I share my knowledge and opinions with others while being impartial. I don’t try to project my beliefs onto others or persuade them not to watch a particular movie or show. There are many conflated variables when it comes to being a critic, I always ensure that I am aware of the sensitivity of the general consensus and in which I refrain attempting to influence my audience. By doing so, I believe that’s what keeps the subscribers and watchers returning to my YouTube channel and podcast and that’s what also keeps me coming back to do more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13668370
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horror_heathen_youtube_channel/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058376784018
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehorrorheathen

Image Credits
Photos were taken by me.