We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ben Meredith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ben below.

Ben, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I think my mission as a filmmaker and image-maker is simply to tell stories. I often refer to my artform as “modern hieroglyphics.” It is our way of documenting the human experience, which also makes it our responsibility to document it in a way that is inclusive, meaningful and impactful. My overall mission is to describe the universe not only as I see and interpret it, but how many around the world might. To tell stories often unheard and unnoticed, that are relatable on a spiritual, emotional and connective level.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Ben Meredith and I am a Los Angeles based filmmaker and photographer. I was making short movies, skate videos and skits throughout high school, and simply fell in love with filmmaking. I went to college and entered the Film Studies program, which gave me valuable insight into screenwriting and theory…not so much production. After college, my route took me on a path into music and hip-hop culture, where I earned a spot at one of my favorite websites of the time, Complex.com. There I developed marketing campaigns for some of the biggest brands in the world, and branded video content was on the rise. Soon I found myself producing numerous video campaigns, some of which I got to be on set. I had no idea how far filmmaking had come with digital cameras, and quickly became obsessed with filmmaking again. I “took myself back to school” in a way, and started learning cinematography on the side for a couple years. After some job switches I decided I had the knowledge built up to take a chance on being a full time freelance cinematographer, and have been doing that now for about 6 years. As a self-made production company (Antigua Way Films), I had to learn all elements of filmmaking. So although I championed myself as a DP, I also directed many commercials, edited, colored, sound and more, all of which my company offers (whether I do it or hire out).
I think what sets me apart is my business background, which gives me the ability to produce a project from the ground up, and not only be ‘a cinematographer.’
But as a DP and photographer, my film-theory background really puts the story first. It’s not just about making pretty pictures (most of the time) – it’s about saying something important and telling a story.
I think the main thing I am proud of is putting myself in a position where I get to work on a variety of projects for so many different people. It makes every day different, and introduces me to a lot of creatives. I am here to tell stories and have fun while doing it!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think my reputation is based on my passion and my attitude. My first question is not “what lenses should we shoot on?” But moreso “what do you want the audience to feel during this scene?” I am all about story. Don’t get me wrong, I love the tech-side of my profession, and it’s extremely important to know, but I always put story first in how I develop my images, whether it be cinematography, photography, or directing. I also am quite proud of my attitude on set, which I think people often hire me for (on top of hopefully decent work!). I love what I do, and it really shows.
And definitely the first to make an awful Dad joke :).

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

Doing what I love! In the financial sense, sometimes this is a blessing and a curse, as far as inconsistency. But if you keep at it, this gets easier. But to be blessed to do what I love for a living is something I previously never could have dreamed of. To make people’s dreams come to life on a screen is profoundly unique and rewarding, especially when they are those of my own! And the people. Collaborating with all walks of life is remarkable. The team effort, familial aspect, and bonds that are made are close to none in any other profession I’ve experienced.     

Contact Info:

• Website: www.benfmeredith.com
• Instagram: @benfmeredith
• Other: www.antiguawayfilms.com