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Life & Work with Benjamin Martin of St. Paul

Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Martin.

Benjamin Martin

Hi Benjamin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always been curious about videography and filmmaking. Video and audio have a way of pulling me into a story and fully immersing me. I first picked up a camera to begin documenting my and my friend’s acrobatics as we trained in parkour and free running. As my skills progressed, I wanted to embark on a different physical endeavor. I became a coach at a local Ninja Warrior gym. I taught classes and began learning the sport for myself. My boss encouraged me to apply for the show American Ninja Warrior. Besides a written application, the real selling point for getting on the show is making a 90-second video showcasing your story and athleticism. That was the moment when I realized my passion for video and film. I competed on American Ninja Warrior four times across two televised seasons. When I returned, I switched my major in college from Entrepreneurship to Media Production. While studying video production, I started my own business the month after the pandemic began in the country. I started with wedding films and still operate a growing wedding business today! I have plans to continue pouring into that part of my business. I have worked with over 50 couples throughout the past four years and find it fulfilling to creatively tell their stories in a way that honors their wedding day and cements those precious memories. Additionally, my business partners with real estate agents, non-profit organizations, personal brands, vet clinics, and many more! I’m grateful that video and visual storytelling are in high demand, and I hope to continue to be able to tell meaningful stories with my passion for film.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being self-employed through my business has always come with certain stress levels. You go through seasons where you feel like you’re booking clients left and right and coming up with creative concepts and even more compelling deliverables. However, there have also been seasons of burnout, fewer clients, and slow bookings. I’m grateful to have many outlets in life that allow me to recharge and sometimes pull my head out of the sand when being a business owner becomes stressful. I have many incredible people to lean on during times of hardship.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create compelling films and videos focusing on storytelling through cinematic shots, high-quality production, and carefully crafted editing. I’m known mostly for having a unique wedding film style that feels authentic, personalized, and creative. Sometimes, creativity in the wedding industry can be oxymoronic, but I stand out in how I edit my films. Additionally, I make promotional and highlight videos for non-profits like colleges, missionaries, churches, radio stations, videos for vet clinics, personal figures, and much more! My ability to blend modern filmmaking techniques and my affinity for creating carefully crafted shots with key storytelling components allow viewers to feel deep emotions as they watch my films. This is what makes my work stand out.

Who else deserves credit for your story?
I’ve had many mentors and opportunities that have fast-tracked my learning process throughout the past years. More people than I certainly can credit here! I focused on surrounding myself with professionals ahead of me in the industry. I tried to become a sponge for learning everything I could with storytelling techniques, camera angles, post-production tips and tricks, and so much more. There truly have been countless people who have supported me throughout my journey of growth in my passion for film. They know who they are, and I’m so blessed to have them in my life.

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Ben Martin

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