Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Bentz.
Hi Patrick, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve had a camera in my hand as long as I can remember. From countless disposable film cameras to the early days of digital video in devices like the flip camera and iPod touch, I was always looking for ways to capture life around me. My passion for photography and film took off when my family moved to Africa while I was in high school. My parents served as missionaries in the small country of Lesotho as a teacher and midwife. I lived in Kenya with my sister at a boarding school and graduated high school there.
In college I studied media communications and graphic design while working as much as I could. I worked running a concert venue and filming all of the sporting events on campus.
After college I went to an agency and worked as a designer and creative. Our team working on national advertising campaigns and I was lucky to work with some incredibly talented people. I often found myself drawn to the production side of the creative process and knew that one day I’d branch off into the world of video production. In 2020 while the world was shut down I was pulled into projects outside of the agency that ended up leading me to partner with a local DP named Dan Rippl who had been working as a solo filmmaker for a decade.
Since then he and I have developed a production business that focuses primarily on human centered video projects for agencies, nonprofits and local corporations. We have developed an outdoor documentary series, shot all across the United States, and have built out a studio in Oakdale to host clients and shoot creative projects.
Our next venture is launching a jointly owned company called Wise Friends. The name reflects the roles we’ve played in our communities as the friend you call when you have an idea you’re trying to bring to life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest obstacles I have faced have come since venturing out into the freelance and entrepreneurial world. The creative industry comes in waves of being crazy busy and slowing down. As a business owner managing that ebb and flow takes perseverance and trust in the process. The stress of financial uncertainty is difficult but the pressure to provide a stable and comfortable life for my wife and daughter is much stronger. When projects fall through or change it is not a major thing for the people working as employees, but for us on the other side those moments can feel catastrophic.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I often use the phrase human centered because I believe strongly that every product or company is only as important as its impact on people. I enjoy interviewing people and creating a welcoming atmosphere where they can speak honestly and comfortably. Some of the most exciting projects have been with professional athletes who have encountered an endless stream of people filming them but have taken the time to say “you made this so easy”. I think my greatest creative specialty is my ability to be present and care deeply about the people I work with. We often find ourselves telling difficult stories for nonprofits or companies who change people’s lives and I know that our role as filmmakers is to respect their story deeply and share it honestly.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is creating something that everyone involved feels proud of. When we enjoy the process of creating together and despite the challenges create something we’re excited about that is the greatest joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Bentzfilms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bentzfilms?igsh=MWdmd212dWkxOGR3MQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
