Meet Ben Oakes | Director | Producer at Ben Oakes Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ben Oakes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ben, how do you think about risk?
If you are a business owner of any kind, then risk is always at the forefront. You’re betting on yourself from day 1. I moved to Nashville (from LA) during the start of COVID. I had no friends or family, just my (at the time) two year old son. My Los Angeles resume was great as an actor and director, but that had no weight in Nashville. Nashville is such a reference based town. I sent out countless emails and phone calls to businesses and bands, with no reply. I only had a little bit of money left. I met a DP who was working on a shoot I was acting in. We chatted and set up a coffee meeting. I had decided I was going to use the last of my money to do commercials for three different local businesses for free. James (who has now worked on over 70 shoots with me) agreed to come and work for free on these. I decided that day that the last of my money was going to be used to forge relationships and showcase ability. We did one commercial for free for a hair salon and that was the last one we ever did for free. The business has grown rapidly but I still treat the business like that first one. If you aren’t willing to risk it all on yourself, then don’t expect anyone else to take a risk on you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I run a video production company that has such a diverse client list. From businesses, brands, and recording artists. Having been an actor for a decade in LA, the narrative / emotion is so important to me. I believe our greatest strength is showcasing that emotion and allowing the audience to feel something deeper than surface level. It’s also the relationships with clients and the atmosphere created on set with cast and crew. From the bottom to the top everyone is treated with the utmost respect. Those years of acting showed me what I disliked about being on set and being able to eliminate those in our productions. I feel the secret is making everyone feel like the project is theirs just as much as it is mine or recording artist. You will always get the best result when everyone feels like they have blood in the game.

It sounds so typical but sacrifice and hard work was the only way to get to this point. It’s still a part of it today. Sacrifice comes in many forms. Time with family and loved ones is at the forefront. Initially it was financial sacrifices. It was always about the long goal and never the short. I would (and still do) take money out of my net profit if I thought increasing the production budget would create a better product. Be willing to lose money to gain money. You are only as good as your last project. It definitely wasn’t easy. If you aren’t willing to die for it, then don’t even start it. It has to be all or nothing.

I would want the world to know/think that I cared more about the story than myself. I love and admire people who bet on themselves. I want to be an intricate part of their journey and success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I wish I had time to take friends places and a week long trip is definitely out of the question. But, the beauty of Nashville is diversity of activities within a small distance. Nashville has a NYC type feel in the sense of the boroughs. East Nashville has that gritty Brooklyn feel, 12 south gives that Williamsburg vibe, and then you can travel 20 minutes out of the city and embrace that country life. From shooting these music videos with country artists I’ve been exposed to the “small town” and those communities. It was so foreign to me, coming from London, LA, and NYC. There’s something really beautiful about it though. The unity, beautiful landscapes surrounded by nature, and good old fun. Anyone coming to Nashville I’d try to give them a taste of the rooftop bars to boats out on the lake. Nashville is a really special place.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am without my parents. I’m so incredibly lucky to have such a talented, kind, and encouraging support system. They have both helped me tremendously by uplifting me and leading by example. My Dad has spent countless hours teaching me the business side. He is such a strong believer in teaching, opposed to doing it for me. Even when I was down to my last dollar, they pushed me to chase my dreams. They both have such a tremendous work ethic and are highly respected in their fields. Those accolades and determination are incredibly inspiring. I wouldn’t be where I am today as a business owner, parent, or person without them.

Website: https://www.benoakescreative.com

Instagram: @oakes.creative

Image Credits
Stephen Dillon and Mark Erin