Filmmaker Ben Dennis on The Realities of Independent Film & Finding Balance Behind the Lens

What do West Side Story, combat cameras, and Tubi films have in common? 🎥

 

In this episode of Balancing Acts Podcast, host Roy Wanguhu sits down with Ben Dennis, a Bay Area cinematographer and artist, to explore his remarkable journey, from serving in the military’s combat camera unit to building a career in independent filmmaking.

 

Ben opens up about:

⚡ The realities of indie filmmaking and Tubi distribution

⚡ Lessons from film school and the 9/11 GI Bill

⚡ Balancing creativity with burnout in corporate and union gigs

⚡ How fatigue impacts safety and storytelling on set

⚡ AI’s growing role in filmmaking — and why emotion still wins

 

Ben also shares his philosophy on filmmaking as a daily craft, not a race — and why finishing projects, not chasing perfection, builds longevity in the industry.