Meet Angus Benfield | Actor, Producer, Director & Founder of LAMA Entertainment

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

Hi Angus, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting LAMA Entertainment goes back to the original early days of the silent era. I was fascinated with the way Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks went on to form their own studio – United Artists. In a time when there was no studio system, Chaplin was the actor and the performer, but then had to deliver on every other aspect of making a film as well. Nobody was coming to Chaplin and offering him a deal; he had to do it all himself. I’ve always admired that, and it largely shaped my industry ethos.

My passion for filmmaking isn’t something that developed overnight. It has been a lifelong pursuit, built on a foundation of both love and necessity. From a young age, I was drawn to the magic of cinema, and at age 14, I embarked on this journey by diving into special effects and production work from behind the camera. This initial exposure was invaluable, but I quickly realized that to truly thrive and create the kind of work I envisioned, I needed to understand all facets of the industry.

Subsequently, I attended acting school to gain experience in front of the camera, which expanded my perspective and skill set, then onto every other aspect, from writing a screenplay to financing, production, distribution, you name it, I learned it. This comprehensive understanding—from script to screen—was crucial. I learned early on that to bring my unique stories to life, I couldn’t solely rely on others. I had to be proactive in getting projects off the ground, especially in an industry where, as an actor, you are often at the mercy of the roles offered to you.

My big break came when I landed a lead role in the feature film “Lex Rory” by Dean Murphy. It was an incredible experience that ignited a deeper desire to create the types of films I was passionate about. However, at that time in Australia, the film industry was not as prolific, and I found myself being offered TV roles that didn’t resonate with me. This led to a pivotal decision: if the opportunities I wanted weren’t available, I would create them myself.

Now, I am in a position where I can choose scripts that excite me, work with directors and actors I admire, help others get their films made and craft projects that align with my creative vision. But it’s not just about my films. I believe audiences crave variety and uniqueness, just as I do. I’m dedicated to reviving the true spirit of independent cinema—where the story reigns supreme, and the art of filmmaking is celebrated in its purest form.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others as an artist is that I have the unique ability to create feature films from script to screen. Initially, I produced projects where I wore multiple production hats, as is often the case in independent filmmaking. This versatility enhances my directorial skills, for example, allowing me to guide actors effectively because I am an actor myself. I would act, write, direct, and produce a project, and while I relish the hands-on and holistic process, the continuous production of multiple projects can be mentally exhausting. Nowadays, I find joy in collaboration, working with other directors, writers, and creatives. Our studio is unique in that we handle everything ourselves, from finding or creating projects to financing and releasing them.

What am I most proud of? I recently directed, produced and acted in a film that is out there shining a light on the underrepresented real-world issue of PTSD and ongoing daily suicides amongst our military. The film is called “The Keeper.” “The Keeper” is the incredibly moving and inspirational true story of George Eshleman, an Army veteran battling PTSD from his time in combat. Struggling with the darkness he’d experienced, and the memories of friends lost to suicide, George set out on a mission that would change his life—and many others’—forever. George began his hike on the Appalachian Trail with the initial goal of raising awareness about the staggering rates of veteran suicides. Tragically, George’s plan was to end his life during the hike, overwhelmed by the burdens he carried. However, the solitude of the trail offered him refuge and a chance to confront his own demons and fate intervened in the form of a special group of veterans he met along the way. Their camaraderie and unwavering support gave George the strength he needed to keep moving forward. Instead of succumbing to his despair, he found solace and renewed purpose in their shared experiences and solidarity. George decided to document his journey, hoping to inspire and help others who might be facing similar struggles. His story, filled with raw emotion and resilience, was transformed into the film “The Keeper.” Filmed entirely on the Appalachian Trail, the film not only honors George’s journey but also serves as a beacon of hope for veterans and individuals battling PTSD. The impact of George’s story has been profound. For everyone involved in the making of “The Keeper,” it has become a personal mission to shed light on the epidemic of veteran suicides and to support as many veterans as possible. Through the film and various other efforts, the team continues to advocate for mental health awareness and provide much-needed assistance to those in need. “The Keeper” is out now on YouTube, Prime, Tubi and more. www.thekeepermovie.info

A film I am excited about is the last film we shot “The Weight of Darkness.” It’s a thriller and one of our bigger films and stars some major actors including Braveheart’s Angus Macfadyen, Shape of Water’s Doug Jones, Sin City’s Jaime King, LA Law’s Corbin Bernsen and myself. “The Weight of Darkness” will be out this year with the trailer releasing very soon.

I guess how I got to where I am today is really just getting out there and making something, not waiting for everything to be in line or perfect, not waiting for the right budget, just doing whatever I could with whatever I had. And that’s probably the one big step that I took to get to where I am, and being able to just kind of go, okay, look, we may not have the budget we need, we may not have all the resources, but let’s just make a film out of what we have. And that process is one of the best things you can do as any filmmaker, is just to kind of get out and just start making, and then make something else after that, and continue to create.
It’s not easy. No step of this has ever been easy. It’s always difficult, but we just kind of get out there and do it. By embracing these challenges and focusing on creativity and resourcefulness, I’ve been able to create projects that are not only personally fulfilling but also resonate with audiences. This approach has allowed me to stay true to my vision and maintain the integrity of my work, regardless of the obstacles faced.

I think one of the biggest lessons is not to listen to critics. Guard your heart from online reviewers of any kind. You need to almost put the blinkers on, be narrow-minded, focus on just doing the work, and not worrying about what other people think. If you give in to critics, and give in to trying to please other people, you’ll never get anywhere. Make what you want to make, and get it out there, and continue to do that. You’ve got to learn to take the hits, keep getting back up, and making something, and learning from your mistakes, try to perfect it, and try to get better. The path to success in filmmaking, or any creative endeavor, is not lined with easy accolades or unchallenged praise. It is a journey of resilience, of unwavering dedication to one’s vision, and of embracing each failure as a steppingstone to greater achievement. The true essence of independent cinema lies in this unyielding spirit, where the story takes precedence, and every project is a testament to the creator’s passion and persistence.

At the core of LAMA Entertainment’s mission is the desire to create authentic, heartfelt films that serve as an alternative to mainstream blockbusters. We pride ourselves on being a boutique production company that values the essence of true independent filmmaking. Our projects range from small-budget films that capture the nuances of human experience, to larger productions that maintain the integrity and sincerity of independent cinema. We believe in the power of storytelling to connect, to inspire, and to provoke thought. Every film we produce is a labor of love, crafted with the utmost care and dedication. Our goal is to offer audiences a unique cinematic experience that stands apart from the high-budget spectacles dominating the industry. We want to be known for our commitment to quality, our embrace of creativity, and our unwavering dedication to the art of filmmaking.

Through our films, we aim to bring to light the stories that might otherwise go unheard, to give voice to the diverse and often overlooked perspectives that enrich our world. We are passionate about nurturing new talent, collaborating with visionary directors and actors, and pushing the boundaries of what independent cinema can achieve. In essence, we want the world to see us as a beacon of originality and authenticity, a production company that remains true to its roots while daring to dream big. We invite audiences to join us on this journey, to experience the raw, unfiltered beauty of the stories we tell, and to celebrate the spirit of independent filmmaking that drives us forward.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a fan of old Hollywood, I like to take visitors on a trip that captures the charm and history of this iconic place. We’d start at the Griffith Observatory for a panoramic view of Los Angeles, then head down to Hollywood Boulevard to explore the Walk of Fame. A visit to historic Musso & Frank Grill offers a taste of old-world Hollywood with its historic ambiance and decor. We’d visit Beverly Hills for its luxurious mansions and high-end shopping on Rodeo Drive and explore Burbank for its entertainment industry presence. This Hollywood trip provides a comprehensive sense of both the glamorous past and dynamic present of Hollywood, there is nowhere else in the world like it and it’s something I love to share with overseas guests.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I must give a heartfelt shout-out to my wife of 25 years, Ruth, who has been with me every step of the way and is an incredible talent in her own right. I couldn’t have achieved anything without her. Her unwavering support and dedication have been crucial. Through the highs and lows, her resilience and love have kept me grounded and motivated. Ruth’s wisdom and insight have guided me in navigating complex challenges, making her a constant source of strength and inspiration on this journey.

Website: www.lamaentertainment.com www.angusbenfield.com

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Twitter: https://x.com/LAMAentCA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LAMAentertainmentCA https://www.facebook.com/angusbenfieldofficial

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lamaentertainment

Image Credits
Photos all: courtesy of LAMA Entertainment
except photo #2 (Angus with Gun) credit Cheryl Hutchison