We recently had the chance to connect with Ben D’Oleo and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Ben, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
When I’m creating, whether it’s planning a shot, chasing the right light, or editing, I completely lose track of time. I get locked in and it feels natural, like I’m in the right place doing what I was made to do. Filmmaking just pulls me in because it brings story, image, sound, and emotion all together. I lose myself in it, but that’s also where I end up finding myself again.
What brings me back to center is slowing down. Spending time in prayer and worship reminds me that I create because Jesus created me. Simple things like walking/running or talking with family and friends help ground me, too. Those moments keep me focused on family, faith, and the reason I started telling stories in the first place.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ben D’Oleo, I’m a filmmaker and creative who loves telling stories that actually mean something. For me, it’s not just about making something that looks good on screen, but about creating work that connects with people and leaves an impact. I started with a passion for cameras and editing, and over time it’s grown into a way to share my perspective, my culture, and my experiences through storytelling.
What makes my work unique is that I try to keep it real and authentic. Every project is a chance to bring honesty, beauty, and purpose into what I create. Lately, I’ve been working on music videos, short-form content, and storytelling projects that mix creativity with real-life experiences.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world started handing out labels, I was just a kid who stood out in school because I was different from everyone else. Coming from immigrant parents made me feel unique, and I carried that difference in everything I did. I was curious, always watching people, messing around with a camera or my phone, trying to get my friends to act in little scenes, and staying up editing whenever I had spare time. I was quieter than I looked, more of an observer than a show-off, but I always wanted to tell honest stories that felt true to the people around me.
That core curiosity and instinct to create stuck with me. Even now, when the industry or other people try to put me in a box, I go back to that kid who cared more about making something real than fitting a mold. It keeps my work honest and reminds me why I started in the first place.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self to trust the process and stop worrying so much about fitting in. Being different isn’t a weakness, it’s your superpower. God made you this way for a reason, and everything that makes you stand out now, the things that feel like they set you apart, are actually what will shape your voice, your creativity, and the stories only you can tell. So keep going, keep creating, and don’t be afraid to be yourself, because He already has a plan for you.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the industry tells itself is that success is only about numbers, fame, or going viral. People act like if you don’t have a huge following or a flashy project, your work doesn’t matter. Another lie is that you have to compromise who you are or what you believe to “make it.” In reality, the work that lasts, the work that truly connects, comes from being authentic and staying true to your own voice. The moment you forget that, you start chasing someone else’s idea of success instead of your own.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I’ve learned that the work you put your heart into matters more than the recognition it gets. Even if no one notices, giving your best is about honoring your craft, your story, and the gifts you’ve been given. It’s also about discipline and integrity, showing up for yourself first. The praise might come later, or it might not, but what counts is that you stayed true, pushed yourself, and created something meaningful along the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bendoleo
Image Credits
Photos by Tyler Wigglesworth
instagram.com/tylerjoriginals
