Today we’d like to introduce you to Lord Benjamin Redic II.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I got started in film by a friend named Matt Lester. He acted in high school and needed a PA for a Home and Garden shoot with David Browderman. I accepted, needing the work. It introduced me to world of film and reality tv. So yeah, I guess I started in reality tv. After that a friend of mine asked me to teach him how to dance, because he was an actor. He knew me from dancing and battling in night clubs, (everybody thought it was You Got Served 24/7). He then told me that everything I did was stunts and that it paid well. I never forgot that.
Fast forward I’m going through a quarter life crisis and a big breakup. My brother Jerry reaches out to me asking for help on a paper for his college class, so I basically write up a business plan for a media company. And that’s how Ballistic Blade Started. Through a BUNCH of trial and error, a small group of us was able to build a media company that specializes in Action. I then pivoted and started the Austin Action Fest & Market, which supports filmmakers just like us in getting trained for stunts, noticed in media and eventually distribution deals.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No. The most un-smooth of roads. Like anything else, capital. None of us had rich uncles. None of us came from money. Most of my friends don’t come from wealthy families. So we had to have jobs and struggle. I’m not talking poverty and homelessness (much) or anything but we sacrificed a lot. When we started we had no real skills and knowledge. We “didn’t have time” to go back college, nor did we want the debts, so we learned the old fashioned way. Through repetitive failure and occasional success lol. A difficult part has also been making sure other people catch the vision. Most people can only see who you are. They can’t even imagine what you’re becoming…
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m most known for the building of violent and creative combat sequences. I pull from games, movies, anime etc.
I’m most proud of the work I did with Erik Bernard on Free Dead Or Alive. Along with Sifu Sampson, we built the action for an entire movie with unique combat styles and movesets and remote training. It was A LOT. Through Covid, through power outages, ice storms, re-shoots and a host of other issues. I’m very proud of that film and the people that performed in it. My respect for Patricia Velasquez and Edy Ganem is unmeasurable. Especially the toughness they showed during the wedding scene. Erik Bernard is a true warrior. That man showed nothing but Grit. He’s a man worth following.
What sets me apart from most people is my versatility and calmness. I don’t get flustered easily and I’m alway willing to pivot. I have pulled focus, done costumes, crafty, AD, Direct, Shoot (which I do a lot) so I’m ready for whatever and we can breathe and think a bit I’m sure we can figure it out.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Edwin Quinones is my business partner and brother. I can always count on him. Jerry L Brooks (brother) and Daniel Islas have been staunch supporters of mine from day 1. Xavier Ortiz, an old business associate. Mentorship and advice, Erik Bernard, Lenard Johnson & John Stacy, all of these people have been in my corner. Lenard and John taught me much about life and business in general. Unforgettable lessons.
With Austin Action Fest & Market I have to shout out my working board – Kisha CG, Danyelle Weatherford, Joe Barajas and James Drake Coleman have been clutch. My Tilman family back home in NY etc. Marvin, Tiara, Mookie, Egg, Michael have always been proud of me and cheering me on. I don’t have any blood family in Texas so that means a lot to me. There are many more so I’m sorry if I couldn’t name you all.
Pricing:
- Austin Action Fest Screening Pass (Earlybird) – $45
- Basic Stunt Intensive Pass (8/14 Only) – $200
- Advanced Stunt Intensive Pass (8/16) – $400
- Intensive Audit, Network & Acting Audition Bonus – $16
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.AustinActionFest.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theviolenceconductor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ballisticbladeentertainment
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bnrii/
- Twitter: https://x.com/AustnActionFest
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@austinactionfest
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/benjamin-n-redic-ii
