Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Dutill.
Hi Benjamin , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In February of 2022, I decided to create a YouTube channel for reviewing horror movies, but I came up with the conclusion that was not good enough and that I should take it to a whole new level. I wanted to interview actors from each sub-genre of horror, but I did not even know where to start. I asked another creator on TikTok who happens to be a director for A24 Films, and he suggested that I create my own Internet Movie Database Pro Account, that way I can get in contact with the publicists of the actors of who I’d like to interview. After creating my account on IMDb Pro and setting up my profile, I did not hesitate to reach out to publicists and managers because I was too excited and nervous, at that point I did not know what was going to happen.
Just a little over five years later, I have interviewed over 300 guests for my YouTube channel and podcast, and I am still reserving actors. There have been a numerous instances where the actor’s publicist or manager has reached out to me via email requesting me to interview their clients due to upcoming projects or movies that they (the actors) need assistance with promoting on social media.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been a little challenging; trying to keep the audience engaged with my YouTube Channel and podcast has been a crossroads. Every day I am trying to come up with new inventive and original ideas so that every new episode feels like a breath of fresh air and nothing is stale or repetitive. Additionally, trying to reserve actors that I would like to have as guests has also been a struggle. When I receive a reply stating that the actor cannot participate in an interview, it can feel heart breaking. However, I keep pushing and requesting more guests.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an employee with The Department of War (formerly known as The Department of Defense) and I am a Program and Management Analyst. Some would call me a renaissance man because I wear many hats as my scope of work has many responsibilities in the administrative areas. I am proud that I work with the federal government because I am also working in the public service helping the military get what they need by adhering to the mission statement: “Drive and sustain Warfighter readiness by delivering unmatched global support as the Nation’s Logistics Combat Support Agency.”
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe in consistency, authenticity, and adaptability. Whereas in consistency, I believe that showing up on a strict schedule is what builds audience trust and beats algorithms. Authenticity provides the feeling that being vulnerable and genuine is the only way to build a deeply loyal, long-term community. And adaptability knowing that digital platforms change instantly, making the willingness to pivot and learn new skills paramount.
I care about the horror community and the engagement. It is important to me because I am connecting my subscribers and listeners to actors and getting to know them more on a personal level while inaugurating satire and breaking the fourth wall.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horror_heathen_youtube_channel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benjamin.dutill
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfRp4S3BX_iMjwDVT53IPQ
