Benjamin Wachtel

Directed second unit sequences with stunts and visual effects.

OurCo is a next-gen, mobile communications platform that unites leaders and the people they serve. The mobile app boosts engagement and analyzes crowd-sourced sentiment in real-time to inform, adapt, and pre-sell decisions made by administrators in schools, government agencies, and other enterprises. Learn how OurCo can serve your organization at Ourco.com. _________ Attract paid pilot programs by identifying thought leaders and practice leaders; focusing on pressing unmet needs that carry extreme cost burdens; and guaranteeing real-world results. Recruit, engage, and lead a diverse team of experts in strategy, finance, marketing, engineering, and policy leadership to create, sell, and support a SaaS-tethered mobile app with a digital population-engagement dashboard and data-science backend. Research, plan, and develop market-leading product features and benefits in collaboration with front and backend teams—applying Kanban and Scrum methodologies to product builds, tests, and maintenance. Engage strategic allies by formulating and communicating a compelling mission, vision, and objective. Accelerate market, corporate, and product development by instituting policies, structures, systems, processes, and standards. Raise, allocate, and optimize returns on capital by building pitch decks; one-sheets and two-pagers; financial analyses, forecasts, and budgets; business plans; and product roadmaps. Improve workplace culture, capabilities, brand value, revenues, operating margins, earnings, risk mitigation, competitiveness, scalability, salability, speed to favorable liquidity events, and investor appeal.

Partner with Michael Cuesta (Hollywood director/executive producer) to make high-value entertainment appealing, accessible, and award-winning. Vetting hundreds of screenplays to identify, pitch, and support winning intellectual property. Attracting high-demand talent, raise funding, and secure distribution partners to maximize returns.

Streamlined casting decisions by utilizing longstanding relationships with casting directors, reviewing auditions, and choosing candidates. Reviewed stylistic choices and sourced creative solutions for wardrobe, props, and production design. Supervised main unit and second unit crew on Accused episode 101. Directed one day of main unit while the main unit director was off set.

Created network and studio presentations for the Promised Land pilot episode that led to a full-season series pick up. Provided pilot, series bible, season outline, and script notes to the writer/showrunner. Vetted auditions and chose selections for final review. Leveraged direct relationships with seasoned department heads to identify, interview, and invite crew. Communicated with the unit production manager/production supervisor to ensure timely, efficient, and reliable prep. Collaborated with the assistant director to design time-saving and cost-saving preproduction schedules and call sheets. Aided the locations department by vetting options via photographic, on-the-ground, and word-of-mouth scouting. Reviewed stylistic choices and sourced creative solutions for wardrobe, props, and production design. Directed second unit sequences with background actors and main cast. Reviewed visual-effect deliverables, coordinated with the VFX department, and provided editorial notes.

Directed inserts with background actors for Episodes 3 and 4 of the Dopesick Miniseries.

Directed second unit sequences that involved main cast, stunts, and a team of 50+ second unit crew members.

Helped develop visual language for The President Is Missing pilot, the City on a Hill pilot, and the season finale of Billions season 2. Scheduled production meetings, interviewed department heads, compiled creative deliverables, and contributed to casting decisions.

Supported U.S. and Maldives policy endpoints by drafting compelling speeches, press releases, and social media content on behalf of the Ambassador and Mission team.

Directed additional photography, reshoots, and insert sequences for American Assassin.

Contributed to the creative development and logistical execution of American Assassin, which filmed on three continents. Provided script notes to the writer. Brainstormed cast ideas and vetted auditions. Led location scouts. Reviewed creative choices and sourced solutions for wardrobe, props, and production design. Provided editorial notes.

Facilitated development, production, and post production of Kill the Messenger by actively contributing to casting, location, and editorial decisions.