DCP 153: Ben Hess and Ted Setla on Crowdfunding Raising The TXT Generation

Apr 14

The importance passion projects have been mentioned several times throughout the years on the Digital Convergence Podcast. Where do ideas come from for creating a passion project? How do you fund your passion project?

Writer and director, Ben Hess, and director of photography and editor, Ted (Thaddeus) Setla, talk about their latest collaboration: a documentary based on a real sexting event that happened to Ted's young daughter. The documentary examines the emotional journey and potential consequences for the kids and family when inappropriate images are shared among friends at the age of 11.

Ben Hess is an award-winning producer, director, and writer. He has worked on hundreds of promotional videos, documentaries, commercials, and PSAs through his production company Bay Area Pictures and also for other leading production companies. Hess has produced several independent films, original series, and campaigns including Volunteer Nation and Voices Across America, and four narrative short films:The Kiss and House of Cups and award winning Doing Time and Juicy Peaches - Last Stop. Hess' short fiction and essays have appeared online with Humanthology and Medium.

Ted Setla is the Chief Storyteller and creative mind behind Setla Films. He has been developing content and social media strategies that help bridge cause and commerce for fortune 1000 companies. With over two decades of corporate communications and over 10 years working as a Cinematographer his attention to detail, camera motion, lighting and storytelling abilities help clients from Switzerland to San Francisco, from London to South Africa bring ideas to lens in an meaningful way. Ted is also the founder and moderator of a leading Facebook user group for Sony F5/F55 camera users.

The Video Business Success Coach, Kris Simmons, explains the "Outbreak" Marketing Method - how video producers can infiltrate a corporate account and spread like a virus leading to repeat jobs and increased profits.

I want to thank Ben Hess and Ted Setla for being associate producers and their generous financial support of the Digital Convergence Podcast.

Thank you for supporting and listening to the DCP!