Ben Folstein's Film Bio

Ben Folstein: Director, Producer

Born in 1979, Ben Folstein has been making films since 1989. In 1996 Folstein dedicated his career to applying updated editing and cinematography to the arcane format of the silent narrative. His films have been shown throughout the US, and in Singapore. He has lived on both coasts and New Mexico, and currently lives in San Francisco, California, where he produces a weekly public access television show.

Ben Folstein's Kornbluth Bio

Ben Folstein (Production Stage Manager) is honored to be Josh's perennial stage manager. He can also be seen throughout the US, greasing the wheels of non-profit theatre and experimental film, airing his public access show (hosted by a sociopathic reptilian oven mitt named Slythoar), and making movies with his film company, Carpenter Productions. Check out his website: www.slythoar.com..

Ben Folstein

Ben Folstein

carpenter@slythoar.com (415) 548 3176
www.slythoar.com

Experience:

Production Stage Manager, "Celia", 2008
Call the show, organize rehearsals, set up the show with designers in various spaces, write daily reports.

Technical Director, Actors Playhouse, 2006-07
Maintain technical and practical aspects of the space, assist shows that come through in any way needed: stage manage, sound, lights, etc.

Technical Director, Jonathan Reinis Productions, 2005-07
Coordinate technical plans with designers and presenters, oversee load ins and outs, hire necessary crew, coordinate with master electricians and head carpenters, haul sets to and from storage,

Production Manager, Z Space Studio and Word for Word, 2005
Manage simultaneous theatrical productions, hire designers and technical staff.

Stage Manager, Love & Taxes Joint Venture, Summer 2003- Present
For tours of Love and Taxes, and Ben Franklin: Unplugged: Write and call show cues, coordinate tech rehearsals, mediate between Z Space, Reinis Productions, and venue, trouble shoot equipment failures, see to performer's comfort, delegate ASM responsibilities, keep all lines of communication open.

Carpenter/ Electrician, Freelance, Fall 2002-
Execute plans of Technical Director or Lighting Designer. Past employers: Jonathan Reinis Productions, Cesa Entertainment, Actors Playhouse, Pecadillo Theater, Chris Jones Productions, TheatreWorks, San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, Magic Theatre, Z Space Studio and Word for Word.

Ensign, Other Cinema, Spring 2002- Summer 2006
Catalogue and maintain 16mm film library (~2000 films), repair film equipment, record audio for use in film, assist administration.

Arts Programmer, Camp Wigwam, Summer 1998- Present
Teach music lessons, coordinate music teachers and students, organize and stage manage talent shows, produce and direct films, program other special events.

Commander in Chief, Carpenter Productions, Fall 1997- Present
Shoot and edit weekly television show, Carpenter Presents, storyboard and design short silent films, hire cast and crew, create budgets and schedules, scout locations and secure space, coordinate all rehearsals and shoots, direct and photograph film shoots, edit and score films, send films to venues and film festivals. Output is about 4 films, plus 52 half hour episodes per year. (Filmography and screening history available upon request.)

Education:

College of Santa Fe, BA, Moving Image Arts, 2001
Newton North High School, High School Diploma, 1997

References:

Peter Breger, Actors Playhouse (212) 302 5200
Jonathan Reinis, Producer, Love & Taxes JV. (510) 204 9440
Robert Strauss, Director, Camp Wigwam. (207) 583 2300
Jamie Cesa, Cesa Entertainment (212) 760 1710