Benjamin Sonntag signs with Eleanor for UK Representation. Ask Benjamin what makes for a great film, and he’ll tell you: it all comes down to dialling in to the humanity of the project. “I know it’s a lofty goal, but I still try to tap into that truth whenever possible,” he says with a smile.
As the newest addition to Eleanor’s UK roster, they are thrilled to be able to champion his work. Benjamin’s strong instinct for storytelling has earned many accolades, including Gold and Silver awards from the American Advertising Federation and an AICP nomination for Best New Director.
"Benjamin has that special something that sets him apart - he’s able to unearth the beauty and complexity that lies within his subjects,” observes Josie Juneau, managing director of Eleanor UK. “From the moment I watched his reel, I knew I wanted to shine a light on his ideas."
Whether casting actors or everyday people in a project, Benjamin encourages his actors to pull from their own experiences as much as possible, infusing fiction with reality. “It always struck me that even when you’re watching an actor perform, on some level it’s real - they’re still feeling something,” shares Benjamin. “That authenticity in performance really excites me.” His call for emotional truth in performance has resulted in a body of work that any viewer can recognise themselves in.
Benjamin says "In talking with Josie and the team at Eleanor, I got a sincere sense of their desire to push great storytelling and grow an artist-driven company,” says Benjamin. “I wanted to find a place willing to move mountains and take risks creatively, and I feel like I've found a place for that at Eleanor.