Alexander Benanti - Portfolio 

Knot 

A radical film, by Lindsey Hecker, that deals with the themes of about love, relationships, and the journey one takes in finding out if true pure love exists. This film was had a very unique style and filming process as most of this film was done with the use of an LED wall to really bring the backgrounds to life. 

My Contribution: 

First Assistant Camera: Alexander Benanti  

LAPDOG

A short drama/action film about two super powered assassins forced to duel each other to the death. While there are attempts to resolve the matter in a civilized way the negotiations faulter and blood must be spilled. This film was my first opportunity to understand the complexities of what goes on behind cultivating a set of props and other decorative pieces to bring the space to life for these characters. 

My Contribution: 

Art Director: Alexander Benanti 

A Night of Mourning 

A short drama about a recently widowed husband (Mike) drinking away his feelings at a bar.  The film deals with themes of loss and the struggle between the beliefs in one's religion withstanding the cruelties of the world. For this film, I had to shoot the entire scene within six hours. That was definitely a challenge however I believe that film turned out great!  

My Contribution:

Director of Photography: Alexander Benanti       

The Empress 

A full-length fiction film about a stripper assassin that kills her targets in the back of strip club. The film has yet to be released, but I would still like to showcase some still images of some of the lighting that went on. This project had provided me the opportunity to really experiment creatively with lighting.

My Contribution: 

Gaffer: Alexander Benanti  

Oh Carol 

A short comedic film about a recently divorced women living in delusion being visited by her two friends. Her friends believe that this will be a normal visit but come to find an unexpected surprise. This project was very fun to pre-produce and film since it was my first dialogue driven comedy. 

My Contribution: 

Director of Photography: Alexander Benanti 

MIME 

A radical film that deals with historical figure Marcel Marceau and his journey that involved rescuing Jewish children from Germany and taking them to France/Germany border by train during WWII. This film was my first film as a director of photography and really sparked my love to camera work and lighting.  

My Contribution: 

Director of Photography: Alexander Benanti 

Ouroboros 

A short fiction scene about a genius professor who has discovered the science of time-traveling. While initially excited the professor realizes that he does not know everything about doing it safely so he must enlist the help of a trusted colleague. 

My Contribution: 

Boom Op: Alexander Benanti 

Grip: Alexander Benanti  

Unsung Hero 

A shorter version of still developing full length documentary that deals with an individual's struggle to find meaning how the world can see a person as a hero but in reality, they are far from that title. Exploring the true nature of fatherhood, this is a story that has become far too common when the wrong people becoming famous leaving other people to endure the chaos.  

My Contribution: 

Sound Mixer: Alexander Benanti 

Grip: Alexander Benanti 

 

Spin the Wheel 

A short documentary recording an event that happened on campus. I organized a short carnival-like event that provided current students with the opportunity to compete in challenges to win prizes. 

My Contribution: 

Directed by: Alexander Benanti 

Produced by: Alexander Benanti 

MIME-OFF 

The first film that I made during my time at RIT's School of Film and Animation. Freshmen were given the tasks to make a film that had a duration of less than five minutes. The genre could be whatever the creatives decided but there should be no on-screen dialogue. I wrote and directed a story about two Mimes fighting for the attention of a crowd with the conflict culminating in a battle with invisible weapons. 

My Contribution: 

Directed by: Alexander Benanti