Lifestyle

The Entertainment Entrepreneur: Ben Stranahan

Published

4 years ago

September 2, 2020

The word entrepreneur means “the one who bears the risk.” It’s en vogue these days to be an entrepreneur, or at least to call yourself one. But very few are willing to put in the time, energy, and sacrifice required to live the entrepreneurial lifestyle and to make their dreams come to life.

Becoming an entrepreneur in the entertainment industry is especially difficult. Not only do you have to have a desire to create something that people want, namely, your ability to perform and produce great art, but you will often have to master a complicated maze of networks, bureaucracy, politics, and unspoken rules as well. It can be nightmarish, exhausting, and simply soul crushing. And for most who try, it is.

Ben Stranahan is an artist of the highest order. He’s carefully crafted a brand as a performer, actor, musician, producer, fitness enthusiast and so much more, consistently creating quality work year in and year out and landing production and acting roles at the highest level. He’s a regular feature for festival rollouts, and is no stranger to the Thespian world as well.

Ben explains, “We can and must change the world for the better and teach people through the arts and the many facets of storytelling.”

Ben has produced for and worked with actors such as Neve Campbell, Bill Paxton, Imogen Poots, Jack Lowden, Alex Wolff, Keir Gilchrist and many more.

As his website and IMDB describes, “He has an electric energy that is injected into every role and is known to be a Director’s actor, working with the people around him to bring out the most compelling and dynamic characters. Ben belongs on the stage and in front of the camera, feeling at home with other artists and performers.”

In the TV landscape, Ben has produced the smart anthology series The Midnight Anthology starring Clancy Brown. The pilot premiered at the New York Television Festival in 2015 and won both the Artistic Achievement and Best Director awards at the festival. Ben and the The Midnight Anthology team are in development on the remaining episodes of the series.

Ben’s biography further explains, “Ben, an Aspen, Colorado native who was raised by inspiring and creative parents, found himself at a young age gripped by a lifelong passion for the arts. Ben quotes something Richard Linklater say in an interview that has stuck with him: “People who ask me why I make films don’t understand that it’s not a choice. Painters paint, filmmakers make films.”

Being a filmmaker is part of who Ben is as much as anything else. He’s equally skilled on both sides of the camera, with lead roles in such films as Adam Levins Population Zero and Andrew Chan’s award winning anthology series, The Midnight Anthology, starring Clancy Brown . As a seasoned producer, Ben has produced many feature films including Mean Dreams starring Bill Paxton, Sophie Nélisse, Josh Wiggins and Colm Feore, which premiered in 2016 in the Directors Fortnight at Cannes and as a Special Presentation at TIFF. Mean Dreams went on to be sold into over 50 countries and have theatrical releases in over 10 territories. He’s also produced the genre-bending psychological thriller Population Zero that’s been critically lauded around the world and produced the thriller Calibre, which was released on Netflix in 2018 and was nominated for 4 BAFTA awards, winning one for Best Actor – Jack Lowden. (www.benstranahan.com)

His most recent production work was Castle in the Ground, starring Imogen Potts, Neve Campbell and Alex Wolff, Which premiered at TIFF and SXSW. (BenStranahan.com)

Learn more about Ben’s incredible career and work at www.benstranahan.com

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.