Ben Mesker (Class of '89)
Director of Photography
Image Garden Inc
Orlando, FL

     For me, John Gunder’s class meant that I was allowed to be the person I was on the inside. When I first sat in his class, I was an awkward, and misplaced teenager. I loved art and being creative, and even had some formal training in oil painting.  As you might imagine, these were not skills that added to my social status among 16 year olds in Delphos Ohio. But in Mr. Gunder’s class, I could shine. And be who I wanted to be. I knew almost immediately that video production would be my career. I remember John talking about all the different places you could take a career like this. And I began to dream of all the experiences and places that I might see in my lifetime.  John Gunder opened up the world to me that I now live in. And the best part is that it’s even better than I had dreamed.

     Today I co-own a successful production company with my wife, Donna. The company is called Image Garden Inc. and we are located in Orlando Florida.  My life is wildly diverse and filled with things and people I love. I get to work every day with wonderful people. They are so creative they are positively bizarre. I love their minds and working with them is filled with intriguing ideas and laughter. Today I’m on my way to shoot an infomercial in Los Angeles, yesterday I was shooting babies being born for Discovery Health, and last week I was shooting a documentary about the latest mission to Mars. My position as a DP/cameraman means that I am allowed to get closer than anyone else to whatever is going on.  I get to experience the world in a very special way.  I get to use my heart and emotions to tell a story for millions of people so they can enjoy something interesting, emotional, or beautiful. I love my world, and I feel I belong here.

     My journey from there to here started with being accepted into the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. (With my poor grades they were the only college that would accept me.) Being in the big city was a little scary at first, but soon became very freeing. I started my career as an intern working for free, at Production Masters Inc. and then moved up to a production assistant and later a grip. I spent a little time as an editor, and then I got the opportunity of a lifetime and began working closely under three very talented and experienced directors of photography (DPs). Once I learned all I could in Pittsburgh, I said goodbye and moved to Cincinnati Ohio where I immediately told everyone I met I was a DP.  Someone actually believed me and I got my first job as a full time shooter for On Location Video Productions. I screwed up a lot of stuff, but I never made the same mistake twice and managed to keep my job until I was a good, experienced DP. Two years later, I moved up to a better production house called Video Features Inc. There, I learned and sharpened my skills. In 1997, I met and married my wife Donna and we moved south to get a fresh start. I got lucky and landed a job at one of the best production companies in the southeast called Adrenaline Films. I worked there for eight and a half years. Then, on January 1^st, 2007 I opened my own production company. And so far the phone has not stopped ringing.

     If you are sitting in Mr. Gunder’s class, be glad.  You are in a place that is safe to dream. Many people’s career paths and lifestyles have been launched from those same seats. It’s not that far from here to there and it will happen faster than you think.  If I can be of any assistance on your journey, just call or e-mail me.

     Ben Mesker
     (407) 924-8480

     Ben's contact email is:

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