Introduce Yourself : Hello. Welcome a nice weekend by Ben Trebilcook

Hi 32-ers.

Ben Trebilcook here. Writer, producer from London... now living slightly outside in Southend, Essex. I'm an ex-teacher. I've a bunch of feature scripts and shorts I am pushing, producing, completing, reworking. Be it martial arts fight scripts, Westerns, TV pilots or action. I'm also a judge for the Rob Knox Film Festival, in South East London and have been from the start, ten years ago. (Rob was an actor in one of the Potter movies and was tragically killed on his 18th birthday, in 2008. I know his family well and we encourage new filmmakers and make people more aware of knife crime).

Me... In simplest terms, it's been the worst year of my life, both professionally and personally. We all go through 'stuff' and life certainly throws us a curve ball when you least expect it, but if you did expect it, then would you be that little bit more prepared, mentally? I've gained a real mental toughness the past eighteen months. When the 'bad' happens, you either sit down and mope or you dust yourself off and think 'right, what do I want?'

Last month I met up with old friends. Inspiring friends, Richard "RB" Botto, Amanda and CJ Walley. All of us had gone through some harsh times in our lives and meeting them was the mental kick of reassurance I needed (and physically got, thanks to Amanda).

Told to use the site more often and make use of the contacts I have and should be connecting with. Using the webinars and resources available and sharing experiences, as well as my own and my goodness, I have some.

I was here on Stage 32 at the start. Following friends and heroes, Rex Picket and Doug Richardson years ago, I, too, was fortunate to write a blog for the site. I worked tirelessly in a supermarket and going to film festivals, Raindance and Cannes, for years, learning hands-on.. faxing, Fed-Ex-ing, spending, reading hard copies of screenplays... there was no internet... No Stage 32!

Yes, it's great to meet people, but if you can't get out. If you don't have the money or means, then everything you need is here and if you can't find it... ask. Make those connections.. there's more likely a filmmaking talent like you just around the corner. Go find them!

Everyone has a different life. I'm a single dad, now unemployed from my teaching job. I've been fortunate over the years to have acquired some amazing contacts and they came to me in my darkest hour of need. In between spinning plates and juggling life...

I'm dusting myself off and believing.. - Have a great weekend and success with your goals.

*A few thank yous: RB, CJ, Amanda, Doug Richardson, Mario Kassar, Jason Flemyng, Joe Carnahan, Jonathan Sothcott, Mira Sorvino, Daniel Keeble, Rod Smith, Julie Estelle, Harry Knowles, Clint Morris and Morgan Creek. There are more.