Bennie R. Mitchell, III, a visionary filmmaker and sound designer, has carved a unique path in the film and music industries. Born in Savannah, GA, as the youngest of three children to Rev. Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr., Bennie grew up on a historically Black boarding school campus in Mississippi. From an early age, he was told he would live in his father’s shadow, a notion that initially weighed heavily on him. Determined to create his own identity, Bennie developed his talents, focusing on both visual storytelling and music.
After graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2001 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Video, Film, and Sound Design, Bennie moved to New York City, aiming to work in post-sound production. Although the early months in New York were challenging, compounded by the 9/11 tragedy, Bennie’s musical background led him to a pivotal opportunity at Character Music Studio. There, he collaborated with R&B and hip-hop producers and artists, working across the city’s diverse studio scene.
In addition to music production, Bennie worked on television shows such as Showtime at the Apollo and The Chappelle Show, building an impressive network in the industry. After three years, he returned to Georgia to contribute to his hometown, founding BRIM Audio, offering audio workshops, and producing multimedia installations, including one at the historic West Broad Street YMCA.
In 2007, Bennie embarked on his first film, It Is Well, a personal documentary that featured archival footage of his father, some shot by Bennie at just 12 years old. Today, Bennie resides in Los Angeles, where he continues to excel in post-production as the West Coast Manager for Sling Shot Intergalactic. His diverse body of work continues to inspire and elevate his legacy as a creative force in film and music.