Introduction: In a world where obstacles can often feel insurmountable, the story of Ben Kjar shines as a beacon of hope and resilience. Born with a rare condition that could have easily defined him, Ben chose instead to rise above his challenges and become a world champion wrestler. In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating journey of how this powerful story came to life, as discussed in a recent podcast featuring filmmaker Tanner Christensen.
Section 1: The Spark of Inspiration
The idea for the documentary "Stand Out" was ignited nearly 30 years ago during a simple basketball game. Tanner Christensen recalls, "I was at a rec basketball game with my dad, T.C. Christensen, when I first saw Ben Kjar. He stood out for a couple of reasons—his unique appearance and his magnetic personality. Everyone seemed to gravitate towards him." This initial encounter laid the groundwork for what would become a groundbreaking film.
Section 2: The Long Road to Development
Fast forward to four years ago, Tanner and his team stumbled upon an old note that mentioned Ben's potential as a movie subject. "We came across that piece of paper and thought, this is the best idea we have. We need to tell Ben's story," Tanner shared. After reaching out to Ben, who had been approached by other filmmakers in the past but never felt it was the right fit, they began to collaborate on bringing his life story to the screen.
Section 3: Choosing the Right Format
One of the pivotal decisions in the filmmaking process was opting for a documentary format rather than a traditional narrative film. Tanner explained, "The Kjar family had an incredible amount of archival material documenting Ben's life. It was so well-preserved that it added authenticity to the story. Seeing the real Ben going through these experiences made it powerful." This choice allowed audiences to connect with Ben's journey on a deeper level.
Section 4: Acquiring Rights and Building the Team
Securing rights to Ben's story was the first step in the development process. Tanner stated, "Ben's community is incredibly supportive. Once he decided to tell his story, everyone rallied around him." Alongside Tanner was a talented production team, including his father, T.C. Christensen, whose extensive experience in filmmaking proved invaluable. Tanner shared, "TC has been in the industry for nearly 50 years, and his ability to stretch a budget while maintaining quality is unparalleled."
Section 5: Collaboration with Industry Legends
The team also included Jared Hess, a well-known filmmaker. Tanner and Jared had a long-standing friendship, and when Tanner sought feedback on an early cut of the film, Jared's positive response led to his involvement in the project. "I had no idea he would want to be part of it. His praise for the early cut was encouraging, and we decided to bring him on board to help navigate the industry aspects of the film," Tanner recounted.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
The journey of creating "Stand Out" is a testament to the power of storytelling and community support. Ben Kjar's life is a reminder that with determination and the right support, one can overcome even the toughest challenges. This inspiring documentary not only showcases Ben's wrestling achievements but also highlights the importance of collaboration and authenticity in filmmaking.
Tags: Inspirational Stories, Documentary Filmmaking, Overcoming Challenges, Ben Care, Wrestling, Community Support, Film Production, Authentic Storytelling.