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Ben On Ben: The Interview
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A scene from Chosen
y friends Ben Ketai and Ryan
Lewis created Chosen — a six-
part series for Crackle, Sony's
online platform — that you can
(and should) watch online now. I
interviewed Ben about his latest
cinematic venture.
they were influenced by Chaim Po-
tok, I can only assume it was heav-
ily, as most of them are, Jewish.
Ben: Let's conduct this interview
via email. Like those people who
send chess moves through the
mail, just less postal. First question
— do you feel like a big
Hollywood hotshot who's
better than us and how
does that make you feel?
Ben: A box shows up outside the
house. Inside is a gun and a photo
of a man you have not met. On the
photo is a date and time by which
you have to kill him. Just
as this all sinks in, some-
one hiding in the bushes
begins shooting at you.
Go.
M
Ben: I wouldn't say"bet-
ter." But definitely way
cooler and more impor-
tant. Is this thing on?
Ben: Your computer?
Presumably. So, what
inspired you to make a
Web series based on the
Chaim Potok novel of the
same name?
Ben: The series was actually
hatched over late-night doughnuts,
a weekly occurrence for Ryan and
me. Ryan pitched me the opening
minutes, which I loved, and then
in a violent storm of crullers and
apple fritters, we spit-balled until
we had the bones of what was
to become the series. The name
"Chosen"actually didn't come until
much later. It was coined by
Crackle's marketing team. And
though I'm not sure how much
Ben: In that case, please describe
the premise of the series. Without
using the letter R.
Ben: That was decidedly
R-Iess. I was half hoping
Chosen had a pirate so it
would have been more
of a challenge. Also, I
think pirates are too often
typecast. Through Crackle,
you can watch Chosen in
so many ways — different
devices, consecutive episodes, etc.
What are the best and worst ways
to experience Chosen?
Ben: Sadly, the pirate scene ended
up on the cutting room floor. May-
be in Season 2. As far as viewing
experience, what I really dig about
Crackle's service is that you can
indeed choose your mode of view-
ing. Whether it's through the TV,
computer or phone, you have the
ability to reach people everywhere
Ben on Ben on page 32
The necklace is designed
and handcrafted by Michele
Saulson and locally made.
The chain is Sterling Silver,
the pendant portion is
comprised of an Oxidized
Sterling Silver freeform ring
and hammered Brass rings
that are made in Israel. The
retail value is $125. It is a
beautiful, original piece.
michelesaulsondesigns.com
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