Benjamin Meade's life began in the vibrant city of Kansas City, Missouri, where he was raised by his father, a devoted Baptist inner city minister, and his mother, a talented music teacher. This unique blend of influences had a profound impact on Meade's early life, immersing him in a rich cultural tapestry that would shape his artistic inclinations and philosophical perspectives.
As a young individual, Meade was surrounded by the melodic sounds of music, the moving images of cinema, and the thought-provoking concepts of contemporary philosophy. This eclectic mix of interests and exposures sparked a curiosity in Meade that would drive him to explore and develop his creative potential.
Meade's formal education took place at the prestigious Music Conservatory in Kansas City, where he devoted six years to mastering a range of musical instruments. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, Meade honed his skills on the piano, guitar, and several woodwind instruments, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for music.
At the tender age of 15, Meade embarked upon a creative venture, co-founding the musical ensemble "Tuck Point" alongside his two brothers, thus initiating a lifelong passion for music. Concurrently, he achieved the esteemed distinction of becoming an Eagle Scout, a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and leadership skills.
As he entered his late teenage years, Meade's entrepreneurial spirit and determination propelled him to take on multiple responsibilities. At the age of 17, he assumed the role of a self-made scholar, funding his higher education by simultaneously performing in various rock bands and working at an auto repair shop. This remarkable feat showcased his remarkable adaptability, resourcefulness, and commitment to his academic pursuits.
Throughout his collegiate journey at Central Missouri State University, Meade pursued a degree in filmmaking, honing his skills in the art of storytelling and visual narrative. This multifaceted approach to his education allowed him to cultivate a unique blend of artistic expression, technical expertise, and creative vision.
Following the completion of his academic pursuits in 1977, Meade had the esteemed opportunity to collaborate with the renowned filmmaker Stan Brakhage in Boulder, Colorado, where he immersed himself in the art of experimental film, absorbing and refining his skills in the realm of cinematography and aesthetics.
As Meade navigated the landscape of the film industry, he was met with a profound sense of disillusionment due to the scarcity of employment opportunities, prompting him to pivot and explore alternative career paths.
Meade's professional journey next led him to New England Financial, where he secured a position as a financial services consultant and remained with the organization for nearly three decades, accumulating valuable experience and expertise.
During his tenure at New England Financial, Meade's exceptional performance and dedication earned him the distinction of becoming a partner at the firm, a testament to his remarkable skills and abilities.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Meade's insatiable curiosity and passion for learning led him to explore various intellectual interests, including chiropractic and law.
Meade's academic pursuits ultimately culminated in the attainment of a master's degree in American History from the University of Kansas, a significant milestone in his educational journey.
Furthermore, Meade's academic endeavors continued to flourish, as he went on to earn a Ph.D. in Film and Theatre from the University of Kansas in the year 1999, a remarkable achievement that underscores his unwavering commitment to knowledge and personal growth.
Throughout his remarkable journey, Meade's diverse range of experiences, academic accomplishments, and professional achievements have served as a testament to his remarkable adaptability, resilience, and unwavering dedication to pursuing his passions.
During his time at Kansas, Meade had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned experimental filmmaker Stan Brakhage on numerous short films, further solidifying his expertise in the realm of avant-garde cinema.
In 1999, Meade made a significant presentation in Denmark, which ultimately led to a chance encounter with Laszlo Tarnay, a Hungarian filmmaker from Pecs, Hungary. This serendipitous meeting sparked an invitation for Meade to travel to Hungary and take on a teaching role the following year, marking a pivotal moment in his professional journey.
As Meade continued his teaching tenure in Hungary, he had the opportunity to cross paths with Andras Suranyi, a renowned Hungarian filmmaker, who would later collaborate with him on a project that would garner significant attention.
In the year 2001, Meade brought his creative vision to life by directing the thought-provoking and emotionally charged film "Vakvagany", a production that was met with both controversy and praise.
Following the release of "Vakvagany", Meade went on to complete his next feature film, "Das Bus", in the year 2003.
Additionally, Meade co-produced the critically acclaimed "Confederate States of America" in 2004, a project that premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival and was subsequently released by IFC Films, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and innovative filmmaker.
Noted filmmaker Meade, in a creative endeavour, partnered with renowned crime novelist James Ellroy to co-create the thought-provoking film "Bazaar Bizarre" in the year 2005. This cinematic endeavour focused on the dark and intriguing subject of serial killer Bob Berdella.
Notable among Meade's extensive filmography are a handful of projects that have garnered significant attention and acclaim. One such example is the 2008 rock and roll music epic, "The Elders: Alive and Live in Ireland", a cinematic masterpiece that showcases the raw energy and passion of the genre. Another notable venture is the 2009 documentary, "Lifelong Roadtrip", which delves into the fascinating world of the Nace Brothers Band, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the band's creative process and the challenges they faced along the way. Additionally, Meade's impressive production skills were on full display in 2011 with the release of "The Kansas City Murder Factory-Act 1", a gritty and intense thriller that he brought to life in collaboration with director Mike B. Rollen.
Benjamin Meade, a visionary filmmaker, unleashed a profound compilation of his short films in the year 2012, showcasing his collaborative endeavors with the esteemed Stan Brakhage and other creative minds. This remarkable collection also features insightful interviews with a diverse array of Meade's cinematic icons, including the legendary Ray Harryhausen, the master of macabre Tom Savini, the avant-garde pioneer Stan Brakhage, the literary genius William S. Burroughs, and the acclaimed director Lars Von Trier.
Meade's literary endeavors culminated in the publication of his book "Experimental Film: The Missing Frames" in the year 2012, marking a significant milestone in his artistic journey.
In the same year, Meade embarked on a creative adventure, capturing the essence of his travels in Haiti on film. His cinematic masterpiece, "Optimistic Chaos", was released in 2013, offering a poignant portrayal of his experiences in the Northwest region of the island.
In the year 2015, Meade unveiled a cinematic masterpiece, "Woke Up This Mornin' in the Arkansas Delta", a groundbreaking, gonzo-style film that meticulously chronicles his extraordinary journey through the Arkansas Delta region from 2009 to 2014.
This pioneering work, often described by esteemed critics as "experimental documentary", showcases Meade's unorthodox approach to storytelling, as he delves deep into the heart of the Arkansas Delta, capturing the essence of the region and its people in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
Person Biography:
Meade's passion for storytelling and filmmaking has led him to create a body of work that is both unique and innovative. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the human experience, Meade's films are not only visually stunning but also emotionally resonant.
Throughout his career, Meade has been driven by a desire to push the boundaries of traditional documentary filmmaking, incorporating elements of fiction, poetry, and music to create a distinctive style that is both personal and universal.
Meade's work has been met with widespread critical acclaim, with many praising his ability to capture the complexity and beauty of the human experience on film. His films are a testament to his skill as a storyteller and his dedication to his craft.
In the year 2014, Meade embarked on a creative venture that diverged from his primary profession, opting instead to explore the realm of music recording. This endeavour involved collaborating with esteemed members of the renowned Alloy Orchestra, a group distinguished for their exceptional talent and contributions to the world of music. The group comprised Roger C. Miller, Ken Winokur, and Terry Donahue, each a skilled musician in their own right. Together, they formed the musical entity known as "Town Topics", and released a set of four instrumental tracks on the Cosmic Cowboy Music label.
In the year 2015, Meade had the distinguished honor of producing a singular and unique solo concert, marking a significant milestone in the career of Roye Albrighton, the iconic and esteemed front man for the illustrious and renowned rock band "Nektar". This extraordinary musical event was subsequently released on Meade's own C C S label, a testament to his dedication to preserving and sharing the talents of his contemporaries.
