Talking With Briana Bender about ‘The Voice Behind the Story’

In this edition of Talking With focuses on Briana Bender, who stars in and produced the victim to crusader dramatic short ‘The Voice Behind the Story,’ now streaming on Vimeo.

Carrie (Bender) is a young journalist forced to confront domestic and sexual violence from a past abusive relationship. She learns the power of sharing her personal story, finding her voice as a writer, and seeking justice.

The film successfully premiered on the festival circuit, garnering Briana two Best Actress awards for her performance.

Briana hails from upstate New York and graduated from Ithaca College with a double major in French and Environmental Studies. She trained with the Actors Workshop Ithaca and got an MA in French Translation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

To learn more, we are Talking With Briana Bender:

Why did you want to help tell this story?

Briana Bender: As a woman, this story about intimate partner abuse is close to my heart. A timely issue that has been highlighted in recent years, all women experience some form of objectification. Also, if you are a man who has experienced abuse, I can imagine that would be even more isolating. I wanted to help bring people together, start a conversation, and create an opportunity for healing; because, like Carrie, we cannot heal what we will not face.

As an actor, what helped you the most in bringing this character to life?

Briana Bender: I culminated years of honing my craft, self-mastery, research, and imagination to create this character. It was not one technique or trick. I brought everything I have to the moment and surrendered to the character. That is the magic.

Do you have a favorite moment from the finished film? And was it also your favorite to shoot?

Briana Bender: In the final scene Carrie is asked why she had not spoken up before, and she replies, “Because I was Carrie, the neighborhood girl, Fulbright scholar with the big dreams, being slapped around and raped by my boyfriend wasn’t something I could just share with the world.” I discovered raw emotional truth throughout the whole production that exploded in this moment. It took everyone’s hard work to make that magic happen, and it also could not have been planned.

Was it tough wearing multiple hats as both a producer and lead actress on the project?

Briana Bender: It is an art in compartmentalization. As the producer, you are always thinking about the big picture and strategizing the business side of things. As the actor, you need to let everything go and surrender to the character in the moment. I am equally business and artistically oriented, so I am tasked with letting it all go when the time comes to perform on set. It is an invigorating challenge, and not an easy feat, which is why I am grateful to have partnered with Krater Studios to assist with the production, leaning on their expertise in writing, directing, cinematography, and editing.

Why do you think its resonating with audiences so much?

Briana Bender: The film and the characters are layered, creating a relatable experience for many. Carrie, Jon, and Nikki are all trapped in their own pain, and they each deal with it differently, while Meredith’s power serves to contrast. A film is like a crystal, with many sides, colors, and refractions, opportunities to see your reflection from many angels.

What inspires you the most creatively?

Briana Bender: I have a lust for life, I live it to the fullest, and express it in my storytelling. With a near-native fluency in French and an advanced level of Spanish, I love to travel and connect with people. I am passionate about social issues, with an academic background in French and Environmental Studies as well as years of volunteer experience with Community Coalition South LA (CoCo South LA) and Creative Visions Foundation. I also love to go to museums, spend time in nature, sing, dance, and dream, dream big.

Finally, is there anything else you’re working on that we can watch for?

Briana Bender: I am in the early drafting stages of a comedic short as well as a full-length feature. I have also launched a support / networking group for actors, writers, and filmmakers called Conscious Storytelling (@conscious_storytellling), fostering storytelling for personal growth, creative flow, serving a higher order, and moving the needle in our careers. You can follow us on Instagram for updates on our events, opportunities, as well as upcoming productions.

Keep up with Briana Bender at brianabenderinc.com or on IG: @brianabenderofficial

Watch or get further info about ‘The Voice Behind the Story’ at thevoicebehindthestoryfilm.com