Carmel Valley Student Shows Promising Future as Film Maker

Santiago Benito was born in 1998 in San Diego, California and has had a great life so far growing up in Carmel Valley. Ever since a young age he has showed great interest in the world of visual art, for example, he and his best friend Tyler Chase used to put on skits and make stop motion videos. He now works very closely with Tyler on freelance video projects and also on projects for The Carmel Valley life.  He started working for the online publication with off and on gigs for about a year before being offered a formal internship as junior creative director. After attending middle school at Carmel Valley Middle School he decided to go with the artistic path Canyon Crest Academy has to offer. He was drawn to the great focus on visual and performing arts they have, especially the Envision program. The Envision Conservatory program is a great after school intensive program in a certain field of art be it visual or digital.  The Cinema Conservatory is the main reason Santiago decided to attend Canyon Crest Academy (CCA). He has experience making short films and shorts for school side projects, and was even nominated for an IVIE award in 8^th grade.

“ Through The Carmel Valley Life I have made such great connections and met so many quality people, it has been one of the best learning experiences I’ve had, I cannot re-pay David for this great opportunity.”

Santiago shoots with a SONY a77 and loves it. Most of his videos on the site are shot on that camera. “ The best way to learn about the world of cinema is to try it out, there’s nothing to be afraid of, and no one expects your first film to be a hit blockbuster. Just try, you cant fail when it comes to art.”

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Name: Tyler Chase

School: Torrey Pines High School

Bio: Tyler was born and raised in Carmel Valley and loves making short films and skateboard videos on his free time. Tyler has been making all types of films since his parents got him his first camera when he was 5. Not only does he have a strong passion for filming and editing, he also loves to write. His dream has always been to one day be a film maker in Hollywood directing and producing movies.