By Ricky Mehrle
While deciding the direction to pursue in his future, STLCC student Benjamin Bujnak takes on many opportunities and challenges in order to find his soul passion. In the past few months, Bujnak was recommended to a casting website by a close friend who was in the movie “Soul on Fire” and soon got an offer to be an extra in upcoming documentary “The Streak” based on the Caltech Beavers Men’s basketball team, being filmed at St. Louis University.
Growing up as someone who wanted to act, this was a chance to get his name out there and possibly build up to something bigger.
“I think this is a really good start. It was so epic meeting lots of new people who had experience with this kind of thing and making friends. I hope something does come out of this, but at the moment, I’m just so happy to have done it and feel more confident in doing it again,” Bujnak said.
His love for acting and music pushed him into accepting the offer. Once it was set in stone, he was given the role of one of the background players, and he began prepping in advance before filming even began.
“Everyday leading up to filming, I was going to the gym, shooting hoops and working on my dribbling, eating healthy and taking care of my mental and physical health in general. I was even watching the movie ‘17 Again’ with Zac Efron the night before to get myself hyped,” Bujnak said.
Filming was a good experience for Bujnak, as he was able to get the feel of acting life, constantly practicing and ensuring his full potential during filming.
Although not being a main character, Bujnak said he hopes to see some scenes of himself in the final release.
“I’ve dreamed my whole life of seeing a real movie set, but it’s not like they film much in St. Louis, so I was a million percent blown away when I got to see the set with cameras on tracks, clapboards and lights. Also, I love sports, and even though I’m more of a soccer guy, I’ll take basketball any day,” Bujnak said.
Although filming ended, Bujnak continues to follow in the acting path, hoping to strike a role in a future film.
“If it’s something that you dreamed of doing your whole life, then don’t let anyone stop you,” Bujnak said.
