On New Year’s Day 2015, I went on Facebook and said, “Hey y’all, you can hire me to make videos now!” Nearly 5 years later, my fun little side-gig has blossomed into a full-time career, and my business calls upon some of Atlanta’s most creative individuals to help serve a national clientele.
This slightly (Read: VERY) unexpected journey has been full of ups and downs, twists and turns, feasts and famines...but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m blessed beyond belief, and I’m incredibly thankful to my family, friends, and community for supporting my evolving vision.
I’m excited to write this blog post and announce my latest plan for personal, professional, and creative growth.
Bentley Media’s Big Move
In May of this year, I graduated from UNG with a B.S. in Film and Digital Media. It was a day full of energy, excitement, and anticipation for what’s next. I distinctly remember that us “film kids” were some of the most energetic on stage. We were cheering each other on, high-fiving, hugging, and some of us were shedding tears.
We had accomplished something tremendous, and it was a pivotal moment for me. After growing up and spending 25 years in the suburbs, I decided that I was ready for something new. Something different. An exciting change of pace. An interesting change of scenery. I was ready to move to the city.
From the moment I stepped into Ponce City Market, I knew it was going to be my new home. The energy was captivating, the aesthetics were riveting, and the sense of community could be felt from blocks away. I toured a few other properties, but the vibes simply weren’t there. Someone had told me that you don’t pick the home...rather, the home picks you. That sounds cliche as all hell, but I’ve learned firsthand that it’s the truth.
I’m absolutely thrilled to be moving there in a few weeks and bringing Bentley Media along for the adventure.
Staying True to Our Roots
From the moment I first enjoyed fried chicken and Waffle House, I’ve been proud of my southern heritage. I’m a self-described “Georgia-boy to the core” who believes that “there isn’t a glass of sweet tea that is too sweet.” These characteristics (well, food preferences…) are so fundamental to my personality that it will never, ever change no matter where my career takes me.
I was born and raised in Forsyth County, and I’m happy to say that I'm a product of our spectacular school system. Without an extraordinary community that I happily call my hometown, I would not be where I am today. These folks stood behind me, believed in me, and hired me even though I was just scratching the surface of my career, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Forsyth County has a very special place in my heart, and it’s important for me to emphasize that this isn’t a goodbye. We will happily continue serving our clients in and around Forsyth and be involved in local events, even if it means just stopping by for lunch (or maybe a midnight waffle run!).
The Next Chapter
When I told my father (an entrepreneur and a mad believer in living your dream no matter what it is) that I wanted to start a business, he simply replied, “Go for it, lizard.” I’m glad I did, and I’m equally glad to have his support on my next move, as well as on my creative endeavors well before Bentley Media was even an idea.
Atlanta has an incredible creative scene, and the prospects for film and video production have never been better. In addition, the liveliness of the city has always been something that I’ve admired from afar, and I can’t wait to be in the heart of it all.
I’m excited for the creative opportunities that arise from being in the coolest city in the southeast, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Move-In Week: Monday, September 24th, 2019
New Address: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Suite E-507, Atlanta, GA 30308
With love,
Maxwell Bentley
