Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Mighty Oak’s Ben Milliken

Before Ben Milliken got his start in the industry, he spent a decade in the ring as an amateur boxer. But the multifaceted artist has traded his gloves for scripts and is throwing knockout punches on the screen. Best known for his dramatic roles in projects like Bosch and Blue Crush 2, Ben is showing off another side to his craft with his latest film, Mighty Oak.

Mighty Oak follows the story of a vocalist who loses her brother in a tragic car crash. Years later, she believes she’s reunited with him after he’s reincarnated as a young guitar prodigy. Ben plays Darby, the comedic relief who’s able to lighten any situation.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Ben to learn more about his career, Mighty Oak, and what it was like stretching his comedy chops.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Ben: I grew up in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, which is a small beach community. I grew up surfing and all of that. Movies were always a huge part of my life. They were always there. I could get lost in a film. For two hours, I could be transported to somewhere completely different. It mesmerized me. I was amazed by the fact that you could go on this journey with these characters. It really showed me that anything is possible.

I didn’t actually realize that this could be a career for me until I was around twenty. After I finished high school, I ended up backpacking around Europe for a couple of months. I realized how much bigger of a world there was. I got hungry and I was like, “You know what? I’m going to go and try that.” I found an acting class, jumped right in, and the rest is history.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Ben: Wow. There are so many people. One of my biggest influences has been my manager, Richard Koenigsberg. He’s one of those people that has always been there for me. From the moment I arrived here in the States, I’ve known him. I’ve been with him for that long. He’s like family to me. He’s always been there. He’s always been honest. He’s had my back one hundred percent of the time.

Also my acting coach, Tom Draper. It’s the same thing. I’ve known him for eleven years. I go to him with every piece of material. We work on everything together. He’s really helped nurture my creative side and bring it to the forefront of everything that I do.

Then also my wife. She challenges me every single day to be better, to expand, and to grow. I’m eternally grateful for all of them.

PC: In addition to acting, you’re also a director, producer, and writer. How has your work behind the scenes made you a stronger actor and vice versa?
Ben: The work behind the scenes has helped me get a better understanding of the entire process. It’s also helped me in my life as well. I get onto a set and I realize the bigger picture.

It’s not about me. It’s about the story. My job as an actor is to be of service to the story and the bigger picture. It’s not about how I can be interesting in this scene. It’s how can I help tell this story?

Mighty Oak

PC: Tell us about Mighty Oak, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Ben: Mighty Oak is a super-fun movie. It’s a fun family film with a lot of heart. Recently I’ve been wanting to play a comedic, fun character. Usually, I’m more drawn towards the drama roles and stuff like that, but this guy was super fun. He’s the comic relief in the film. While there are heavy things happening, he’s the guy that makes the audience laugh and lightens the mood a little bit. I’ve been wanting to do something to really stretch my comedy chops. That was one of the biggest things that attracted me to this part.

PC: Like you just said, you’re known for your dramatic roles. But this is a very different character. What did you learn about yourself during this project?
Ben: You always learn something about yourself with every project. I learned a lot about how to look at situations and find the comedy in everything. Obviously, there are some situations where there isn’t comedy, but you need to look for the bright side.

PC: You’re also an executive producer on this film. How did that come to fruition?
Ben: It’s interesting. I came onto this project as an actor. I went through the traditional process. I auditioned for the role. I came on the set as an actor, and it wasn’t until after the film was done that I came on board as an executive producer.

I became quite close with the producers, the director, and the executive producers. We were talking afterwards and it was time to secure distribution and all that stuff. I said, “I could maybe help there.” I was able to, and then I was brought on board as an executive producer in the postproduction stage.

PC: With the film out now, what do you hope that audiences take away?
Ben: I hope that they take a little bit of hope. In times like we’re living in now, I hope it can put some smiles on people’s faces. I’m not going to pretend that it’s going to go out there and solve the world’s problems, but maybe it will help us smile while we’re all, collectively, trying to solve the world’s problems.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Ben: Notting Hill

PC: Favorite book?
Ben: Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Ben: Singin’ in the Rain

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Ben: Lady Gaga

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Ben: Wow. I’ve never been asked that before. I couldn’t tell you yet. I still have a lot that I want to do.

To keep up with Ben, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Paramount