Music video and film director Benny Boom set for screenwriters workshop
Respected American film and music video director Benny Boom is among several celebrities who will participate in the fourth annual Screenwriter’s Workshop series being hosted by Strike Star Entertainment over two days from September 15-16 at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.
Benny Boom will deliver a keynote address at the workshop which is designed to introduce young and aspiring professionals to the film industry.
In an interview with Observer Online, Benny Boom shared what he will bring to the screenwriters’ workshop.
“I’m bringing my experience, my perspective, and my commitment to helping writers understand how powerful their voice is. Paul Eckstein (one of the founders of the workshop) was someone I deeply respected — not just for his creativity, but for the way he championed storytellers. His belief in developing writers and expanding access is something I carry with me,” Boom said.
“So, when I step into this workshop, I’m bringing that same spirit: honesty, mentorship, and a real desire to help emerging writers elevate their craft,” the experienced director continued. “You can expect clarity and real, practical guidance. I want writers to understand how directors read scripts, how we translate words into images, and what makes a story visually compelling. I want participants to walk away with tools they can use immediately.”
This is the second year that Benny Boom will participate in the workshop.
“Coming back for a second year was an easy decision, this workshop is doing real work for Jamaican creatives, and I’m proud to support it,” he affirmed.
Benny Boom directed Sean Paul’s video for the Billboard-charting hit Like Glue.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible Jamaican artistes, and each project carries its own story and impact. What I enjoy most is capturing the essence of Jamaican culture — the movement, the attitude, the truth of it — and bringing that to the screen. Directing Sean Paul’s Like Glue is definitely one of my favourite experiences. The energy on that set was incredible — fun, fast‑moving, and creatively electric,” he said.
Asked what he enjoys most about being in Jamaica, he said “Jamaica has a rhythm that inspires you. The culture, the people, the energy, it’s all authentic. Every time I’m here, I feel connected to something real. There’s a creative pulse in Jamaica that reminds me why storytelling matters.”
Benny Boom has directed film and television shows including City on a Hill, The Equalizer, CSI: Vegas, Chicago P.D., NCIS: Los Angeles, Black Lightning and Ambitions. One of his most famous projects is All Eyez on Me, a 2017 American biographical drama film, which follows the life and death of hip-hop artiste Tupac Shakur.
Additionally, he has directed videos for 50 Cent, Akon, Nicki Minaj, Burna Boy, Busta Rhymes, Fantasia, GloRilla, Keyshia Cole, Nelly, Sean Kingston, R Kelly and Robin Thicke.
When asked to share a career highlight, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania born director said: “Longevity. Being able to evolve, stay relevant, and continue creating work that resonates. I’ve directed films, television, and music videos that shaped culture, but the real highlight is being able to pour into young creatives, moments like this workshop. Paul spent his career building bridges for storytellers, and being able to continue that kind of work is one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.”