Impactful Insights: Rae Benjamin on Founding 'In the Cut' and Co-Producing Netflix's 'The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep'
WRITER/PRODUCER/FOUNDER
Show Notes:
In this episode of the Slow Dive Podcast, host Farida Rafique engages with Rae Benjamin, a talented screenwriter and producer known for her work on Netflix’s The Witcher and her initiative, In the Cut. The conversation explores Rae's journey from a political science major to a successful storyteller, her experiences during the recent writer's strike, and her commitment to empowering BIPOC creatives in the entertainment industry.
Rae shares insights on emotional intelligence in the workplace, the importance of community, and the evolution of her career in animation and screenwriting. In this conversation, Rae Benjamin discusses the evolution and impact of her community-building efforts through In the Cut, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, consistency, and authenticity in fostering a thriving community.
She shares insights on overcoming early challenges, the significance of her writers' retreat, and her future goals for expanding educational content.
The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of storytelling in society, the role of AI in creativity, and the desire for more lighthearted comedy in entertainment.
Rae concludes with a call for empathy and understanding within creative communities.
Takeaways:
Rae finds awe in her son's growth and personality.
She transitioned from graphic design to screenwriting.
Reading 'Mindset' by Carol Dweck changed her perspective.
The writer's strike impacted job availability in the industry.
Rae’s journey includes working as a writer's assistant.
Emotional intelligence is crucial in the entertainment industry.
In the Cut was created to support emerging creatives.
The pandemic shifted In the Cut's events to a broader audience.
Rae emphasizes the importance of kindness in the workplace.
Her first animated series was a low-budget project that evolved into a larger opportunity. Community events have positively impacted many careers.
Flexibility and adaptability are essential for community founders.
Authenticity and openness foster genuine connections.
Consistency is crucial for success in any endeavor.
Delegation can significantly ease the burden of leadership.
Writers retreats provide valuable networking and learning opportunities.
Future goals include creating more accessible educational content.
Storytelling remains a fundamental aspect of human connection.
AI can be a tool to enhance creativity, not replace it.
Lighthearted comedy is needed to balance the current media landscape.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rae Benjamin and Her Journey
05:52 The Path to Screenwriting and Production
11:50 Navigating the Writer's Strike and Industry Changes
17:57 From Animation Beginnings to The Witcher
24:01 Creating In the Cut: Empowering BIPOC Creatives
27:26 Building a Community: Impact and Growth
30:35 Essential Traits for Community Founders
32:12 Overcoming Early Challenges in Community Building
34:08 The Writers Retreat: A Space for Growth
37:59 Future Goals for In the Cut
40:36 The Evolution of Storytelling in Society
46:44 Navigating the Age of AI in Creativity
51:48 Desire for Lighthearted Comedy in Storytelling
53:26 Empathy and Community: A Call to Action
About rae benjamin
Rae is a screenwriter, producer, and proud LA native who has carved out a unique space in film and TV. After earning her Political Science degree from Loyola Marymount, she set her sights on storytelling, finding inspiration in life’s awkward, uncomfortable, and often hilarious moments—the kind you might hesitate to laugh at but can’t resist. Her ability to flip these moments into empathy-expanding stories has led to some impressive projects, including her recent work as co-producer on Netflix’s The Witcher and her role as co-writer and co-executive producer on the upcoming animated feature, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep.
Rae is also the visionary behind In the Cut, a platform providing crucial resources and training for BIPOC creatives interested in breaking into entertainment. Partnering with industry powerhouses like NBC Universal, Final Draft, and the Gotham Institute, Rae has built an incredible ecosystem that’s already impacted hundreds through live and virtual events.
When she’s not shaping the future of storytelling or leading the charge for diversity in Hollywood, Rae is spending time with her son or shouting at the TV when game show contestants miss the mark.
She’s repped by UTA and Redefine Entertainment.
Netflix - The Witcher 🎬 (February 2025)
