Benjamin Pierce, who graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with a bachelor's degree in digital filmmaking in 2015, recently had his pilot script, "Jungle Jam," accepted into five festivals. The pilot script was named a finalist for the New York International Screenplay Awards and an official selection for the Austin Comedy Film Festival, the Houston Comedy Film Festival, the Orlando Film Festival and the Portland Comedy Film Festival.

The Greyhound Grad shares what having his work recognized means to him.

Tell us about "Jungle Jam," including your creative process and inspiration for creating this work.

This is going to sound silly, but my initial inspiration was when I tried to convert a stuffed orangutan I own into a puppet. And then it hit me: licking doorknobs is illegal on other planets. When I came down from the euphoric high of that realization, I started writing "Jungle Jam."

What was the process of having your script being accepted into these festivals? What are the next steps for the creation of the pilot?

I used Filmfreeway.com. It's a site that aggregates festivals from all around the world into one spot. It's super easy to submit, and most festivals require it (this is not a sponsored ad). Specifically for "Jungle Jam," I made a point to submit a cover letter for each festival I submitted to. I read somewhere that even if it seems trivial, like I thought it was, festival programmers do read these letters.

At this step, I'm focused more on obtaining representation over producing this script. I want "Jungle Jam" to be produced with quality so I can wait. For now, I will continue to show off "Jungle Jam" to anyone who's willing to read it.

What does it mean to you to have your work accepted into these festivals?

It means vindication. It means gratitude. It means all those late-night hours at the computer after I finished working at my day job are paying off. Most of all, it means the moon landing is fake.

Tell us about your previous works.

I've written many spec scripts for a variety of shows: "The Simpsons," "Amazing World of Gumball," "Angie Tribeca" and more. My last film was entitled "XENO," and it was accepted into the Planet 9 Film Festival in California.

Share details about some of your accomplishments and awards.

Of course, "Jungle Jam" got accepted into five festivals, and that's amazing. But there's one thing I've even more proud of. Fun fact: one of the characters in my script is based on a real guy I know and am close friends with. I recently sent him the script and he loved it. He said I did him justice. That...that was an incredible thing to hear.

What are your short- and long-term career goals?

My short-term goal is to be hired as a screenwriter or TV writer. My long-term goal is to write and direct my own films. To define "long term" is irrelevant: if it takes five years or 60, I'll eventually achieve my goal.

How did ENMU prepare you for your career?

During my time at ENMU, I learned the skills needed for anyone to be a successful filmmaker or any other field of work for that matter. I learned about collaboration, patience, the desire for quality, being a self-starter and more. To this day, I'm still honing these skills in an attempt to be a better artist and person.

What advice would you give to a student interested in working in your career field?

I would say: try to make criticism your ally. Whenever I sent "Jungle Jam" to a colleague for analysis, I specifically asked them to "tear it to shreds." That was how I grew as a writer. Of course, it's tough. I recommend finding other artists whose opinions you value.

Why did you choose to attend Eastern?

My high school film teacher, Mrs. Galindo, is an alumna. She convinced me to attend.

How did you choose your field of study?

It wasn't a difficult process; I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker.

Discuss your Eastern Experience.

My favorite class I took was the History of Dress and Decor. The first thing that surprised me was how much I learned in the class: the history of culture, architecture, art, etc.; it was amazing. The second was how much reading was required.

Jon Barr and Neil Rutland were pivotal in my education; those guys are awesome. It was fun to try to make them laugh.

I attended the film club (although admittedly not as often as I should have). I had a scholarship for most of my time at ENMU.

Tell us about your family.

My Dad grew up in El Salvador. My siblings and I are the first generation of our family born in America.

Are you involved with any organizations or causes?

Not steadily, but last year (before the dark times…), I volunteered several times to feed the homeless.

Who influences you?

Hmm, I don't know if this is wrong to say, but I don't have the "one" filmmaker who influences me, and I'm not sure I need one. For me, I'm more interested in being a better person. There's a Charlie Chaplin speech from the "Great Dictator" that I frequently rewatch. It reminds me of the kind of man I want to be and the effect I want to have on the world.

What are your hobbies?

Dancing, thrift store shopping, collecting vinyl records, gaming, trying new things and browsing OfferUp in an attempt to buy a Nintendo Switch and inevitably failing.