Sterling International Sspeakers - Joe Camp and his dog, Benji - The Speaker Resource for Inspirational Speakers

Joe Camp

Joe Camp and Benji

About Joe Camp and Benji
Joe Camp believes that the human spirit can still rise above the doom and gloom into which it seems so often born. The unknown, the uncelebrated can still mount a white horse, charge off into the distance and accomplish things worthwhile, and hold his or her head high in the process. His are presentations of promise for all who battle the odds for things held dear and, perhaps, surrender too quickly to those indolent, oft-spoken assurances: You can't do that! That's impossible! Give up! Quit! Sit down! Shut up! Go away!

Joe is a passionate and inspirational speaker. His down home manner, infectious wit, and stirring delivery inspire people to crawl out of the box and believe passionately in themselves, and achieve personal heights never dreamed possible.

Joe talks about personal success in terms that he thoroughly understands, because he's been there and done that. He speaks of what he knows, sharing his own life experiences, and has a unique, often humorous way of dredging up those hidden demons we might be refusing to recognize.

For corporations, civic groups, creative writing conferences, film schools and gatherings, church and temple groups, teachers conferences, graduations, parenting and family conferences, Joe has a message that will send audiences away changed for the better, for life. Each presentation comes with or without the real Benji standing by for petting and pictures afterward, at your option.

Presentations That Inspire and Motivate

Dare to Dream - This presentation is all about making your life extraordinary. About following dreams with passion and persistence; about making a difference in this world, in the lives of others, and in your own life. Joe proves that very little that's truly worthwhile is truly impossible; that you can accomplish results and reach amazing heights never before thought possible. He inspires with stories and anecdotes from his personal journey getting the original Benji movie off the ground against overwhelming odds and the advice of every expert in the business. A life-changing message of hope and faith in yourself! Hear brief excerpts - Click Here
God Only Knows! - This presentation is based upon Joe's fifth (grownup) book, which he is currently writing; an emotional and spiritual journey that carries the promise of changing lives. Joe had never worked harder for anything than he did to finance and produce his latest film, Benji Off the Leash; to make it not only the best movie he could, but to make a statement that one can put food on the table and, at the same time, make a positive difference in people's lives. But the box office seemed to be saying nobody cared. Did he misread God's involvement? "My faith was being tested," Camp said, "and I was coming up in the red. We had turned down money from Hollywood studios to keep this movie safe for all members of the family. Was that a worthwhile goal? The film received the best audience response and critical acclaim of all the Benji movies, so the box office made no sense." This is Joe's testimony as he learned what it really means to give yourself to God; and what it means when God says persevere. He tells of his questions about where God was on opening day, and what happened later when the DVD was released. He also digs into the tough choices parents and kids need to be making in today's media driven world.
Raise Fantastic Kids: One Simple Choice - Not many parents would ever say they don't love their kids, but are they doing what love demands for the good of their kids; are they walking the walk; are they making the hard choices that kids need today? Or are they letting the peers, the neighbors and the media raise their kids? Whether it's love of God, love of spouse, or love of kids, true love, real love, means commitment. Joe tells stories and relates his experiences, both good and bad, successes and failures, as he humorously and powerfully inspires and motivates parents to step outside the box and reach for a new high in parenting.
Family vs the Media: Consider it War! This is one of Joe's favorite presentations. In their quest for money, the Hollywood studios and television networks have been consistently and methodically lowering the bar in terms of what is appropriate in programming and family movies. Joe is a firm believer that anyone who is blessed with the ability to affect the minds and hearts of young people should do so responsibly. That's why he turned down Hollywood studio money to produce Benji Off the Leash independently to keep it safe for even the youngest children. In this presentation, Joe inspires parents with his personal experiences to make the hard choices that will both protect their kids and send the messages to Hollywood that can affect change.
Schools that Excel: The Common Denominator - Embedded amongst all the problems we have with education in this country - the low teacher salaries, the inadequate facilities, the continuing debates over curriculum - there are schools that excel when all around them are merely struggling to keep up. Schools which, although surrounded by results well below the norms, are producing test scores astonishingly above the norms, and sending graduates off to college at percentage levels that are astounding. Even a cursory survey of a small sampling of these schools reveals a stunning focus; stunning because it's so simple. So easily discounted and tossed aside. A focus that is not particularly scholarly. Why do these schools excel when so many others do not? The common denominator is...motivation. We can all accomplish just about anything we truly want to accomplish. There are no chains on the human spirit. But so often we get so mired in the structure, the paperwork, the debate over things intellectual, that we forget the very ingredient that can make us fly. We forget to motivate, ourselves... and our kids. In this presentation, Joe amasses the evidence and inspires those in education to themselves to inspire. It is truly amazing what you can do when you're properly motivated.
Men Are Scum: But We Can Overcome - There is no denying that men are genetically programmed to hunt, fight, and procreate and women are genetically programmed to nurture and love. This presentation is all about turning knowledge into wisdom in a relationship, about commitment and hard work, and about what love really means.
Writers: It's all About Story - No matter the medium -- screenplay, teleplay, short story, novel, stage play -- no matter the form -- fiction or non-fiction, comedy or drama -- a writer, first and foremost, must tell a story. A story that will involve an audience emotionally and never turn them loose! Joe combines inspiration to greatness with practical insights and approaches to character and conflict. He deals with the rejection that always comes and how to handle it. And he weaves the personal tales that have filled his journey as a writer of screenplays, novels, inspirational books, and children's stories. An exciting presentation for beginning and seasoned writers which lights the fires and provides the substance to create the strong, involving characters and combustible, dynamic relationships that inhabit great stories.
Film-related Talks and Seminars - Joe has written, produced, and directed seven theatrical films cumulatively grossing well over $600 million worldwide (in today's dollars), yet his highest production budget was slightly less than seven million dollars. So he knows how to make a dollar work like six while maintaining terrific production values and telling great stories. His canine superstar Benji was introduced in a film costing less than one million dollars (1975), yet the floppy-eared mutt is known and loved throughout the world. Joe has been intimately involved in the independent marketing and distribution of most of his films, giving him a unique insight and perspective into the entire process. Joe has taught direction at Southern Methodist University and has chaired many writing seminars and is a strong advocate for the importance of editing in the process. In addition to his theatrical films, he has produced, written, and directed several prime time specials and a Saturday Morning series for television. Joe also has an unusual interest and insight into the technical side of the process, having produced the first-ever series to appear on network television photographed on half-inch tape, now the standard of the industry. His latest film, Benji Off the Leash, was produced digitally using the Panavision/Sony 24p High Definition process which was then transferred to film for theatrical release. He has much to say about the pro's and cons of this experience. Joe is the first to point out that he is an independent in the truest sense of the word and only knows the mainstream Hollywood industry from the outside looking in. He is a very humble and giving speaker, with question-and-answer sessions often going on for hours. In conversation with you, Joe will tailor presentations to your needs and/or curriculum and can cover a wide spectrum, or be specifically focused. He can restrain himself to less than an hour, or "run on" for a week.

KEYNOTE FEE CATEGORY: $5,500 - $7,500

* Honorarium can vary depending on presentation length, distance to venue and many other factors. All fees are plus travel expenses and subject to change, so please call for an exact quote.

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