Tony Denman

1. You started working in the entertainment industry at a young age. What was that experience really like, and how did it shape who you became?

Tony

The entertainment industry is tricky at any age, but it can be especially difficult to navigate as a young person. There’s a lot that can go wrong, and being young in an adult business can make you very vulnerable. I was very lucky to have supportive parents and a perceptive management team around me.

Ultimately, my experiences allowed me to develop a deeper understanding and respect for the craft of filmmaking. I’ve been fortunate enough to work across many different aspects of the industry, which has given me a unique appreciation for the hard work that goes into all kinds of projects.

I’ve learned to understand the art behind the stories being told, while also challenging my own idea of what work ethic really means. On a more personal level, everything becomes a journey. You get out what you put in. How badly do you want to tell stories? How much are you willing to sacrifice to do it?

I’ve learned that in any industry, if you want to be great at something, it requires hard work and sacrifice on many different levels.

2. How did those experiences influence the importance you place today on treating people with dignity and respect, especially when someone is vulnerable or being filmed?

Tony

It taught me that every person and every job involved in creating something has an equal part to play in the end result. We all have to put our pants on in the morning. We all have struggles going on in our lives, whether we see them or not.

Stepping outside of your own comfort zone and letting go of your ego can be incredibly liberating. It isn’t always easy, but I think it’s a necessary part of collaboration.

We are all vulnerable in our own ways, whether we show it or not. Realizing that success is about the unity of a team, rather than the achievement of one individual, changes the way you work. No man is an island.

We can’t control everything, but we can control how we treat our family, our teams, and complete strangers. How adaptable we are to change and the attitude we bring to every situation are incredibly important. Those qualities become part of our character and integrity, and ultimately affect the end result of any project we undertake, big or small.

3. After spending so much time around film and television, what do you believe separates respectful storytelling from storytelling that takes advantage of someone?

Tony

Respectful storytelling is actually quite simple to me. Even the antagonist has an origin story. Every character is the good guy in their own arc.

When it comes to reality-based stories, it’s about creating a safe space for people to share their journey. A safe space, to me, simply means understanding that everyone is trying their best.

Ultimately, there aren’t always good guys and bad guys. There are just people. Then you let the story tell itself.

If you can create a platform where the audience is able to make their own decision about what they think, then I believe you’ve done your job as a storyteller.

4. When you work with Josh and the Joshlilj team, what do you feel your years of experience in the industry allow you to bring to the work?

Tony

What I love about working with Josh and this team is how clear Josh’s mission is: “Help those in need.”

When you have that kind of clear direction, it makes the end goal so much more achievable. We all need help at different levels and at different times in our lives. Even though I have a happy home and good health, the work Josh and this team do constantly puts things into perspective for me.

I’ve learned so much about love, life, and letting go of societal expectations through working with Josh. It constantly reminds me of the importance of staying grateful and has shown me that we really are all in this together.

I also enjoy how fast-paced this work is. My technical experience is helpful when it comes to planning, but the real skill is being adaptable. My experience has taught me that proper preparation prevents poor performance. But no matter how much preparation goes into something, there will always be unpredictable moments, and that’s usually when the magic happens.

So be prepared, but more importantly, be adaptable. That’s a kind of wisdom you can’t teach. You have to earn it.

5. Is there a person, trip, or moment you've experienced with the team that changed the way you think about the work you're doing?

Editorial summary of Tony's recollection

Tony recalls a Southern California trip when the team could not locate the person they had planned to meet. Their plans changed after Ben spoke with an older man sitting on a park bench beside a broken wheelchair, whom Tony describes as a veteran. Tony recalls a fundraiser connected to housing support for the man and his partner and describes the encounter as one of the most meaningful experiences of his time with the team.

From Tony's answer

Just taking the time to spend a couple of hours with someone allowed a whole new world of opportunities to open up for them.

It’s an extraordinary thing to be a part of.

6. You've spent time with Josh both during projects and behind the scenes. What do you think people who only know Josh from social media might misunderstand about him, and what do you wish they knew about how he treats people when the cameras aren't rolling?

Selected excerpts from Tony's answer

Being part of this team is truly a humbling experience. Patience and compassion toward strangers don’t always come naturally, but Josh seems to operate that way without even thinking about it.

On a typical day, we might be completely focused on our own schedules, rushing to catch a flight, late for an important meeting, or simply walking down the street lost in our own thoughts. But even with no cameras rolling, no audience, and no expectations, Josh will stop and genuinely listen to someone’s life story.

In a later paragraph, Tony reflects

In full confidence, I can say that I very much dislike many aspects of social media. But seeing people like Josh use it to help others reminds me that life is ultimately about compassion, humility, and grace.

He closes his answer with

Life is hard. But helping someone is easy.

Give it a shot. See what happens.

All you need to do is try.