Writer, director and actor of "At the Jersey Shore" on Prime
There’s no doubt that Tom Bentey is a Jersey boy — through and through. In fact, he has seen Bruce Springsteen at least 30 times — that’s some valuable NJ street cred! Bentey, raised in the Garden State, a graduate of Rutgers University, and a writer, podcaster, director, and actor, draws constantly from his muse — the Jersey Shore.
Whatever he is creating, Bentey stays true to the sand in his shoes and salt water in his veins. In 2012, he wrote, directed, and starred in his debut feature film, “At the Jersey Shore.” Capturing a summer of Boardwalk life teeming with love, lust, and longing, the film received international distribution after several screenings, including the Jersey Shore Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award for Best Feature Film.
Since his first steps into the movie industry, Bentey has been busy acting in television, including “The Equalizer” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” as well as a variety of movies. He also continues to write and host a podcast show. So, let’s relax on a comfy beach chair, sip an umbrella-topped drink, and get to know Tom Bentey a little better.
NJL: Were you a ham as a kid? Do you remember how you got the acting bug?
TB: Yes, I was a big ham — and I still am! I always had a strong interest in acting, but I didn’t seriously pursue it until college. Around the same time, I discovered my love for writing, and I’ve been passionate about both ever since. What keeps bringing me back is the challenge. With acting and writing, there’s never one truly “perfect” or “right” outcome, and that constant opportunity to explore, improve, and make new choices is what I love about them.
NJL: Where did the inspiration for “At the Jersey Shore” come from? Is it autobiographical?
TB: At the Jersey Shore was my thesis film for my M.A. in Media Studies at The New School. While the film is about a real place and inspired by real characters, unlike the character I play, I’ve always loved — and will always love — the Jersey Shore. It’s a part of who I am, both as a person and as an artist. Watching the film today, so many years later, there are definitely moments that make me cringe a little, but I’m proud of it. More than anything, I feel like I truly captured what a summer at the Jersey Shore is all about.
NJL: Why is the Jersey Shore so important to you?
TB: There’s nowhere else in the world I’d rather be during the summer than the Jersey Shore. It’s truly a special place, and the summer goes by so fast — “it’s like it doesn’t even happen,” which is actually a great line from the film! I always tell people, “Please don’t ask me to leave the Shore during the summer unless you’re paying me.” That pretty much sums up how I feel about it!
NJL: How does your love for the Jersey Shore manifest itself in your movies and other work?
TB: I love filming on location, and New Jersey has such a diverse landscape and culture that the locations themselves really become part of any production I shoot here. With my new TV series, The Cafone, we filmed at Moore’s Tavern in Freehold and Marina Grille in Belmar, and both locations brought their own personality and aesthetic to the production. They didn’t just serve as backdrops — they helped give the series an authentic New Jersey feel.
NJL: Tell us a bit about your current television pilot, “The Cafone,” and how it came to be?
TB: My uncle originally had the idea for The Cafone: a guy reconnects with an old friend and tries to start his life over, only to have his old habits come roaring back — just as bad as ever. A “cafone” is someone who is uncouth, self-unaware, and completely overindulgent, which describes our main character pretty well. If you like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Sopranos, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, I think you’ll feel right at home with The Cafone.
NJL: Your Tom Bentey Media Podcast show offers a range of interests. How do you select the topic?
TB: On my podcast, I talk about anything and everything that interests me — from technology and AI to finding the best cheesesteak joint. I probably know more about cheesesteaks than AI, but I love it all! More than anything, I love creating content, starting conversations, and connecting with anyone online who wants to join in.
NJL: Who would be your dream actor or director to work with (living or dead) and why?
TB: Too many to list! I love Sean Penn, Tom Cruise, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Denzel Washington. As for directors, Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese are two of my biggest influences.
NJL: What’s next for Tom Bentey?
TB: I’m currently working on A Whisper from Within, a true-life story about a woman from the disabled community that I’m incredibly excited about. And, of course, let’s get The Cafone on Netflix! In the meantime, follow me @TomBenteyMedia and come along for the ride
