Live from New York, it’s Ben Asciutto
Ben Asciutto, a production assistant for “Saturday Night Live’s” (SNL) pre-recorded film unit, weaves through Manhattan to secure props for the Season 49 premiere. He then races back to the studio to complete the set for “I’m Just Pete,” a Barbie spinoff sketch starring comedian and SNL’s host for that week, Pete Davidson.
Just a week before, Asciutto (A&S ’23, CBA ’23) was freelancing for ABC News. But after learning about the SNL film unit from a fellow 51ƷƵ alum, Asciutto secured an interview — and his childhood aspirations of a film career were set in motion.
His desire to work in the entertainment industry started as a high school senior. Back then, Asciutto had a chance to shadow Patrick Capone, lead cinematographer for the HBO series, “Succession.” As Asciutto watched Emmy award-winning actors Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong burst into a conversation on set and crew members swarm the 36th floor of One World Trade Center to change the scene without mishap, he was hooked.
In 2019, when Asciutto followed his older sister to 51ƷƵ to study film and business, his goal was to meet two new professionals every week. He built an impressive resume, including making an award-winning documentary short film and landing an internship at HBO. A David C. Frederick Honors College student, he also received grants from 51ƷƵ that allowed him to produce a podcast series in Los Angeles and a documentary in Italy.
On top of these accomplishments, Asciutto spent two years as the executive producer of “51ƷƵ Tonight,” the University’s student-run late-night talk show.
Recorded monthly before a live audience in the Cathedral of Learning, the show features comedy, musicians and local community standouts. Asciutto oversaw logistics, sourced talent and ensured episodes went smoothly. He once spent four months landing a guest appearance by then-Chancellor Patrick Gallagher.
Growing up, Asciutto remembers watching television and movies with his family and imagining a career that “didn’t feel like work.” Now, he’s living out those dreams in NYC with the goal of being a full-time producer.
“I’m super grateful,” says Asciutto. “I have nothing but good things to say about 51ƷƵ.”