testimonials

“Ben is a joy to work with, he is a passionate filmmaker who brings energy, presence and creative confidence to all of his productions. I have worked with Ben on a number of projects over the years, where I have seen him gain a lot of experience in access, navigating complex and fast-moving situations and often where there are security and legal sensitivities. Ben works especially well with contributors who have experienced trauma, approaching every interaction with empathy and professionalism, which builds trust. The strength of those relationships then plays into his films.

A skilled self-shooter, Ben consistently delivers visually striking, emotionally engaging documentaries, even under pressure. His ability to capture beautiful, compelling footage in challenging conditions gives him a real edge.

Ben is experienced, meticulous, and totally dependable when it comes to handling legal, editorial and duty-of-care sensitivities. He can handle compliance-heavy projects, including filming in hostile environments. He’s also a strong planner and creative problem-solver, with a talent for cutting through noise while being incredibly diplomatic and finding clear, effective solutions — all while staying calm and focused.

I can’t recommend Ben highly enough, He is safe pair of hands and pleasure to work with.”

James W Newton, Senior Executive Producer, BBC Studios

“Having employed Ben as a go-to producer on projects for the best part of 20 years, I always know he will deliver.  Ben always comes full of ideas, but is great at listening and understanding any brief.  He’s naturally curious and just as eager to get it right.  On top of that he’s technically excellent, fab to work with, and able to put it all together as a finished film.  He’s quite simply the perfect hire.”

Cameron Balbirnie, former Exec Producer and Creative Director, Wild Blue Media

“I really rate Ben. He’s a brilliant shooter, very diligent, incredibly hard working. Really good visually. Can turn his hand to multiple genres - to my knowledge over the years he’s done retrospective and present tense crime, landmark history, adventure and anthropology, expeditions…all sorts. I’ve been using him quite a lot recently - initially going to Kiev for a funded development on an observational piece with the war crime commissioners, then for three months following a very high profile murder investigation in Northern Ireland…he can definitely handle access. He’s empathetic, encouraging, sensitive and above all, grown up so he doesn’t over promise and is quick to create trust. He’s smart and resilient and editorially strong.. He’s good on legals and compliance so would be able to see trouble brewing from distance,

Bottom line, he’s a talent and a very nice lad to boot…he’ll work his socks off for you….he’s a really good hire.”

Alan Holland, Head of Specialist Factual Productions BBC Studios

As a cameraman I have worked with Ben all over the world; climbing Guatemalan volcanoes, rafting the Yukon River & crossing the Australian wilderness, to name a few of our adventures. He has a unique ability to build & manage these often extremely difficult filming expeditions and whether it’s looking after scientists unfamiliar with the filming process, working with presenters or ex-service personnel who have endured PTSD, he always brings a kindness, confidence and collaboration to the shoot which is hugely motivating. Under his direction and guidance as crew, we have been able to capture genuine actuality and human emotion in highly challenging environments. No matter the weather or exhaustion level, Ben simply has the ability to get the best out of the team around him and produce excellent films as a result.

Will Edwards, Emmy Winning DoP