Ben Thompson

Ben Thompson

Mr

 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8499-8124

Personal profile

Biography

I have over 20 years experience working in higher education from Lecturer, Senior Lecturer to Principal Lecturer, as well as management and leadership roles including Course Leader, Section Lead, to currently Academic Lead of the Film and TV subject area within the School of Film, Media and Communication. 

My current role focuses on the thematic area of Film and Television in the development of a highly regarded and successful taught provision as well as developing research, scholarship, innovation and professional practice in this area.

In my previous career I worked as a Cinematographer, Producer and Director. I shot for a whole range of UK and international broadcasters including BBC, ITV, CH4, Sky, Disney, Discovery etc as well as independent production companies, brands, charities and corporate clients. I’ve shot news and factual, documentaries, drama, music, Live TV, sport, commercials and high-end corporate productions, filming projects extensively in the UK, Europe and the US.

I am full member of the Guild of Television Camera Professionals and Royal Television Society. 

Formally had the role of Head of Production for an independent production company based in Central London, where I shot, produced and directed documentaries, branded content and managed a variety of high-end projects for leading UK and international clients across education, motorsport and health sectors.

I am a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). I am currently working towards my Professional Doctorate in Education.

Research Interests

My current research activity involves practice-based research. I am a member of an internal Screen Practice Research Group and I continue to make short films, documentaries, as well as Light and operate cameras professionally. 

  • My last short documentary film All About Dad explores the subject of modern fatherhood through the stories of three unconventional dads. The film identifies the realities and experiences of three subjects as they strive to become a father in modern society. The film is presented as candid, intimate testimonial interviews intercut with 2D hand drawn animations.

Teaching Responsibilities

I currently teach on the BA (Hons) Film Production course. I am Module Coordinator for Graduate Film (40 credits), which is the final major project. My specialism is Cinematography, Camera Craft, as well as Documentary and Fiction short film production. 

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 5 - Gender Equality

External positions

External Examiner, University for the Creative Arts

2018 → 2021

External Examiner, London South Bank University

1 Jun 2011 → 1 Dec 2015

Keywords

  • TR Photography
  • Film
  • Video
  • Cinematography
  • Camera
  • Production
  • Creative Skillset
  • Screen practice
  • Cinema
  • Lenses
  • Storytelling
  • Television
  • live TV
  • Outside Broadcast
  • Broadcast
  • Documentary
  • Drama
  • Music Video
  • Short Film

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