Ben Thompson

Ben Thompson

Mr

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

Biography

Presently I hold the position of Principal Lecturer & Academic Lead (Film & TV) within the School of Film, Media and Communication. This consists of two ScreenSkills accredited courses: BA (Hons) Film Production and BSc (Hons) Television & Broadcasting and MSc Film & TV. I previously held the role of Course Leader for the BA (Hons) Film Production program. I am a highly experienced academic & practitioner within the Television & Film sector.

In my previous career I worked as a Broadcast Television Lighting Cameraman. I shot for a whole range of UK and international broadcasters, production companies, brands, charities and corporate clients. I’ve shot news and factual, documentaries, music promos, Live TV, kids television, drama, commercials and high-end corporate productions, filming projects extensively in UK, Europe and US.

Formally had the role of Head of Production for an independent production company based in Central London, where I produced and directed documentaries and managed high-end film projects for leading UK and international clients.

I am a full member of the GTC – Guild of Television Camera Professionals, which is an independent, international organisation that cares about TV camerawork and the people who make it their craft. Members are experienced camera professionals who operate cameras professionally in all areas of film and broadcasting. I am also an active member of the RTS - Royal Television Society.

My current research, innovation and scholarly activity involves Cinematography and Digital Storytelling (filmmaking). I contribute to practice–based research and innovation as a member of our Faculty Screen Practice Research Group. I continue to produce short film projects in collaboration with industry connections and colleagues.

 

 

 

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

Education/Academic qualification

BA (Hons), Film Studies with Communication Studies, Middlesex University

Award Date: 1 Jul 1997

External positions

External Examiner, University for the Creative Arts

2018 → 2021

External Examiner, Middlesex University

1 Jun 2012 → 1 Jul 2014

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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