He went on to speak about his formal study at Cornwall College and Falmouth University, and how these opportunities helped him deepen his understanding of filmmaking. Through these experiences, he gained technical knowledge, built contacts, learned by doing, and began developing the distinctive style and approach that define his work today.
Throughout the talk, Ben emphasised the importance of taking those first steps to get started. “If you want to get into making films, then start making them now,” he told pupils. “You learn by doing.” He encouraged everyone to stay observant and curious: “Keep your mind and your eyes open; inspiration can come from anywhere, anytime. If all you have is a room, then start your story there.”
He demonstrated how asking simple ‘what if’ questions can unlock ideas: What if the person is there alone? What if they can’t get out? What if there was something important in the room?
Ben spoke about beginning with small projects, sometimes with a crew of just five people working in a single room, and gradually building up to larger productions. This steady progression eventually led to him directing a 90-minute feature film, working across multiple locations with a cast of twenty and more than a hundred people behind the scenes. One of the highlights of his journey, he said, was seeing his first film screened in a cinema, a film that went on to win awards at festivals around the world.
Students asked thoughtful and perceptive questions throughout the session, and Ben responded with generous advice about creativity, collaboration, and resilience in a competitive industry. His enthusiasm for storytelling and his belief that anyone can begin making films with whatever they have available left a strong impression.
To close the talk, Ben set our students a challenge: go out and make your own films. Use what you have around you. Tell stories through the eyes of your characters, and remember that inspiration for stories can strike at any moment.
Pupils can explore Ben’s work and find further inspiration here:
- Kernowfornia Films: https://www.kernowforniafilms.com/
- Short family film The Wire: https://vimeo.com/580307016
- Feature film Nowhere (currently streaming on Apple TV; age restrictions apply)
