Download Resume (RESUME_BLN_2011.pdf)
ben.l.nicholas (at) gmail (dot) com
(607) 279 3937
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The focus of my work is storytelling, in particular, witnessing how an original story transforms through space and time. The line between fact (non-fiction) and fiction is where I like to walk as a filmmaker and photographer. The artist Walid Raad notes that documents from the past encrypt it to the extent that they preserve it. Applying this strategy to storytelling yields fascinating results requiring greater viewer participation, allowing a more meaningful viewer experience.
2011
Cinematographer & Editor for We Are Maquet, an industrial commercial for Worldwide Maquet, producers of state of the art medical products.
Cinematographer & Editor for Odd Spaces, a ten-part web series about bizarre living spaces. Guymanly produced.
Cinematographer & Editor for Small Business Profiles, a six-episode series on small business owners across America. Guymanly produced.
Cinematographer for On Vanishing, a dance piece choreographed and performed by Jonah Bokaer at the Guggenheim Museum.
Director of Photography for Cheap Extermination, a short film directed by Minka Farthing-Kohl. HD, 9min.
Cinematography for Savage U, a television show featuring Dan Savage. Produced through MTV.
Camera Operator for Reggie Watts’ “Why S#!+ So Crazy?”, a television special produced through Comedy Central.
Editor for Fair Warning, a music video for Penguin Prison produced through Manhattan Born.
Director of Photography on a Verizon Wireless industrial produced through Spot Creative, NYC.
Director, Cinematographer, Editor for Merce Cunningham Event, a dance video featuring the choreography of Merce Cunningham. Produced through Pentagam and 2wice.org.
Cinematographer for The Cycle, a feature-length comparative documentary from director Irina Vodar about female infertility and America’s medical system.
Editor at Grandview Island, a production company specializing in video documentation and presentation of green and sustainable educational facilities.
2010
Creative Director for The New Heroes, an independently produced art magazine showcasing the work of artists from around the globe. 300 copies, 100 pages.
Director of Video Production for Jonah Bokaer & Chez Bushwick Arts Organization. Mr. Bokaer is a dance choreographer responsible for world renown works: Anchises, Replica, and Filter.
Additional Cinematography for Green, a feature film directed by Sophia Takal. HD, 75min.
Director of Photography for Sleep on the Dance Floor, a music video for The Postelles. Shot on 16mm reversal.
Film Editor on The Rabbi Film, a philanthropic documentary celebrating the life-saving medical referrals of Rabbi Berman and Refuah Resources.
Director for Howcast Media, Inc. Produced three viral Burlesque videos @ Howcast.
Director of Photography on Nuance T9 Trace commercial, produced through Spot Creative production company.
Director for Pass Out, a music video for the group Chiddy Bang, signed to the EMI music label. Produced through Looseworld.
Directory of Photography for Opposite of Adults, a music video for Chiddy Bang. Produced through Waverly Films and Looseworld. 2011 Winner of the best Video Woodie by MTVU.
Director of Photography for The Earthenware Head, an NYU Thesis film under the direction of Jared Hutchinson. 16mm, 30min.
Editor for Williamsburg Love, a video campaign advertising residency for 184 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn. Produced through Dune Road Group.
2009
- Director/Editor for Home, a half-hour real estate television pilot, produced through LMG Digital Media and distributed on CBS Broadcasting network.
- Director/Editor for Arms to Arts, a viral video for Art of Peace Charitable Trust, a non-profit dedicated to weapons reduction.
- Director/Editor for Saving Lives, a viral video campaign for The Water School, an educational organization devoted to clean water initiatives.
- Editor/Director of Photography at LMG Digital Media, a social networking, e-commerce and brand strategy company under the direction of Simon Mills.
- Director of Photography for Manatees, an award-winning Temple University Thesis film under the direction of Minka Fathing-Kohl. 16mm, 15min.
- Director of Photography for Let There Be Sol, a film directed by Daniel Pfeffer receiving a premier at the HBO Latin Film Festival. 16mm, 11min.
Teaching
- Teaching Assistant at New York University for Acting for the Camera, under Professor Joan Horvath.
- Technical Assistant at New York University’s Production Center under director Anthony Artis, and NYU’s Post-Production Center (FCP) under Stevin Michels.
Education
- New York University, BFA, Tisch School of the Arts. Maurice Kanbar Institute of Film and Television, Production. 2004—2008. High Honors.
Awards
- Columbia University Undergraduate National Film Festival (CUNUFF). Cinematography Award, 2008, for Couples, directed by Ben Nicholas.
- First Run Film Festival. Achievement in Experimental Form, 2008, for Couples. Achievement in Cinematography, 2008, for Couples.
- SXSW. Premier of Green, 2011. Directed by Sophia Takal with additional cinematography by Ben Louis Nicholas.
- MTV Music Video Awards. ‘Best Music Video’ for Opposite of Adults. Directed by Duncan Skiles and Ben Dickinson. Shot by Ben Louis Nicholas.
- Temple University Film Festival. Best Undergraduate Film, 2008, for Manatees. Director of Photography: Ben Nicholas.
