Ben Thompson is an established academic practitioner and senior educator with more than twenty years of experience across higher education and the screen industries. His work integrates professional practice as a filmmaker/cinematographer with a sustained record of academic leadership, curriculum innovation, and research in filmmaking pedagogy. His specialist interests include cinematography, authentic experiential learning, and equity, diversity, and inclusion within technical craft roles in film and television.
Leadership:
Ben has held a range of leadership posts including Programme Area Lead (Filmmaking), Academic Lead (Film & Television), Principal & Senior Lecturer, and Course Leader (BA Film Production). Ben is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and has extensive CPD in leadership, inclusive practice, and higher education governance. He has contributed to major structural transitions within the institution, including Faculty/School mergers, curriculum restructure and the development of cross‑disciplinary collaborations.
Teaching & Learning:
Ben is recognised for advancing experiential and authentic learning approaches within filmmaking education. He has led innovations in course design, assessment, and employability‑focused practice, ensuring strong alignment with professional expectations and contemporary screen‑sector developments.
Ben currently teaches on the BA (Hons) Film Production course and leads the Graduation Film modules (60 credits), which form the final major short film project. He also leads on the final show exhibition screening hosted annually at the British Film Institute (BFI), London South Bank.
Research & Scholary Activity:
Ben’s current practice research examines gender inequity and broader underrepresentation within the camera department, seeking to develop a framework that informs the teaching of professional practice in film education. His interests focus on:
Equity, diversity and inclusion in screen‑based craft roles.
Filmmaking pedagogy and authentic learning.
Workplace cultures, barriers to progression, and new‑entrant experiences.
His recent and ongoing projects include short-form research films, practitioner testimonies, and collaborative work exploring wellbeing, diversity, and student transition into industry practice.
Professional Background:
Before entering academia, Ben worked extensively as a cinematographer, producer, and director for UK and international broadcasters and production companies, including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, and Disney. He also served as Head of Production at an independent London production company, delivering broadcast documentaries, branded content, commercial projects, and client‑led film campaigns. This professional practice underpins his pedagogical approach and informs his leadership of industry‑aligned course development.
External Engagement:
Ben contributes widely to the higher education and screen‑sector landscape through:
External examining at multiple UK universities.
Participation in validation panels and curriculum reviews.
Collaboration with ScreenSkills, BAFTA, BFI, Arri, RTS, and the Guild of Television Camera Professionals.
Membership of the Royal Television Society and the Guild of Television Camera Professionals.
