Ben Cheetham Films

Ben Cheetham is a documentary filmmaker and graduate of the NFTS with a background in visual anthropology. He has recently directed his first film for broadcast, “Pete, Doherty, Who Killed My Son?” commissioned by Channel 4’s First Cut strand. His other credits include the BAFTA nominated series “The Dog House” for Channel 4 and the RTS award winning series “Trawlermen” for BBC1; he directed the short film Inside a Marriage which was highly commended at the 2020 Grierson Awards and nominated for an RTS award in 2021.

Ben’s work is informed by a firmly held belief that documentary films have the power to influence and change real life situations. Using the knowledge, skills and perspective gleaned through completing an MA in ‘Visual Anthropology’ at the Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology in 2011, he has developed a unique skill in forming trusting relationships with people in crisis. Ben’s background in anthropology has inspired him to work across a variety of contexts and topics, including but not limited to; HIV, schizophrenia, addiction, grief and domestic abuse in the UK, North America and Latin America. Ben is now focusing on producing and directing films for broadcast in the UK.

Technical Skills

Cameras

• Canon C300, C100, 7d, 5d, XF305
• Sony Fs7, Fs5, Sony A7s, A7sii
• Panasonic GH4
• DV/Mini DV shooting

Sound

• Location recording with mono and stereo equipment
• Experience with Sound Devices mixers

Editing

• Adobe CC Premier Pro
• FCPX
• Avid