About the Director
AÂ Journey, with Autism
Throughout his childhood, Ben encountered many difficulties in understanding friends, obeying social norms and feeling comfortable in places other than home. Most school days were missed, and many friends were lost along the way. That is, until around 10 years old, for Christmas, Ben got his first camera - a 'Flip-Cam', capable of 480p resolution and 10x digital zoom. Soon, he realised this was an avenue to entertain his friends, by asking them if they wanted to make a film together, he was really doing the hardest thing he could imagine - asking them to spend time with him.
Ben began writing their feature film 'Haunted' - 45 pages were smashed out, while production began - at this time, Ben had no idea that 'Film Directing' could be a job! For a few days every week, the new gang of friends would meet up and shoot a few scenes from the script. With amateur acting, and zero camera work, Ben was having the time of his life.
But as time went on, the production devolved into filming the same scene over and over again. Ben had no idea how to move a production along, and his friends were beginning to get bored of the same old lines. But it didn't all end there - the film shut down - but the friends Ben had made along the way were still there, and a few times every week they would meet up, and play outside together. And, Ben had discovered his utmost passion in life. Above Steam Trains, and Doctor Who, making films was the most joyful and rewarding thing he'd ever experienced - he was hooked for good.
6 years later, after a battle through High-School, Ben was diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism (ASD). He had continued to make friends through the means of filmmaking, writing much shorter scripts, and shooting them all on no-budget. And another 5 years later, Ben has created short films with professional actors, funding them with his student finance and working with the best people he can find, sharing his love and enthusiasm for filmmaking, making films that really care, and strive to touch the hearts of anyone who watches.
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