Ben Childs · Christchurch, NZ
My Credentials
Award-winning filmmaker, experienced videographer, and creative professional based in Christchurch, New Zealand.
About me
I am an experienced Christchurch based videographer and award-winning filmmaker. In my role as Senior Media and Content Manager for Storypark, I am responsible for developing and executing a content strategy to increase brand awareness and engagement as Storypark grows into North America. I manage the production of high quality video and social media content that provides real value to early childhood education professionals and communicates Storypark's unique purpose.
Additionally, for over five years I served as a video consultant to an in-house team at Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and continue to occasionally work with them to support their high-stakes, larger-scale video projects. This commercial video experience has helped me to develop strong communication and organisational skills and the ability to work well with many different teams.
My filmmaking experience is extensive. I have acted as named roles in three feature films, directed two award winning short films, and spent a year as an intern at the Gibson Group writing coverage on screenplays. I have studied acting at the Court Theatre and trained with many screen experts. As a director I have trained with internationally renowned acting coach Miranda Harcourt and Character Based Improvisation expert Robert Marchand.
I was awarded the Outstanding Student award at The New Zealand Film and Television School and was the selected director for the graduation short film. Birdsong was the first ever film from the school to receive international recognition at several festivals, including the Best Foreign Film award at IndieFest USA. Upon graduation, I directed and co-wrote the sci-fi short film Space Trash Men which was nominated for the Special Jury Award at Show Me Shorts and had several pay-per-view and on-demand deals, including a regular spot on TVNZ on demand.
Aside from my videography work in Christchurch, I am a husband and a dad to two daughters. In spare moments I am learning how to program in C# and use the Unity game engine to create my own interactive artworks. And I'm always writing, be it screenplays or stories for my daughters.
I have released my first videogame (Super Mayor) on Steam, two apps on iOS, and one on Google Play. In 2025 I went to Cologne, Germany to pitch my next game Davy Jones' Deckhand at Gamescom, the world's largest gaming convention. I also exhibited this project at PAX Australia.
What clients say
“Ben understands business objectives and consistently creates engaging, outcome focused work. I'm always blown away by Ben's initiative and efficiency, from scoping and budgeting to directing and editing we know we can rely on Ben to pull it all together even with tight time constraints.”
— Jamie MacDonald, CEO Storypark
“Ben's expertise, creativity and character means he is always the first name on our list for any major project. Whether it's scripting, directing, filming or in post-production, we can rely on Ben to fit in seamlessly with our team, and lead any project with professionalism and positivity.”
— Aarron Chittock, Producer, Fire and Emergency New Zealand
“Ben's calm composure and professionalism made everyone feel at ease and he seemed to quickly 'get' what we were trying to say and do. He managed to pull everything together quickly and efficiently and along with his wonderful voice-overs, we were thrilled with the end product. We now have a suite of engaging videos that really showcase our application.”
— Deborah Grover, Director, Beagle Innovations
“I had the pleasure of working with Ben on a recent project, and I cannot recommend him enough! From start to finish, he was professional, reliable, and great behind the camera (shooting and interviewing). One of the things I appreciated most about Ben was his ability to work under pressure. Given the sensitive nature of our project, we needed someone who could think on their feet, adapt to changing circumstances, and keep a low profile. Ben did all that and more, always finding creative solutions to unexpected challenges.”
— Zaina Razzaq, Basis
“I researched his background, watched all of his films I could online, and was impressed by the nuanced performances and precise story telling in each film, even his earliest ones. On set I found him unflappable and clear on what he wanted in each scene.”
— Peter Feeney, Actor (Black Sheep, 30 Days of Night, Spartacus)
“Ben's impeccable old-school manners and knowledge of film processes is unexpected and refreshing from someone so young. He has an exceptional work ethic - getting the job done without any compromise to quality and deadlines. We look forward to collaborating with him again on future projects.”
— Charlie Lee, Scratch Design
“Ben is a truly gifted director. He has strong creative vision and is able to articulate this with crystal clarity. He gives insightful feedback and always maintains a high team morale.”
— Ewan Clark, Composer (Turn of the Screw, Doubt: The Scott Watson Case)
“Ben takes on responsibility and total care for his assigned duties and one could rely on his total commitment to assigned tasks and responsibilities. Ben is a commendable and valued member in his team and is recognised as a mentor amongst his colleagues and peers.”
— Sashi Meanger, Executive Director, The New Zealand Film and Television School
Ready to work together?
Get in touch to discuss your project — I'd love to help.
Trusted by
Awards & recognition
Outstanding Student Award
The New Zealand Film and Television School — selected director for the graduation short film.
Best Foreign Film
IndieFest USA — Birdsong (2013), the first NZFTVS film to receive international recognition.
Special Jury Award Nomination
Show Me Shorts — Space Trash Men (2015), with pay-per-view deals including TVNZ on demand.
Christchurch Runner-up
48 Hours Film Competition — Supernova (2012).