Benjamin Chesterton tells stories for charities and commercial clients. He reveals his experiences working for BBC, Radio 4 and the World Service, and starting his own production company.
Photo © Benjamin Chesterton
How did you become a filmmaker?
I started out in radio, living and working in a cafe/gallery in Liverpool by day, and by night making little radio features that went out on the local radio station.
Many of the stories I recorded would be about the customers who came into the cafe. They got me noticed, and within a couple of
Tell us about your filmmaking style
Heartfelt, intensely personal storytelling. When you watch a
What type of films are you most passionate about making?
Telling the stories of people whose voices might not otherwise be heard. Young women like
There's this moment when the person you’ve made the film with watches it back. It's really exciting but it's also terrifying. When you get it
What makes a good story?
A good storyteller. Who is open and honest and surprising. In
People are more important than films. Tread gently and kindly, and you'll be fine.
What is so special about storytelling through film?
I think you can get close to someone by looking into their eyes. From being thrown into their world, and out of yours, if only for a moment. That’s very special.
Tell us about a Memorable Assignment
A couple of years ago, we were asked to make a film for one of the Queen’s charities. We were working in Northern Kenya with an eye specialist called
When he started at the hospital he worked alone with just one nurse, treating fifteen people a day. But slowly, he built a team and last year they treated 20,000 people for avoidable blindness. For me,
What tips do you have for aspiring documentary filmmakers?
Make friends with other filmmakers and collaborate. It’s the quickest way to learn. Get yourself a really good pair of shoes. Finally, dream a lot.
Did you have a mentor?
Last year, I went on the filmmaker Werner Herzog's Rogue Film School (a man who claims he never dreams). It was very intense and eye-opening. Herzog is
See more of Benjamin's work on the
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1 Comment
I remember Benjamin Chesterton as a young man fresh out of University. He worked out of a bed sit in Sefton Park, Liverpool helping those who, because of personal circumstances, were unable to help themselves. Quite unknown and without any monetary reward he gave freely of his time helping anyone and everyone to strive for a quality of live that was there for the taking. There are no monuments for people like Benjamin other than the love that lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.