Ben Senior
Ben Senior is an independent filmmaker currently working in Chicago. A student of the Infinity Arts Academy Film Department run by Kevin Lucero Less, Senior has developed a taste for films that seek to ask questions and force the audience to think. He has written and directed over 20 films with the help of IAA, as well as writing and directing several projects of his own. As of Fall 2018, Senior has started production on his first independently produced feature film, titled “The Fall”, with the help of fellow high school students. His dedication to the art form and original perspective make for a talented and provocative filmmaker.
OFFICIAL FESTIVAL SELECTIONS/AWARDS
W.H.Y.Y. Youth Media Awards, How To: Be a Man, Winner 2nd Place (Open Category) 2018
Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, How To: Be A Man 2018
Princeton Garden Theatre Film Festival, How To: Be a Man 2018
All-American High School Film Festival, Velveeta 2018
Chicago Horror Film Festival, Pawn 2018
Greg Harris Film Festival, Velveeta, Best Dialogue 2018
Illinois International Film Festival, Pawn, Winner Best Experimental Film 2018
Infinity Arts Academy, Winner Lucy Award “Outstanding Achievement in Film” 2018
Chicago Horror Film Festival, The Routine 2017
Illinois International Film Festival, The Routine, Winner Best Student Film 2017
CREATIVE WORK
The Fall, Drama 2019
Writer, Director, Producer, Editor
A new draft of my original concept for The Fall, extended to feature length (60 PGS). This draft is more realistic and personal, a new direction for me. Premiering summer 2019.
How To: Be A Man, Experimental 2018
Writer, Director, Editor
Taking inspiration from the social etiquette how-to videos of the 1950’s, this film offers a unique critique of toxic masculinity. Produced as the final project of Emerson College’s 16mm Production class. Written, shot and edited in two weeks.
Linked, Screenplay, Romance/Comedy 2018
Writer
The story of a man named Todd, as he attempts to manage the two women in his life. Written at Emerson College’s 16mm Screenwriting class. First draft completed in a week.
Ben And SJ’s Festival Experience, 30 mins, Documentary 2018
Writer, Director, Editor
A documentary about my experience at the 2018 Illinois International Film Festival, where I was able to screen one of my previous films, Pawn. The documentary also focuses on what it is to be an independent artist as a whole. Pitched, shot and edited in a week.
Fox Hunting, Action/Thriller 2018
Co-Writer, Director, Editor
Script conceived and written for the IAA Films spring session to replace The Writer’s Room. Drafted in two weeks.
Velveeta, 10 min, Comedy 2018
Director, Editor
A short film about a boy, his girl, his dog, and his lunch. Produced with the help of Jordyn Pritsker and the New Trier High School film program.
Pawn, 20 min, Drama 2017
Writer, Director, Editor
A short film about a single mother attempting to protect her daughter from a mysterious yet familiar figure. Produced with the help of the New Trier High School film program.
The Front, 45 min, War/Drama 2017
Co-Writer, Co-Director, Actor, Co-Editor
A feature film set in a dystopian future where most adults have died fighting a war, and their children are forced to take up arms.
Mens Rea, 20 min, Thriller 2017
Co-Writer, Co-Director, Actor, Editor
A short film about a woman forced to work late in a law office, when strange things begin to happen. This film was completed over the course of five days.
Cosmos Hunters III: The Adventure Continues*, 13 min, Space Opera 2017
Director, Editor
A short space opera about the adventures of Captain Wolf and the USS Miami. This film was completed in three days with the help of IAA summer campers.
Disjoin, 60 min, Horror 2017
Co-Writer, Co-Director, Co-Producer, Actor
A feature film about three teenage ghost hunters who come into contact with an evil force.
The Fall, Screenplay, Drama (unproduced) 2017
Writer
A screenplay for a feature film about the rise and fall of a relationship.
The Routine, 35 min, Psychological Thriller 2016
Co-Writer, Director, Producer, Editor
A short film about a man driven mad by the monotony of daily life.
In the Shadows, 26 min, Film Noir 2016
Co-Writer, Co-Director, Co-Editor, Actor
A film noir short about a detective who is approached by an old friend to tail his wife.
The Animus, 54 min, Horror 2016
Co-Writer, Co-Director, Co-Editor, Leading Role
A feature film about the tragedy of a young boy who was mauled by a dog, and the lengths he goes to in order to get revenge on those he believes wronged him. This is the only feature film I have starred in with IAA.
Sally Makes a Friend, 50 min, Comedy 2016
Co-Writer, Co-Director, Co-Editor, Actor, Co-Editor
A feature film mockumentary about a fake Disney-esque sitcom titled “Sally Makes a Friend.” The film chronicles the emotional journey of actors and crew during the last episode’s taping.
The Mentality, Novella, Sci-Fi/Psychological Thriller 2015
Writer
A story about a man who journeys through his mind to unlock the capacity of his brain and cure his rare form of brain cancer. Written during National Novel Writing Month.
Mealtime, 11 min, Avant-Garde/Drama 2015
Writer, Director, Editor
A short film about the plot to murder a successful businessman named Jerry, all shot from the perspective of several dinner tables.
Contemplation, 7 min, 2015 Drama 2015
Writer, Director, Leading Role, Editor
A short film about the character of the Joker and how he copes with his madness. This film was intended to be an acting exercise for me, but I turned it into something more.
The Fifth Business, 7 min, Drama 2015
Writer, Director, Editor
A short film about a detective who meets a woman he hasn’t seen in many years. I worked with professional adult actors on this project.
The Town That Wore Brainwashing Granny Hats, 46 min, Comedy 2015
Co-Writer, Co-Director, Actor, Co-Editor
A feature film that satirizes American life, likening the population to zombies brainwashed by technology and social media.
Aftermath, 65 min, Drama 2015
Co-Director, Actor
A feature film about a young girl whose mother is killed in a plane crash and the steps she takes to overcome her depression.