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About

BITESIZE

Filmmaker. Podcaster. Lifehacker. I share stories about life in Sydney, travel and people who inspire me.

BUFFET

I’m an award-winning Writer and Director from Sydney, Australia. My passion for movies was ignited when I worked at an arthouse cinema while studying filmmaking and law at university. I’ve worked in the media industry for more than 10 years, writing screenplays, directing short films and producing branded online content.

Avatar - Ben Phelps (Nov 2013)Specialising in the Drama/Thriller genre, my films are underpinned by contemporary cultural themes that reflect my immediate environment. Anticipating the community tension that led to the infamous Cronulla riots in Sydney, my film CHECKPOINT (funded by Screen NSW) depicted an emotional encounter between a Lebanese-Australian family and a group of hostile soldiers. I continued to explore Australian race relations with NICE SHOOTIN’ COWBOY (funded by Screen Australia), a portrayal about the complexity of racial identity from the perspective of an Aboriginal teenage father.

My films have resonated with global audiences, garnering more than 20 awards and been selected for Official Competition in 100 international festivals, including 40 Academy Awards accredited festivals. Highlights include major prizes in Australia, USA, Canada, France, Italy, Spain and Russia. CHECKPOINT won the Jury Prize at Montreal Film Festival and a Dendy Award at Sydney Film Festival. NICE SHOOTIN’ COWBOY became one of only 80 films eligible for the Oscars after winning Best Short Film at Austin Film Festival. Check out the full list of Awards and Festivals. Both films were picked up for international distribution by Flickerfest and Arenafilm for broadcast in 6 countries, including SBS TV in Australia. I’m also an alumnus of the competitive creative lab, Accelerator, at Melbourne International Film Festival.

THE HITMAN’S COOKBOOK, a feature screenplay co-written with Gabriel Dowrick, was a semi-finalist in the prestigious screenwriting competition at Austin Film Festival and a finalist in the acclaimed international competition, Script Pipeline. Our feature screenplay, CONTROL ROOM, was also a finalist in Script Pipeline and is being produced by Assemble Media. Check out the 2-minute sizzle reels we created to find out more. We’re also thrilled that our first TV series, a Crime/Drama titled RABBIT HOLE, is being produced by veteran Australian producer, Lisa Scott (ANZAC GIRLS, JANET KING).

I love sharing stories and fostering discussion so hit me up on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to chat about filmmaking, podcasts and lifehacks!