Ben Selkow, a talented and accomplished documentary film and non-fiction television director, executive producer, showrunner, and creative consultant, has left a profound mark on the industry with his extensive body of work showcased on a diverse range of prominent platforms, including the likes of Netflix, HBO, National Geographic, CNN, Sundance TV, Discovery, Participant Media, PBS/America ReFramed, Esquire Network, and at esteemed film festivals such as SXSW, Tribeca, Hot Docs, San Francisco, Zurich, and DOC NYC, to name a few.
Ben, a renowned television producer, has made a significant impact in the industry by producing a wide range of documentary specials and series. One of his most notable projects is the documentary special "Being Mary Tyler Moore" for HBO, which garnered a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Documentary Special.
Ben's professional journey began when he co-founded Good Trouble Studios, a boutique production company, alongside filmmaker James Adolphus. Prior to this, he worked as a co-executive producer on several projects, including the HBO and Adam McKay-produced docu-series "Q: Into the Storm" and "The Invisible Pilot".
Ben's expertise and creativity also shone through as an executive producer and director on the News & Docs Emmy-nominated Nat Geo docu-series "Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller". This impressive portfolio of work showcases Ben's ability to produce high-quality, engaging content that resonates with audiences.
Mariana van Zeller
Ben's impressive resume boasts an extensive background in film and television production, with a notable stint as executive producer and director on the 8-part hip-hop documentary series "Rapture", which showcased in-depth profiles on prominent artists such as Nas, 2 Chainz, T.I., Logic, Rapsody, G-Eazy, A Boogie wit a Hoodie, and the highly acclaimed super-producer Just Blaze.
In addition to his work on "Rapture", Ben has also lent his expertise to international documentary series, including the critically acclaimed "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown", which explored the culinary landscapes of the world. His other notable credits include directing and producing "Believer with Reza Aslan", a thought-provoking exploration of faith and spirituality, as well as "The Getaway" with Mos Def aka Yasiin Bey, Nat Faxon/Jim Rash, and Zachary Levi, a travel documentary series that took viewers on a thrilling journey to exotic destinations around the globe.
Ben's extensive and diverse documentary film portfolio delves into a multitude of pressing global issues, with a particular focus on social justice concerns that have far-reaching implications for humanity. Among the topics he has explored are mental health disorders, a subject that has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its profound impact on individuals and society as a whole.
In addition to shedding light on mental health, Ben has also directed his attention towards women's maternal health, a crucial issue that has been beset by numerous challenges and disparities around the world. His documentaries have tackled this subject with sensitivity and nuance, highlighting the importance of equitable access to healthcare and the devastating consequences of neglecting this vital aspect of women's well-being.
Furthermore, Ben's work has also investigated the intricate relationships between environmental degradation and mass conflict, a subject that has become increasingly pertinent in the face of climate change and its far-reaching consequences. Through his documentaries, he has sought to raise awareness about the interconnectedness of these issues and the urgent need for sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being of both people and the planet.
Ben's extensive travels have taken him to numerous countries across the globe, where he has produced and directed documentaries that capture the complexities and diversity of human experience. Some of the countries he has worked in include Vietnam, Japan, Morocco, Zambia, Haiti, India, Israel, the Dominican Republic, Korea, France, the Czech Republic, Chile, Mexico, and across the United States.
Through his work, Ben has demonstrated a deep commitment to storytelling that inspires empathy, understanding, and positive change. His documentaries have not only shed light on pressing global issues but have also helped to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility among audiences worldwide.
