ben lawrie / DIRECTOR
Documentaries for Brands & Broadcasters
extreme mountain challenge
2x60' BBC2 / BBC Worldwide, TX 2016
credits
LOST TREASURES OF ANGKOR:
secrets of laos
Executive Producer
An incredible discovery of ancient treasure in Laos opens a new window into the origins of one of the greatest civilisations in history.
2x44' for Nat Geo; 2x55' for PBS & SBS; 1x90' for Arte [NHNZWW] – coming soon!
LIMITLESS with chris hemsworth
Producer
“Illuminating” – New Scientist
Chris Hemsworth (Thor in the Marvel movies) embarks on an epic mission to transform himself, training for six extraordinary challenges.
6x50’ for National Geographic / Disney+ [Nutopia] – 2022.
WELCOME TO EARTH
Producer
“Hollywood blockbuster of a nature show” – The Guardian
Global superstar Will Smith explores Earth’s greatest wonders and its most surprising hidden secrets.
6x50’ for National Geographic / Disney+ [Nutopia] – 2021.
TECH FEST
Director / Executive Producer
The inside story of Tech Fest, a major new event investigating the future of urban mobility.
Filmed over two days at Central St Martins. Presented by TV personality George Lamb.
1x15’ for Land Rover [Flying Mile Films] – 2017
THE DAY THE DINOSAURS DIED
Producer / Director
“Intriguing” – Washington Post
Landmark, presenter-led project following a crack team of scientists on an expedition in Mexico.
1x60’ BBC2/NOVA [Barcroft Productions] – 2017
JAGUAR I-PACE: FULLY CHARGED
Director
Global launch film for the new Jaguar I-PACE. Transmitted to a live global audience on Facebook Live.
1x17’ for Jaguar [Flying Mile Films] – TX 2018
CITY IN THE SKY
Producer / Director
“Fresh and fascinating” – The Guardian
Landmark series presented by Dallas Campbell. Director of various sequences in UK and overseas, including a dramatic aerial opening sequence filmed in Bhutan.
3x60’ BBC2/PBS [BBC Science] – 2016
OUT OF CONTROL
Producer / Director
“Incredible” – The Guardian
The mysterious world of the unconscious mind. Filmed in Canada, USA (New York, Arizona & Ohio) and UK.
1x60’ BBC2 [BBC Science] – 2012
JAPAN EARTHQUAKE
Producer / Director
Documentary made in just 13 days following the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
Dr Iain Stewart examines the causes and consequences of the disaster.
1x60’ BBC2 [BBC Science] – 2011
HOW THE EARTH WAS MADE
Producer / Director
Spectacular story of the volcanoes of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Filmed in Alaska, California and Washington state.
13x45’ History Channel [Pioneer Productions] – 2009
THE BIG QUESTION
Producer / Director
Ze Frank looks at the science of speed. A record-breaking freefall, supersonic aeroplanes, and a school bus with a fighter-jet engine. Filmed in California, Indiana & Florida.
1x46’ Discovery [Pioneer Productions] – 2009
CATASTROPHE
Producer / Director
“Superb” – The Daily Telegraph
Award-winning series looking at how Earth history is driven by catastrophe. Ep5, Survival Earth. Filmed in USA (California, Wyoming, Arizona, Alaska & Ohio), Iceland & UK.
5x50’ C4/Discovery [Pioneer Productions] – 2008
TWENTIETH CENTURY BATTLEFIELDS
Producer / Director
“History television at its best” – The Observer
Landmark series presented by Peter & Dan Snow. Unique CGI brings to life major battles. Ep.2, Midway: 1942. Filmed in California, Hawaii & UK.
8x60’ BBC2/Discovery [BBC Specialist Features] – 2007
DEVELOPMENT WORK
NHNZ
Creator two-part National Geographic series Lost Treasures of Angkor: Ancient Laos Revealed (2x55' Nat Geo / PBS / Arte, 2024).
FIRECRACKER FILM & TELEVISION
Music / adventure series with high-profile DJ. Pilot commissioned by Red Bull TV.
BBC HISTORY
Development of history projects for UK broadcast and international co-production.
Creator of landmark series Jungle Atlantis (2x60’ BBC2, 2014).
360 PRODUCTION
Development of history projects and management of development team.
Creator of BBC2 history series The Birth of Empire: The East India Company (3x60’ BBC2, 2014).
BBC SPECIALIST FEATURES
Jerusalem: An Anthem for England. Personal project commissioned through BBC. Nominee, Best Arts Documentary, Banff World Television Festival. (1x60' BBC4, 2007).
BBC HISTORY
Egypt. Landmark docudrama (6x60’ BBC1, 2005).
D-Day to Berlin. Drama documentary (3x60’ BBC1, 2004).
Black Flash: A Century of Black Footballers (1x60' BBC4, 2004).
The Brief Histories. High impact history show, pilot (1x30’ BBC3, 2003).