Ben Nadler Film

RECENT PROJECTS

My most recent credits for the year of 2023 have included a number of independent films as well as theatrical forays back onto the stage.
~ Iolanthe ~ "Strephon" ~ dir. Michael McFaden (Pittsburgh Savoyards)
~ Spring Band Concert ~ "Jason" ~ dir. Soren DeNiz (Play On Words)
~ In Unison ~ "Curt Dunnites" ~ dir. Jeff Lukeski (Jay Jinx Films)
~ The Next Generation ~ "Apollo" ~ dir. Steven Zhu (JHU-MICA Film Centre)
~ Click ~ "Percy" ~ dir. Maddie McBride (Point Park University)

Quarantine | Spring 2022

Through the pandemic, many of us have felt trapped in our own homes. Music artist and friend Owen Elphick, otherwise known as The OE (IG: @oeinpoetry), brought his listeners the song "Quarantine." Its music video illustrates the frustrations and deep emotions we have all felt while stuck in our mundane routines. I had the pleasure of directing/producing this project alongside Owen Elphick (artist), Gardner Reed (director of photography), and Moira Joy Smith (editor).

A Tribute to Pokémon Go! | Fall 2021

A fan film, this creative take on Pokémon Go! expresses the joy we have found playing a simple game on our phones. While COVID-19 has kept us separated, it has taught us the joy we find in the outside world simply by walking out our own front door. Working with my good friend, the talented dancer Adrienne Elion (IG: @adrienne.elion), I had the pleasure of shooting and editing this short passion project to bring this video to life.

Shadow Minds | Spring 2018 - Spring 2020

38th EVVY Awards:
Outstanding Field Television Series (WINNER)
Single-Camera Direction (NOMINEE)

39th EVVY Awards:
Outstanding Narrative Television Series (NOMINEE)
Outstanding Supporting Actor for the Screen (NOMINEE)

Shadow Minds tells the story of an urban college campus where students' fears and anxieties suddenly manifest as shadowy, murderous doppelgangers. Following Elliot, Jay, Em, and Gwen, this tumultuous web series features three webisodes in its first season that feature a portrayal of symptoms of mental illness with the goal of creating accurate and sensitive representation on screen. Season one won at the 38th EVVY Awards at Emerson College for Outstanding Field Television Series, with a nomination for Single-Camera Direction. Season two was nominated at the 39th EVVY Awards for Outstanding Television Series and Outstanding Supporting Actor for Screen and remains in post-production.

Visit the YouTube Channel

Why Tell Stories?

"Stories are the atoms that make up our creative world. We build them up to create histories for ourselves, for countries, for fantasies, for movements...

And I am one of those builders."

My passions fall into the realm of stories that improve our world. Gender, sexuality, mental health, wellness... These are all topics that need to come to the forefront in order to create change. As a media maker, I take my work seriously. My projects, ranging from children's theater to Pokémon fan films and everything in between, all have the goal of moving the dial in the direction of a safer, kinder, more inclusive society.

I want to help people by moving those who can take action, and inspiring those who otherwise feel disempowered. Storytelling can be the catalyst.

HONORS

LOS HUEVOS / 2019
Emerson 48 Hour Film Festival

Main writer and sound mixer of original 48-hour short film that won for Best Comedy at the final screenings for the 48 Hour Film Festival at Emerson College

SHADOW MINDS: SEASON ONE / 2019
Emerson Independent Video

Head writer, co-executive producer, and director of original web series that won for Outstanding Field Television Series and nominated for Oustanding Single-Camera Direction at Emerson College's 38th Annual EVVY Awards

META-HORROR / 2017
Steeltown Entertainment Project

Wrote, directed, and edited an original commercial for the Teen Film Contest that aired on Pittsburgh's Fox 53 while interning with Steeltown Entertainment Project

THE ART OF PLAY / 2016
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's Teen Media Awards

An original film that won first prize in the filmmaking category judged by the film non-profit Steeltown Entertainment Project