BEN KOLAK IS A CHICAGO FILMMAKER WITH GLOBAL CONNECTIONS.
Working as a videographer and editor, Ben creates rich content for clients in the arts, advertising, and education sectors, getting his start while still an undergraduate at the University of Chicago (AB ‘06, Cinema Studies).
In addition to directing feature films like Scrappers and Schizo Cool, Ben coordinates productions, such as the art films of Catherine Sullivan, Crime Fiction (2007 Slamdance Film Festival) and Thax (2007 Chicago Underground Film Festival).
Ben maintains a 2500 sq. ft production studio on Chicago’s near west side, an extensive equipment inventory, a work van and a dynamic network of freelancers. He is available as a videographer, editor, production coordinator, and VJ, as well as for equipment rentals. He maintains low overhead, employs innovative cost-saving production processes and pursues sustainability in all his endeavors. Rates vary based on project and season but are always extremely competitive.
Feb 03
SELECT CLIENTS:
Catherine Edelman Photography Gallery
Killians & Co. Advertising
Calumet Photographic
Big Shoulders Fund
The University of Chicago
Julia Burke Foundation
Meadville Lombard Theological School
Public Interest Research Group
Feb 02
SELECT PROJECTS:
SCRAPPERS:
(Documentary Feature; Director & Cinematographer)
2010 Chicago Underground Film Festival, Winner Best Documentary & Audience Award
2010 3-channel video installation, High Concept Laboratories, Chicago
2009 Chicago Instructional Technology Fund Award
THE SOUTHSIDE HAS MANY BEAUTY QUEENS:
dir. Ricardo Gamboa (Narrative Short; Cinematographer, Editor)
2010 Chicago Latino Film Festival, Winner Audience Award
TRIANGLE OF NEED:
dir. Catherine Sullivan (8 channel film transferred to video; Assistant Director, Installation Supervisor)
2007 Walker Arts Center, Minneapolis
2008 Metro Pictures Gallery, New York
2008 Royal Academy, London
2008 Gwangju Biennale, South Korea
LULU:
dir. Catherine Sullivan (4-channel film transferred to video; Assistant Director, Installation Supervisor)
2007 Volksbuehne Theater, Berlin
2009 CCS Bard Hessel Museum, New York
CRIME FICTION:
dir. Will Slocombe (Narrative Feature; Assistant Director, Co-Producer)
2007 Slamdance Film Festival, Park City, Utah
2007 GenArt Chicago Film Festival
2008 National Distribution through Anthem DVD
THAX:
dir. Alex Mackenzie (Documentary Feature; Producer)