After publishing his fourth book in 2019, Ben chose to take a film-making course as part of his Year 9 studies at Kapiti College. As a writer and storyteller, he quickly developed a passion for film-making. Ben began writing scripts, directing, producing, and even acting in his own films.
Ben’s movies cater to an older audience, aimed at pre-teens and teenagers, making them more suitable for ages 13 and up, unlike his books, which are designed for younger children. If you want to check his full work, you can head to his YouTube channel here.
BEN'S FILM PORTFOLIO
2024
Party Mix Age Rating: 13+ July/2024 - Victoria University Interhall Competition Ben Spies – Writer, Actor, Editor SYNOPSIS Two friends set out across Wellington, determined to find the perfect lolly mix for an epic party. But what starts as a simple mission quickly spirals out of control.
2023
It's Always Bloody in Kāpiti Age Rating: 13+ November/2023 (Winner of the 2023 Kāpiti College KOSCARS Award - Best Year 13 Film) Ben Spies - Writer, Director, Camera, Editor, Producer SYNOPSIS In a quiet small town in Kāpiti, a mysterious rage virus spreads, turning the once-peaceful community into a place of chaos. As the outbreak reaches the local school, students find themselves trapped inside, fighting for survival against the infected—and each other. Tensions rise and alliances are tested as they search for an escape, hoping to find safety before the virus consumes them all.
40 Hour Fail Age Rating: 13+ November/2023 Kapiti College Year 13 Assessment (Winner of the 2023 Kāpiti College KOSCARS Award - Best Sound) Ben Spies - Writer, Director, Actor, Editor, Producer SYNOPSIS Four friends decide to self-document their experience taking on World Vision’s “40-Hour Famine” challenge, but their plan quickly unravels as unexpected challenges test their endurance, friendships, and even their sense of humor. With each hour feeling longer than the last, they’re pushed to their limits in ways they never imagined. Will they survive the challenge together, or will it drive them apart?
The Journey Age Rating: PG September/2023 (International Youth Silent Film Festival) Ben Spies - Writer, Director, Actor, Director of Photography, Editor, Producer SYNOPSIS The Journey is a mesmerizing silent film that follows a mysterious Wizard on a quest to uncover a hidden treasure. Armed with an ancient map he stumbled upon, the Wizard recruits an unlikely band of adventurers—a swift Elf, a cunning Rogue, and a fearless Barbarian—to accompany him. Together, they embark on a perilous journey, navigating magical realms as they piece together the clues to reach their prize. Through gestures, expressions, and spellbinding visuals, this tale of silent courage reveals the power of friendship and the thrill of the unknown in their shared quest for treasure.
2022
No Pants Day Age Rating: 13+ September/2022 - Year 12 Assessment Kapiti College Ben Spies - Writer, Actor, Editor SYNOPSIS No Pants Day is a hilarious and unexpected comedy about four strangers who find themselves in the most awkward situation of their lives: they all lost their pants! As confusion and embarrassment settle in, they decide there’s only one way to make sense of it—by each telling their wild, tangled stories of how they ended up there. From quirky misunderstandings to outrageous mishaps, each tale sheds light on their unusual paths and unexpected common ground, leading to a laugh-out-loud journey of strange coincidences and newfound friendships.
2021
Repent Age Rating: 13+ October/2021 - Year 11 Assessment Kapiti College Ben Spies – Writer, Director, Actor, Camera, Editor, Producer SYNOPSIS Repent is a dark thriller that follows a relentless serial killer on a chilling mission: to punish those he deems sinners.