Ben Mullan recognised as 'One to Watch' at Into Film Awards

Ben Mullan (2018-23) was honoured to win the ‘Ones to Watch’ category at the Into Film Awards, which took place on 25 June at the Leicester Square Odeon in London. The ‘Ones to Watch’ award recognises inspirational young people who are on the cusp of making the leap into screen industry careers. Many celebrities were in attendance to support the young filmmakers and Ben was presented with his award by Jayden Revri and Zawe Ashton.

Ben learnt how to animate on a one-day course, aged 9, and began making his own films at age 11. To gain feedback on his animations and to reach a wider audience, he entered the Film of the Month competition organised by Into Film. He is currently the only young person to have won Film of the Month four times. He has also won Young Animator of the Year UK (Stop Motion 15-18 category) three years in row, which encouraged him to pursue a career as a stop motion animator.

After finishing his A levels in 2023, Ben started training online with the Aardman Academy, finishing their Stop Motion 1 and 2 industry standard courses by April 2024. He has invested his Into Film Awards prize money into a five week Stop Motion Professional course at Aardman Animations’ Gas Ferry Road studios in Bristol, which starts in August. This will enable him to produce a professional level showreel which he will use to apply for animator jobs in September 2024. Ben writes: 'I would love to work for Aardman Animations as a stop motion animator as I hugely admire the creativity of their work, and their dedication to excellence.'

Ben’s most recent work can be viewed on his Instagram account.and his earlier YAY and Into Film films can be seen on his Youtube channel.

Photo provided by Into Film.