I have known Ben now since soon after he first joined the Film Industry. Ben worked hard moving through the ranks starting as a clapper loader and now here he is a distinguished DOP. Ben works with total commitment and exceptional consistency. The high calibre of work he has achieved over the last few years as a DOP speaks for itself. Ben is a fantastically talented man and is always a total pleasure to have on any project.

Barbara Williams
Producer
SHOOT NZ

Ben Ruffell has worked as a camera operator for Attitude Pictures Ltd and RSVP Productions Ltd for a period of three years. Our company produces more than 30 hours of television each year for New Zealand’s premier network TV One. Ben is our camera operator of choice when working in the South Island but he has also been on the directors’ lists of all time favorites and filmed overseas projects for us also.
My personal background is in documentary and news and current affairs. Ben shares this experience, which I believe provides a wicked blend. He has a good eye and loves any opportunity to take the time to select that perfect shot. Yet he can also work under pressure and deliver.
But if you spoke to any of our directors the first thing they would say is that he is “fantastic to work with”. And to me that is a stand out quality when selecting a camera operator – someone who is willing to take direction, works well in a team and is well liked by the talent, ensuring the best outcome for everyone.
I readily recommend his work!

Robyn Scott-Vincent
Producer/ Company Director
Attitude Pictures

Ben has an easy, considerate and professional manner with talent and collaborative approach to story telling. His camera work is extremely versatile; following fast action, quickly reacting to capture crucial conversation in real-life settings, and carefully constructed lit scenes.

Emma Calveley
Director
Attitude Pictures

Ben Ruffell has filmed many projects for us covering a wide range: interviews, helicopter, radical and difficult cliff top and river locations from north to south in NZ, snow capped mountains at minus 20 at midnight, cinematography (ads), documentary / reality TV (five days straight twenty hours a day).
He is the best I have ever worked with. Thoughtful, creatively inspired and he's an excellent communicator.
Ben's preparation is without compare and because of this he always gets the shot, the sound bite or whatever.
His ability makes things happen, and he's always trying new stuff and looking for better more innovative options.
His lighting is better than most stills people I have ever shot with.
The comments above are both sincere and without exaggeration.
I am sure any other references for Ben's work will be equally compelling.

Tim Schneideman
Charles Lloyd

I have just finished 5 brilliant days shooting with Ben. I approached Ben through a recommendation and he certainly held up to his good reputation. Ben went over and above his call of duty and was a pleasure to work with . I really appreciated his technical knowledge and creative understanding and we were able to work very effectively and efficiently.  We captured some stunning images and Ben was able to deliver exactly to my vision. I would definitely work with Ben again and pass on the recommendation for your next job.

Darren Simmonds
Director

I was looking for a Cinematographer for a short film that was funding through Creative New Zealand and the Film Commission, it was a low budget short film and we needed to find someone who was up for this challenge and had all the skills.  Ben was recommended, so we worked together on a music video for Hanna Grace and I was absolutely pleased with the professionalism, the great pictures, and the on set attitude that Ben offers as a DP and as a person. The video looked great and we continued toward the short film which challenge us due to budget, time, and resources. But this didn’t show in Ben’s work, he was so dedicated and committed to making this a great film.  I really enjoyed working with Ben and look forward to working with Ben again.

Sally Tran
Director

I have worked with Ben on several projects and I am always happy with him. He is courteous, happy and always keen to do a good job. With his full camera / grip / sound package he is very versitale and I never have to worry about the technical aspect of any shoot as Ben has thought of it and solved it before I even have to worry.

David White
Producer
White Balance Pictures

I have worked with Ben, the last four winters on key winter snow events in Wanaka New Zealand, including, 'The Burton Open', 'World FIS halfpipe Championships and the 'Winter Games'. It was crucial that the footage was of a high standard and that all competitors were filmed, this is a high pressure situation and takes immense skill, Ben had no problems delivering the shots needed to for post production

Trinity Ludlow
Editor
Monarch Post

I first met Ben Ruffell on the set of Hercules in 1997 and from day one Ben was helpful and generous with his knowledge. I have worked with Ben in many Documentary and filming situations from the tops of snow covered mountains to the muddy fields and sand dune sets used in Hercules and Xena. Ben has an extensive camera kit and also survival equipment and is always prepared for every situation. When ever I have a technical question about camera equipment Ben is my first call as I know he is thorough in his research and experience with equipment. I appreciate Ben's technical skills and the aesthetics he brings to his camera work. I always look forward to working with Ben as I count him as not just a college but a friend and know that even the hardest days at work are made lighter and brighter in his company

Wendy Adams
Sound Recordist

I've worked with Ben a number of times. He is well organised, his equipment is immaculate and he has a comprehensive technical understanding of the gear he shoots with and supplies. Ben is independant and reliable. He gathers shots in sequences and can light an interview or scene beautifully. I'm a Television Cameraman and Ben is professional colleague I will contact if I need advice or support. I recommend him highly.

James Ellis
Cameraman

Ben Ruffell is an excellent news cameraman who displays initiative, imagination and flair on all his assignments.
Confident and courteous, Ben is a valuable member of my stringer team and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to any producer. Just don't take him out of Queenstown on long assignments!

Phil Corkery
Christchurch Bureau Chief TV3