Ben Ruffell is an award-winning cinematographer and Director of Photography working across New Zealand and Australia, based between Queenstown and the Gold Coast.
He specialises in commercial cinematography, automotive filmmaking and aerial production for advertising agencies, production companies and global brands.

With over 25 years of experience across high-end commercials, feature films, television and large-scale productions, Ben brings a strong balance of creative collaboration, technical precision and efficient on-set workflow to every project. His work is recognised for dynamic camera movement, natural lighting and cinematic visual storytelling.

Ben regularly collaborates with international directors and production teams on projects requiring complex logistics, action filming and challenging environments, including mountain and remote location shoots. His experience spans studio-based commercial work through to large-scale exterior productions with specialist vehicles, stunt coordination and aviation oversight.

Aerial cinematography is a core part of Ben’s production skillset. He is fully licensed for advanced drone operations in both New Zealand (CAA Part 102 Qualified Drone Operator) and Australia (CASA Licensed Drone Pilot), and is experienced in integrating aerial cinematography into commercial workflows where aviation compliance and safety coordination are essential. He also has experience working with full-scale helicopter aerial units on major productions.

In addition to his cinematography work, Ben is an accomplished camera operator and Second Unit DP on feature films and television productions, bringing strong camera department experience and collaborative on-set communication to larger crews.

Ben is a full member of the New Zealand Cinematographers Society (NZCS) and the Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS), and is available for projects across New Zealand and Australia.

Selected Awards & Recognition

• NZCS Bronze — Specialised Cinematography — Mitsubishi Industrial (2025)
• ACS Silver — Commercials — NIO: Winter (Director + DP) (2023)
• ACS Silver — Music Videos — Ricki-Lee: On My Own (2023)
• NZCS Bronze — Specialised Cinematography — Dawn Flight (2021)
• NZCS Gold — Specialised Cinematography — Mitsubishi Ski Lift (2019)
• NZCS Silver — Specialised Cinematography — Telus (2019)
• NZCS Bronze — Music Videos — Kuro Deko: A Ghost in Town (2018)
• NZCS Gold — Specialised Cinematography — Flying South (2016)
• NZCS Bronze — Commercials — Red Bull: Conquer Highlands (2016)
• Spikes Asia Silver — Commercial Film — Love from Land Rover (Director + DP) (2015)
• NZ Effie Gold — Automotive — Love from Land Rover (Director + DP) (2015)