Benjamin Korman is a filmmaker, writer, and community workshop practitioner based in Tokyo and New York.

Korman led a decade-long career as a producer in television, video, and theater, including a multi-year tenure as a house writer at the famous Upright Citizen's Brigade Theater, New York. He spent many years as a digital producer and editor at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where he co-created The Met's first podcast, online magazine, and animated children's video series.

In 2022, he relocated to Tokyo to pursue a MEXT research grant and study digital media in Japanese museums. In Japan, he initiated a community-based art practice, leading diverse participants in participatory, co-intentional filmmaking and theater workshops.

He also works as an independent audio producer and has written and produced many audio guides and podcasts in North America and Asia.

CV

Born in 1989 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Lives and works in Tokyo and New York

 

Education

2007-2011: BFA Writing, Specialization in Printmaking, Pratt Institute. Brooklyn, New York, USA

2023-2025: MPhil Art Studies and Curatorial Practices, Tokyo University of the Arts, Graduate School of Global Art, Tokyo, Japan

2025-ongoing: PhD Art Practice, Tama Art University, Graduate School of Art and Design, Tokyo Japan

 

Selected Workshops and Group Exhibitions

2024     “Koganecho Community Videomaking Workshop,” (Workshop Leader) Koganecho Area Management Center, Yokohama, Japan

2024     “Step on the Threshold,” (Co-curator and Workshop Leader) Chinretsukan Gallery, Tokyo University of the Arts and Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan

2023     “Ade Darmawan Speculative Collective Workshop,” (Workshop Facilitator) Koganecho Area Management Center, Yokohama, Japan

2023     “Stilllive Studies: Extraterrestrial Stand-Up Comedy Workshop,” (Workshop Leader) Yurakucho Art Urbanism, Tokyo, Japan

2022     “Performance Lab: The Reconstructed History of Coming into Being,” (Performer) Taki Plaza, Tokyo University of the Arts, Tokyo, Japan

2022     “Performance Lab: Crystal Clear,” (Exhibiting Artist) Nakacho-no-Ie, Tokyo, Japan

 

Professional Experience

2023-ongoing                   Assistant Editor, Art Week Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

2018-2022                           Producer and Editor, Digital, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York

2018                                      Editorial Assistant, The Guggenheim Museum, New York, New York

2016-2018                           House Writer, The Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater, New York, New York

2016-2017                           Curator and Editor, Podcasts and Short-form Audio, Audible, Newark, New Jersey

2015                                      Producer, “The Heavenly Creature Feature,” People’s Improv Theater, New York, New York

2014-2015                           Video Producer, PitTV, New York, New York

2014-2016                           News Editor, Flipboard, Brooklyn, New York

2014-2016                           Writer’s Assistant, “Live from New York” and “Powerhouse” by James Andrew Miller & Tom Shales, Brooklyn, New York

2013-2016                           Writer and Producer, Hundred Years Video, Brooklyn, New York

2011-2013                           Associate Producer, “The B.S. of A. with Brian Sack,” New York, New York

2010-2011                           Weekend Update Intern, “Saturday Night Live,” NBC-Universal, New York, New York

2010                                      Visitor Services Associate, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn, New York

2009-2010                           Editorial Intern, Believer Magazine, Brooklyn, New York

2008 Intern, “The New York Neo-Futurists,” Kraine Theatre, New York, New York

2007-2011                           Communications Assistant, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York

2007-2011                           Host and Producer, “Whalehammer,” PTV (CATV Network), Purchase, New York

2006                                      Production Intern, “Artworks this Week,” Maryland Public Television, Owings Mills, Maryland

 

Freelance clients include Acoustiguide Japan, Deeper Japan, VICE, Port B, The Hard Times, Funny or Die, Disney/Hyperion, Tokyo University of the Arts, Spotdraft, Squarefoot, Encore/Eclectic Props, Billd, and more.

 

Awards

2022     Webby Awards, (Official Honoree, Video - Science & Education for #MetKids Microscope), International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences New York, New York

2009     Academy of American Poets College Prize, Academy of American Poets, Brooklyn, New York

 

Grants

2025-2028         MEXT Doctoral Research Grant, Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan

2023-2025         MEXT Masters Research Grant, Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan

2022-2023         MEXT Research Grant, Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan