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