From 800 Movies in Lockdown to Directing Apple TV’s Slow Hor

The Pandemic Project That Changed Everything

During the coronavirus lockdown in 2020, Benjamin Williams embarked on an extraordinary cinematic journey. The lifelong film enthusiast watched 800 films while confined to his home. However, this wasn’t merely a way to pass time-it became the foundation for a remarkable career transformation.

“I just found the time. Plus, it was Covid – I was bored,” said the now 28-year-old, looking back.

The Malvern-based filmmaker has since worked with Marvel, served as an assistant director on Apple TV’s hit series Slow Horses, and collaborated with Hollywood legends including Sir Gary Oldman and Dame Kristin Scott Thomas. Furthermore, his journey from animation dreams to Hollywood production represents one of the most compelling career pivots to emerge from the pandemic era.

Early Inspiration and Film Education

Williams’s passion for visual storytelling began long before the pandemic. Initially, he dreamed of becoming an animator, inspired by beloved productions like Avatar: The Last Airbender and Pokemon. Consequently, he pursued film studies at Hereford Sixth Form College, an experience that proved transformative.

The educational journey “opened a whole world” for him, according to Williams. Moreover, it provided the technical foundation and industry knowledge necessary to navigate the competitive entertainment landscape. As a result, he gained the confidence to pursue increasingly ambitious projects within the film and television industry.

Breaking Into High-Profile Productions

Williams’s career trajectory accelerated rapidly after his lockdown film education. He secured positions on some of the most prestigious productions in contemporary television and cinema. Nevertheless, his work on Slow Horses stands out as particularly significant to his professional development.

The spy thriller series, based on Mick Herron’s best-selling novel, premiered in 2022. Additionally, a seventh season is scheduled for release in 2027. The show follows Oldman as the crude boss of failed or disgraced MI5 agents banished to a building called Slough House.

Navigating the Production Department

“I have signed many NDAs [non-disclosure agreements] over the years, and obviously, Slow Horses has been one of them. I can’t say anything about it – obviously the cast and crew are amazing – it’s a very wonderful show to work on. That’s probably the one I’ve learnt the most on, because that’s the one I’ve spent the most amount of time on,” he said.

In his role, Williams worked extensively in the production department, handling logistics, paperwork, and call sheets. Furthermore, he managed schedules in what he describes as “a very heavy admin-based role.” However, his responsibilities occasionally extended beyond administrative duties.

“I actually have worked on the floor for a couple of days because I’m also an AD [assistant director] as well… which I love doing,” Williams explained.

Working With Hollywood Legends

Williams describes Oldman as the biggest star he has worked with to date. The experience of collaborating with the award-winning actor created unforgettable moments throughout the production process.

“That is a pinch-me moment every time you see him. He is pretty cool. He’s a pretty cool dude,” he said.

His impressive resume also includes work on Marvel’s VisionQuest, which releases later this year. Moreover, he contributed to The Christophers with Sir Ian McKellen, though only for a week of additional photography.

“I did a lovely film, only a week on it just for additional photography, called The Christophers, with Sir Ian McKellen, who I was very fortunate just to briefly meet. There’s such an incredible aura around him of just, ‘Oh god, it’s Ian McKellen’,” Williams recalled.

Expanding the Portfolio

Williams’s career continues to diversify across multiple high-profile projects. He worked on Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan with John Krasinski, demonstrating his versatility across different genres and production styles. Additionally, his experience extended to reality television with the Squid Games reality show.

Another significant project involved the Peaky Blinders film, Immortal Man. This opportunity allowed him to meet Cillian, albeit briefly.

“I did get to meet Cillian, but again, very similar to Ian, I was just like, ‘Hi, cool, move on, great’, which was really fun,” Williams shared.

Creating Original Work

Beyond his assistant director roles, Williams has directed his own short film titled Keys. The project premiered at a festival, marking an important milestone in his transition from crew member to creative leader. Consequently, this achievement demonstrates his growing confidence as a filmmaker in his own right.

The short film represents the culmination of years of on-set learning and observation. Furthermore, it showcases his ability to apply lessons learned from working alongside industry veterans. As a result, Williams is building a foundation for future directing opportunities.

The Lockdown Legacy

Williams’s story illustrates how the pandemic period, despite its challenges, created unexpected opportunities for career development. Those 800 films viewed during lockdown weren’t simply entertainment-they served as an intensive masterclass in cinematography, storytelling, and directorial techniques.

His rapid ascent from film student to working with Oscar winners and major franchises demonstrates the value of combining passion with opportunity. Moreover, his willingness to start in administrative roles and work his way toward on-set directing positions reflects a pragmatic approach to career building in the competitive entertainment industry.

From Malvern to Hollywood sets, Williams’s journey continues to evolve. As he accumulates experience across diverse productions, his career trajectory suggests even more ambitious projects lie ahead. Ultimately, his story serves as inspiration for aspiring filmmakers navigating their own paths into the industry.