DIRECTOR. FOUNDER. STORYTELLER.

My name is Ben Hemmings.
I'm the Founder and Executive Director of Mainspring Agency

DOCUMENTARY DIRECTOR

Films & Documentaries

I've spent the last decade making independent documentaries and impact films for conservation organizations, nonprofits, and brands working on things that matter. Grazed Right and Salted Earth won awards internationally and my work has taken me across South America, Africa, Europe, Asia and North America, often working with communities living at the edge of environmental and social change.

FOUNDER

Mainspring Video Agency

I founded Mainspring Agency after walking away from a career in finance. We run campaigns designed to drive results – impact films for nonprofits, comms for universities, and sales-driven campaigns for purpose-driven brands that value authenticity and want to tell their story in a meaningful way.

WRITER & SPEAKER

Words & Ideas

I write and speak regularly on leadership, workplace culture, creative industries, and the importance of authenticity in the age of AI. My writing has appeared in the Ottawa Business Journal, Tech Bullion, Grit Daily, and Featured.com. I've spoken at venues including NYU, international film festivals, marketing award ceremonies, and with the Ottawa Board of Trade. My central themes are: building real businesses around real people, and why human creativity matters more than ever, and the value of authentic storytelling.

VOLUNTEER

Boards & Service

Outside of client work, I sit on boards and contribute to organizations working in conservation, education, and the arts. It's the part of my career I find the most rewarding.I recently stepped off the ACEER Foundation Board, remaining on their Marketing Committee. I am currently looking for values-aligned board opportunities in Canada.

CONTACT

Say Hello!

Whether it's a film project, a brand campaign, a speaking gig, a writing opportunity, or just a coffee, I'd love to hear from you.Message me on LinkedIn or Instagram and we'll take it from there.