Cinema Studies Alum, Ben Murphy, Succeeds in Work with Avatar Sequels
Ben Murphy, one of our first Cinema Studies cohort graduates in 2015, has been working on the newly released Avatar sequel since 2017. He has recently been promoted to 1st Assistant Editor in the mega-franchise!
Avatar: the Way of Water, is a December 2022 film release hitting the box offices in countries worldwide. This science fiction thriller is destined to bring folks to theaters throughout the holiday season.
The University of Tennessee School of Art, takes this opportunity to celebrate the work of our Alumni Ben Murphy as he enjoys a break between work on Avatar 2 and the next sequel, much of which has been filmed. “Working on the Avatar sequels,” he states, “has been the experience of a lifetime. I am very fortunate and grateful to be where I am. I hope I make everyone who helped me get here proud.”
Murphy came to the University of Tennessee from Cleveland, Tennessee, where he grew up. He began his studies in journalism with minors in cinema studies and theatre. During his sophomore year, the university opened Cinema Studies as a major area. Murphy took advantage of the opportunity. Paul Harrill, co-chair of the UT Cinema Studies program, stated, “Ben was one of my first students when I came to UTK. He had a lot of ambition, a lot of talent and he worked very hard. He was also an incredibly personable and kind student. It was a pleasure to have him in class.”
Of his education, Murphy says, “I take tremendous pride in where I grew up and was educated. The foundations of my skills as a filmmaker were made while I was at UT. Paul Harrill, Dr. Chuck Maland, Dr. Bob Legg, and the late, one and only, Dr. Bill Larsen were instrumental in my filmmaking education. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance and wisdom.”
After graduating, Murphy had the opportunity to be part of the American Cinema Editors Internship program. He moved from Tennessee to Los Angeles and began his career with the Warner Animation Group. One of his first big opportunities was working on The Lego Batman Movie. That opportunity led to others, and to the Avatar sequels.
Many scenes for the film were shot in New Zealand. In the image below Murphy is visiting Mt. Taranaki on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. He described his experience, saying, “Getting to live and work in New Zealand has been such a joy. I have made lifelong friends there, and I can’t recommended visiting the country enough. You will fall in love with their warmth, their hospitality, and the absolutely breathtaking landscapes of Aotearoa.”
Learn a little more about Ben Murphy at:
https://www.wvlt.tv/2022/12/19/ut-alum-works-avatar-way-water/
and on UT’s YouTube