education

University of Wisconsin-Madison | BA 2009, History

AdHouse Advertising School | New York, NY
Concepting Creatively (Feb.-April 2011)
Introduction to Creative Process (Sept.-Dec. 2010)

Ethical Culture Fieldston School | Class of 2005

ACHIEVEMENTS

Broke the alleged "witch-hunt conspiracy" against former-Mets' reliever Jenrry Mejia for The New York Times. Mejia became the first player to receive a life-time ban for illegal substances. The story was the lead feature in the sports section (in print), and was then reported on by every national publication. 

Production lead on Montefiore-Einstein’s ‘Solo,’ a five-minute film which won multiple Lions at 2024 Cannes.

Voiced Comcast Business’ Built for Business 2014 National TV & Radio campaign.

REVIEWS

“With every new project that has come up recently, the entire team immediately shouted, ‘We need Ben back on this!’ You have shown such versatility, flexibility, and creative partnership and collaboration. Just what we need on a crazy ride like this.”

Carina De Blois, Ogilvy | Chief Client Officer / Executive Partner

“We just saw the latest round of rough cuts for the Tina Fey ‘Pay It Plan It’ work, and it went really well!  All of our comments and even additional, proactive explorations were addressed with what felt like a crazy fast turnaround.  When I probed about what’s different this time, Zoe and Jaime (creative and account leads) called out Ben for being an amazing partner.  He’s managed to keep so many tracks moving for us with the ‘Pay It Plan It‘ work that I’m confused whether he actually sleeps.  In fact, we’re so dependent on him that I started calling other male producers ‘Ben’ regardless of their actual name.  Note: this is actually true.  The team can verify. In short, Ben is a gem, and we are incredibly thankful to have him as the backbone of this project.”

Jeannie Chu, American Express | VP / Social Media, Content, & Digital Marketing

“[The NewFront ‘Caveman & Astronaut’ film] is one of the best examples of stealth producer skills I have seen in a while. You have done a phenomenal job on this.  I am so happy and extremely impressed. Thank you so much for making our team shine here. This would not have happened if you didn't personally lean in on this, creatively, logistically, and collaboratively.”

Peter McCann, Digitas | SVP / Head of Production  

“Ben Berkon is an extremely pleasant person, easy-going, collaborative, calm under pressure, and highly organized. Ben is tenacious; when faced with inconsistent input from a wide swathe of account and creative persons, he is well-able to align opinions and move forward smoothly. 

Ben’s work ethic is, if anything, beyond expectations. His instincts are excellent; when many others, after working a cool 12-hour day in a tricky edit, would pack their bags and flee from the building, Ben always takes the time to sit, reflect on all that has transpired, send wrap-up notes, and in general ensure that everything that has to be done has indeed been done. 

Ben exceeds expectations. He is utterly reliable. He is a super-quick responder. He is a better writer than many with that title here. And his wry sense of humor has saved me on many occasions.”

Lee Weiss, Ogilvy & Mather | Executive Producer