Ben Steinbauer grew up wanting to be an author and astounded his preschool teacher by making a book at age four. At KU (Rock Chalk!), a gruff creative writing professor pointed him toward film classes. He took the hint.
Today, Ben is a documentary director, producer, and showrunner working across film, television, and commercials. His first feature, WINNEBAGO MAN, was called “one of the funniest documentaries ever made” by Michael Moore and named one of Roger Ebert’s favorite films. His follow-up, CHOP & STEELE, premiered at Tribeca and was released theatrically by Drafthouse Films.
Ben directed, showran, and executive produced all six episodes of the Hulu Original series HIGH HOPES, on which Jimmy Kimmel also served as executive producer. He has directed CBS’s PINK COLLAR CRIMES and segments of the Emmy-winning PBS series STORIES OF THE MIND.
A co-owner of The Bear, Ben has directed campaigns for Southwest Airlines, TikTok, YETI, The New York Times, LinkedIn, Capital One, Indeed, Whataburger, and others. When he isn’t making films, he co-hosts the documentary podcast DOC WALKS.
