Ben is responsible for the overall design, strategic vision and execution of all domestic and global endeavors for the National Association of Latino Independent Producers, NALIP as it seeks to transform media culture. 

As Executive Director, Ben oversees the NALIP Media Summit, Diverse Women in Media Initiative, the Latino Media Fest and Latino Lens programs, pushing the bounds of how NALIP can continue to celebrate and push for a more diverse industry.  

During our Latino Lens Incubators, Ben serves as the year-round industry liaison for executives and chosen  content creators. He works with the top agencies in the world to curate and match these creators with key industry professionals who can move their careers forward. He strives towards uniting his passion for inclusive storytelling and his roots in film production in his role as EP during the production of our Incubator content. 

Recently, Ben's role as an Executive Producer has led to him consulting for the major Hollywood studios and networks. An advocate and champion of #Diversity, #Inclusion and #Belonging, Ben has been quoted on domestic and global publications and outlets, such as Variety, NYT, LA Times, Elle Magazine and Slate France. In addition, Ben has delivered keynotes and participated in speaking engagements in the world's leading festivals and markets including Telluride, Outfest, LA Brazilian Film Fest, New Filmmakers from Spain, DocsDF, DGCine in Dominican Republic, SANFIC Co-Prod Market in Chile, Manos Tech Venture Summit, MIP Cancún, Sundance, TIFF, SXSW, Tribeca, FICG & Morelia and European Film Market in Berlin.

Ben entered filmmaking as a UPM, production supervisor and indie producer. At VientoFuego, he wrote, produced and directed several Spanish-language feature films. He has served as a field producer at technology expos in Asia, productions in Mexico and the World Cup in Brazil. He is a graduate in Political Science and LATAM Studies from the University of Arizona.

Ben will continue to advocate for and foster new diverse voices within media until he sees a new industry that’s welcoming of those from all backgrounds. 

Ben Lopez began his term of NALIP Executive Director in January 2017. 

Follow Ben on twitter: @vientofuego