WHAT IS A BENJAMIN COOK ANYWAY?
Benjamin (see artist’s impression, right) is a writer and journalist – and, more recently, YouTubey person – based in North London. His work has appeared in publications such as Radio Times, TV Times, Doctor Who Magazine and The Telegraph. In 2008, BBC Books published The Writer’s Tale, based on a year-long e-mail correspondence between Benjamin and Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies. Philip Pullman called it ‘a treasury of wit, of truthfulness, and of good sound storytelling sense’. The sequel, The Final Chapter, published in 2010, was described as ‘the best masterclass in telly I’ve ever attended’ by The Guardian and ‘breathlessly self-congratulatory’ by Private Eye. Benjamin has appeared on BBC Breakfast (four times), Richard & Judy’s New Position, and radio shows including Steve Wright in the Afternoon, Simon Mayo’s Radio 5 Live show, and Greg James’ Radio 1 show.
Benjamin is the writer, director, editor, and reluctant star of the hit internet show Becoming YouTube, a 12-part documentary series – incorporating sketch comedy and fantasy elements – that explores the YouTube community and what it takes to be successful on YouTube. The series launched in December 2012, on Benjamin’s YouTube channel, ninebrassmonkeys, and has attracted almost one million views in its first month alone.
Benjamin’s hobbies include asking his friends to lie about his achievements…
BENJAMIN COOK: AN APPRECIATION BY ALEX DAY
Benjamin Cook is a professional, quasi-sentient charisma machine currently dwelling in North London. Infamous for his e-mail correspondence with noted homosexual Russell T Davies (published as The Writer’s Tale, and described as an ‘irksome… irritating experience’ by reputable news source Private Eye), Ben’s court-ordered community service work has included, but is not limited to, explaining E4 TV show Skins to an audience of middle-class, middle-aged licence-fee payers, in Radio Times. He also writes for Doctor Who Magazine, where he regularly engages in thoughtful discussions about the rich history and philosophy of the show with such sci-fi supremos as Peter Kay, Kylie Minogue and Charlotte Church. Ben watches Breaking Bad, enjoys Twitter, and is getting older every day.
