John Bentham - a quick history

jettisoundz logo

karen bentham - video director to the worlds left field stars

visionary logo

johnb takes some advice from muhammad ali

 

screen edge - nothing like hollywood

deckchair.com

the bentham boys

For John Bentham, life in the media industry began in the early 80's by picking up a VHS camera and making music videos under the guise of Jettisoundz mail order. John also spent time managing bands during the 80's.

By the time the 90's had arrived, John, along with wife Karen, had produced and directed over 200 long form music programmes, as well as dozens of one-song clips. From early single camera to multi-camera and conceptual work, the pair quickly developed their production skills. This collection now forms part of the Visionary home video archive.

In 1987 a pilot TV show was made, which was screened by a number of UK cable channels. This led to the production in 1988 of a series of programmes for MTV Europe. Members of music act 'The Turnpike Cruisers' fronted the alternative music show 'Turnpike TV'.

Whilst world cinema was starting to make sales sense in the early 90's, John Bentham took a more active role in video distribution. He helped set up specialist sales company RTM Video, the first of its kind in the UK. John also worked closely with the British Film Institute in the planning and launch of their own label, Connoisseur Video. In 1994 John was instrumental in the launch of video label Screen Edge, whose aim is to promote and provide some focus for low budget feature films by new directors.

John continued to occasionally produce music programmes for video release and documentary programmes for TV. During 1996 he directed the "This is as boring as..." series of TV adverts for Eagle Star Insurance.

The late 90's saw concentration on the Internet. Under the guise of Outlaw23.com john has guided many projects, the most notable of which being Kasbah the Internets largest travel search engine. In 1999 Kasbah was sold to Sir Bob Geldof's Internet travel company Deckchair.com

Recent years have seen John working again with Screen Edge and partner Cherry Red Records, who are handling the music archive's re-issue on DVD

And then there was Outl4w. 2004 saw the Bentham Boys take to the stage for the first time, with some notable results so far.

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