Benjamin Lehmann leads the production and creative direction for Sesame Street, and all other live action productions at Sesame Workshop. In this role, he collaborates with various production and distribution partners and is responsible for the ongoing production and long-term planning of live-action productions to drive Sesame Workshop’s mission forward, increase child engagement, and build upon our ongoing slate of live action shows.

As Executive Producer for Sesame Street, Lehmann oversees the creative direction and production teams for the iconic children’s show and is also a director for the series.

Other recent accomplishments include Executive Producing The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo, a family viewing experience for HBO Max, that will have its second season premiere in September. Lehmann directed the pilot for that series and led its development. In addition, Lehmann is Executive Producer and a director for the second Season of Helpsters, a show for Apple TV+ that teaches pre-coding skills to kids.

During the pandemic, Lehmann helped design remote, home-based shooting techniques that allowed the Sesame Street production teams and Muppet performers to make short form content, specials, and Town Halls for CNN. Their most recent special: The Power of We, on the importance of standing up to racism, premiered in October on HBO Max and PBS. Most recently, Lehmann was awarded the Emmy for Best Directing in a children’s category—during a virtual ceremony—for Sesame Street’s 50th season kick-off episode: Big Bird’s Road Trip.

Prior to Sesame Street, Lehmann was an independent producer, cinematographer, and director with his own production company; his work spanned feature films and television. Lehmann received a BA from Colorado University, Boulder. He lives in Astoria, Queens with his wife and two children.

Speaking on: Pitchfest 1 (Rescheduled)