He completed his PhD by Practice within the University of York’s Department of Theatre, Film and Television (TFTV), researching Emotion in Sound Design under the supervision of Dr. Sandra Pauletto.

[12][1] After completing his foundation degree and apprenticeship in Electrical Engineering, Hillman joined the Midlands-based Central Independent Television in 1982 as a sound technician, working on all aspects of broadcast audio.

Between 2000 and 2001, he both location recorded and then audio post-produced a four-part series for Discovery, called Beyond The Horizon, which documented a year in the lives of a group of RAF pilots as they attempted to qualify for the elite Red Arrows display team.

He has recently contributed to a number of television shows and features, including Star Wars Rebels for Disney in the US, and Doctor Who, The Only Way Is Essex, Death Comes to Pemberley, Doc Martin[24] and Peaky Blinders in the UK.

Through the Audio Suite's Sound Design practice, he is also regularly engaged by marketing agencies and commercial production companies to help with the promotion of national and international brands.

This advisory service extends to areas wider than film and television; consulting to a range of industry sectors on user interfaces (UI), the end-user experience and on creating more efficient workflow by embracing new ways of thinking about existing systems and production arrangements.

[31] In 2001, Hillman was asked to become a member of a small team of writers for a new professional audio magazine called Resolution, assembled by ex-Studio Sound Editor Zenon Schoepe.

[34] He has been featured in several newspapers regarding his outspoken views on the demise of regional production in the English Midlands, and sound quality for broadcast television; including The Birmingham Post[35][36] and The Daily Telegraph.

In 2010, Hillman commenced a part-time PhD by Practice within the University of York’s Department of Theatre, Film and Television (TFTV), researching Emotion in Sound Design under the supervision of Dr. Sandra Pauletto.

[47][48] As part of his wider academic work he is an enthusiastic supporter of new talent and regularly teaches undergraduate, postgraduate and Continuing Professional Development theory and practical sessions at the University of York.

He was proposed for membership by Rick Hinson, the President of the American academy of Motion Picture Sound Editors, a friendship from when they worked together on Butt Ugly Martians.

He is a keen guitar player and composed, recorded and played the music for StorySmyth Tales - a series of six animated films for young children: Scruff Sheep, Pond Goose, Little by Little, Little Apple Goat, Just Like Tonight and Hurry Up And Slow Down.