Biography

Born in Oxford, United Kingdom, James emigrated to the island of Cyprus at four years old with his family, where he lived and studied at international schools in Limassol. A self-professed third culture kid, he returned to the UK in 2006 to study BA (Hons) Advertising and Marketing Communications at Bournemouth University, where he graduated with Merit. He then decided to continue his education by attending the university’s well-established MA Producing Film and Television course, where he obtained a Masters degree with Merit. It was this course that cemented his decision to dedicate his life to film and permanently move away from Cyprus. He then began the challenging process of trying to break into the film industry as a runner, without any contacts.

A combination of fate, sheer perseverance and luck went James’ way after months of cold-emailing, when he was offered his first 3-week-long, expenses-only Floor Running job on a micro-budget film. This job led to a further six months of unpaid, expenses-only work until he obtained his first paid Floor Running job. From this point on, he progressed his way through Assistant Director department; working on a wide range of projects and budget sizes along the way in various capacities. James took the early advice of seasoned professionals not to jump for promotions too soon and to dedicate long periods of time in each role to truly develop and progress in this department; something he still firmly believes is important to a long and successful career.

In January 2014, James moved in-house to work for an international production company that specialised in maritime training films, animation, physical and digital workbooks, and online CBT’s (computer-based training). In just five years and a half years, he produced around 50 broadcast-compliant titles (including subtitles in numerous languages), amassing 24 international awards, including the WorldMediaFestival (Hamburg)’s 2018 intermedia-globe GRAND AWARD (Best in Category) in the Training category for Cyber Security At Sea. Another notably prestigious industry award included ‘Best Crew Wellbeing Programme’ for Seafarers Mental Health and Wellbeing, at the Safety at Sea Awards held during London International Shipping Week in September 2019; a topic very close to his heart. James continues to produce technical explainer and promotional videos for international corporate clients.

In May 2019, James finally turned his focus to directing. He believes that his vast array of experiences within the industry puts him in a strong position, working both with actors and crew. With his intimate knowledge of the artist’s process having lived on stage as a child, along with his lived understanding of the professional side of filmmaking, allows him to consider a multitude of ways to overcome the countless challenges found on set. Always striving to be one of the hardest workers in the room, coupled with his genuine love for working with actors and developing and crafting performances together, is his reason for working in this industry.

His debut award-winning short film ‘Sometime Else’ won 16 awards, 24 nominee/finalist positions, 3 semi-finalist positions, 5 honourable mentions and 11 official selections across various national and international film festivals, including and not limited to BAFTA Cymru-Qualifying Carmarthen Bay Film Festival and Kevin Smith’s (Clerks) inaugural SModcastle Film Festival in New Jersey, USA. The film has been heralded for its technical complexity and has been dubbed a “lost Black Mirror episode” by viewers online.

His latest short film ‘Mafia’, is an eight-actor ensemble comedy-drama, which was accomplished in just two days with 96 setups and a single camera setup. It has won 2 awards (Audince Choice Award and Best Cinematography), been nominated for 4 awards (Best Ensemble Cast, Best Comedy x2, Best LGBTQ Film and Birmingham Film Festival Bull Award), as well as Official Selections at 13 festivals; including BIFA-qualifying TweetFest, Soho London Independent Film Festival and once again at SModcastle Film Festival.

James is based in London and is available for representation for more drama and commercial directing opportunities. For business, or a just friendly chat, you can contact him here. In his spare time, James enjoys partaking in writing competitions and shooting analog street photography with his trusty Minolta X-700, 35mm film camera. He is currently in pre-production for his third, technically ambitious, short drama film.