Academy Films

James joined Academy for commercials and music video representation in the summer of 2009.

His directing career began at the age of 10 when he was given a super 8mm camera. Christmas subsequently became an unhappy affair, as he forced his family to act out scenes of anger and boredom on each other. On one occasion he asked his mother to feign hitting his father over the head with a rolling pin for not helping in the kitchen. 11 takes later he got what he wanted and his fate as a director was sealed.

Today James’ work is noted as alternately quirky, clever and progressive.

He has directed music videos for a diverse range of bands including The Beta Band, Stereophonics, Pearl Jam, Mercury Rev, Kylie Minogue, Aimee Mann, Royal Trux and Bright Eyes.

His 2001 video for Coldplay’s “Yellow” picked up Music Video of the Year (Plug Independent Music Awards), Best Director of a New Artist (MVPA Awards) and nominations for an MTV Video Music Award and a BRIT Award.
In 2002 James directed the title track from Norah Jones debut album ‘Come Away With Me’ and teamed up with her again in 2004 for “Sunrise”, the first single from her album ‘Feels Like Home’.
And in 2008 he directed Radiohead’s Grammy nominated video “House of Cards”, which won a Yellow Pencil at the 2009 D&AD Awards.

He has created album launch spots for the likes of The Flaming Lips and The Beastie Boys, and more recently a series of comedy NFL Network commercials for Young&Rubicam.