Directing CV
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James originally trained at RADA as an actor and developed his passion and inspiration for directing from working with other actor/directors such as Sir Kenneth Branagh (directed James in King Lear, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the Oscar-winning film of Henry V) and Dame Judi Dench (directed him in Much Ado about Nothing).
James is an award-winning director (Royal Television Society Awards, British Soap Awards, International Film Festivals) and is a veteran of television drama.
He started directing in 1997 with his low-budget, award-winning cult short, My Own Private Lido. His next short Dead on Time starred Michael Gambon.
James’ first feature, City Slacker, a London-based Romantic Comedy starring British Oscar-nominated Tom Conti, was nominated for Best Film at the Raindance Film Festival, and at the British Independent Film Awards.
Film
City Slacker. Director. Feature Film (Romantic Comedy). Release. (Raindance and BIFA nominated)
Interior Bedsit Day. Writer & Director. Short film.
Dead on Time. Co-writer & Director. Short film.
My Own Private Lido. Producer, Writer & Director. Short film.
Television
Agatha Raisin. Director. Sky/Acorn, USA. 2021
Party of Five. Director. ABC/Freeform, USA. 2020
Dwight in Shining Armor. Director. BBC, BYUtv, Paramount, USA. 2018/20
Call the Midwife. Director. BBC 1. 2017/2021
Father Brown. Director. BBC 1. 2016
WPC 56. Director. BBC 1. 2015
Private Practice. Director. ABC/USA. 2014
Casualty. Director. BBC 1. 2017
Doctors. Director. BBC 1. 2006-2011 (RTS Award, British Soap Awards)
Holby City. Director. BBC 1. 2008/15
The Bill. Director. ITV. 2008
Peak Practice. Director. ITV. 2001
All the Way. Devised & Directed. Channel 4. 2000
In Development:
Mel’s Angels. Director. Feature Film. 2022.
Candy Apple Red. Director. Feature Film (Comedy).
Incognito. Writer & Director. Feature Film (Comedy/Thriller).
Apartment 44. Writer & Director. Feature Film (Thriller).
Hashtag Heaven. Director. Feature Film (Comedy).
Theatre
Rough Justice. Director. Number 1 UK Tour. Starring Oscar Nominee, Tom Conti. 2012/13
Girls with Big Jests. Director. Perrier short-listed sketch show, Edinburgh Festival. 2000
TV Commercials / Music Adverts
TOM JONES – Long Lost Suitcase.
DIZZEE RASCAL – THE FIFTH
No Smoking for BBH. (Cannes short listed)
Metro Station – Shake It
Jason Donovan – 80s Hits
Lauren Pritchard – Album
Matthew Morrison – Up on the Roof single
Awards
WORLDFEST, HOUSTON, Special Jury Remi Award for Independent Comedy Short (winner) – Interior Bedsit Day (Written & Directed).
GEM CITY, FLORIDA, Best Short. (winner) Interior Bedsit Day (Written & Directed)
RUSHES SOHO SHORTS, Best Short (nomination, 2nd place) – Interior Bedsit Day (Written & Directed),
BRITISH SOAP AWARD Best Single Episode (winner) – BBC Doctors.
ROYAL TELEVISION SOCIETY AWARD – Best Single Drama. BBC Doctors.
RUSHES SOHO SHORTS, Best Short (nomination, 2nd place) – Dead on Time (Co-Written & Directed)
MONTREAL WORLD FILM FESTIVAL – Best Short (nomination) – Dead on Time (Co-Written & Directed)
AFI, Los Angeles – Best Short (nomination) – Dead on Time (Co-Written & Directed)
RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL, London – Best Feature Film (nomination) – City Slacker (Director).
BRITISH INDEPENDENT FILM AWARDS, London – Best Feature Film (nomination) – City Slacker (Director)
CRYSTAL PALACE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, London – Best Feature Film (winner) – City Slacker (Director)