James, a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, has honed his skills as both an actor and director. His journey began at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA),where he refined his craft and laid the foundation for a successful career.
One of the most significant influences on James' directing career was his time working with the renowned Kenneth Branagh and his Renaissance Theatre Company. As an actor, he had the opportunity to tour the world and perform in the West End alongside esteemed colleagues such as Emma Thompson and under the guidance of Ken Branagh and Dame Judi Dench. This experience was further solidified when he worked on the Oscar-winning film adaptation of Henry V, also directed by Branagh.
James' extensive list of credits includes numerous Shakespeare productions, including award-winning shows like Translations at the Donmar Warehouse, directed by Sam Mendes. He has also had a successful television acting career, starring alongside notable actors such as Michael Gambon in ITV's Maigret and playing Tony Blair in Peter Kosminsky's critically acclaimed Government Inspector.
As a director, James' career began with the cult hit short film My Own Private Lido, which led to him winning international festival awards for his subsequent films. He transitioned seamlessly into television, directing over 60 hours of drama in both the United States and the United Kingdom. His most recent work includes directing episodes of BBC's Call the Midwife, for which he was nominated for Best Film at the Raindance and British Independent Film Awards for his first feature, City Slacker.
In addition to his work in film and television, James has also directed music commercials, most recently for the legendary Tom Jones. He is represented by Charles Walker at United Agents in the UK and JD Sobol in the US. As a member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA),Equity, and the Drama UK (DUK),James continues to be a respected and sought-after talent in the industry.
