After graduating from film school at London Metropolitan, being a Writer/Researcher at Talkback Television and an Assistant Editor at Tank Magazine, James worked at Ridley Scott’s RSA Films for a number of years - a time he cites as his "Masters in Film".
Alongside this, James played in art-rock bands and composed music for clients such as Wallpaper Magazine, HSBC and Moov. He also found time to perform as a lead actor in the Danny Boyle created 2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Since winning his Oscar, James has gone on to make several more award-winning short films, and written the critically acclaimed, New Zealand feature film 'Whina', starring Rena Owen, released in 2021, and also picked up awards around the world.