Search
James J.'s Photo

Seasoned Indie Creative Producer. Writing and Film coach.
James J.

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $60
Contact James
Meet James J.
Report Video

About James

Bio

My instruction pulls from vast, hands-on experience gained over a successful career in independent filmmaking. My approach is rooted in practical application and real-world project development, translating high-level industry knowledge directly into actionable lessons for you.
My career is built on my work as a co-founder of Sailor Bear Entertainment, where eight of my productions have premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. I have also produced five films with indie stalwart A24. My feature...

My instruction pulls from vast, hands-on experience gained over a successful career in independent filmmaking. My approach is rooted in practical application and real-world project development, translating high-level industry knowledge directly into actionable lessons for you.
My career is built on my work as a co-founder of Sailor Bear Entertainment, where eight of my productions have premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. I have also produced five films with indie stalwart A24. My feature film credits include serving as Producer and Second Unit Director for The Green Knight, The Old Man and The Gun, and Ain't Them Bodies Saints, as well as the upcoming A24 feature Mother Mary. I also directed Second Unit for Disney’s Peter Pan & Wendy and Netflix’s Last Letter From Your Lover.

Early recognition for my work includes a Creative Producing Fellowship from the Sundance Institute, being named one of Variety's Top Ten Producers to Watch in 2012, receiving the Sundance Film Festival Indian Paintbrush Producer's Award in 2013, and winning the Indie Spirit Award for producing in 2014.
Beyond feature work, I have written and directed multiple acclaimed short films, notably the award-winning MELVILLE, which IndieWire recognized as one of the best American short films of 2015. Up next is my feature directing debut, Strawweight.

Read more

Policies

Schedule

Loading...

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Approved Subjects

Acting

Acting

As a co-founder of Sailor Bear, director of award-winning short films, and producer of films with A24 and eight features premiered at Sundance, I possess a unique, strategic understanding of what makes an actor indispensable from a narrative and logistical perspective. Having made films at every budget level, I specialize in coaching actors on set efficiency, technical blocking, and delivering critical performance under time-sensitive, high-pressure conditions. I teach actors to see their performance not just as an emotional journey, but as a crucial component of the overall story and production viability, maximizing their value to producers and directors.
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

As a Sundance Institute Fellow who has produced numerous films that played at Sundance, Cannes, Telluride, and SXSW, I offer expertise in developing compelling narratives that captivate audiences and attract talent. My experience, including work on multiple A24 projects, provides a unique producer's perspective on crafting screenplays and fiction: one focused on structure, market viability, and maximizing creative impact. Having written and directed multiple award-winning short films, I provide highly practical instruction on transforming your great idea into a polished, executable script or story ready for the marketplace.
Fiction Writing

Fiction Writing

As a Sundance Institute Fellow who has produced numerous films that played at Sundance, Cannes, Telluride, and SXSW, I offer expertise in developing compelling narratives that captivate audiences and attract talent. My experience, including work on multiple A24 projects, provides a unique producer's perspective on crafting screenplays and fiction: one focused on structure, market viability, and maximizing creative impact. Having written and directed multiple award-winning short films, I provide highly practical instruction on transforming your great idea into a polished, executable script or story ready for the marketplace.
Film

Film

I'm a Sundance Institute Fellow and a seasoned independent creative producer who has successfully brought eight films to the Sundance Film Festival, with additional screenings at Cannes, Telluride, and SXSW. Having produced multiple films with A24, I offer a unique perspective on the entire creative process, from pitch to distribution. As a highly motivated, self-taught filmmaker who has worked nearly every job on set, I provide practical, real-world instruction across all aspects of production from crafting a great screenplay to physical production to getting your film into festivals.
Interview Prep

Interview Prep

My interview coaching comes straight from the real world, based on two decades of high-stakes communication where I had to pitch and negotiate for films to get made. I teach you to stop being just an applicant and start interviewing with the strategic confidence of a Creative Producer—pitching yourself as the essential hire and a safe investment for the company. Having closed deals at Sundance and navigated high-pressure creative meetings with actors, studios, and financiers, I specialize in coaching your executive presence and clear communication under stress. Ultimately, I help you transform your experience into actionable value, ensuring you articulate precisely how you'll become an indispensable member of the team.
Video Production

Video Production

As a Sundance Institute Fellow and independent creative producer for films that have premiered at Cannes, Telluride, and Sundance (eight films), I offer an expert perspective on running a successful set. My credits, including multiple projects with A24, mean I provide practical, real-world instruction on budgeting, scheduling, logistics, and managing crew. I am a highly motivated, self-taught filmmaker who has personally held nearly every job on set, giving me the expertise to teach you how to efficiently and professionally execute your vision from pre-production through wrap.

Examples of Expertise

James has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 1 question submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of James ’s answers ›
James J.'s Photo

Questions? Contact James before you book.

Still have questions?

Contact James
Hourly Rate: $60
Contact James