Hi!
I'm the founder of Onlooker (formerly JWP.tv) a dynamic full service production company, visually documenting and experiencing the world around us and helping clients impart key messages and stories that bring their brands to life.
My Story
I started my video career after studying at West Surrey College of Art & Design by working for video producer Tom Gordon, making educational videos for Dorling Kindersely with the likes of Johnny Morris and lots of animals on a set in a barn in West Sussex.
I started production assisting and learning about shooting on film from prolific commercials producer Howard Guard, in London. I often drove one of his 6 litre Bristol cars around Soho whilst working how to clapper load and camera operate.
I bought my first MiniDV camera in 1997 - which was the first digital camera to revolutionise the industry and I soon got my first commission to film the building of the ABN / AMRO bank, now Natwest HQ Bishopsgate, London. I filmed and edited a series of films showing the building developing and put together highlights edits for the topping out ceremony on the top floor.
I begun working for PR companies such as Weber Shandwick and their international clients such as Siemens, Unilever and Pfizer filming and editing product launches, conference openers and filming occasional broadcast work for broadcaster such as the BBC.
A big break came when I was asked to film the Fashion Rocks event in Monaco, rubbing shoulders with Jon Bon Jovi, Tommy Hilfigger and Anna Wintour all of whom I asked for a soundbite from for a highlights event video for Swarovski.
During the advent of live TV and sites like Youtube, I set up an online TV channel for Swarovski, making a variety of arts programmes across the globe often with multiple camera crews and editors. We set up a first of its kind TV site, where we could upload from anywhere in the world straight after the edit, and live streamed fashion shows to the Swarovskisparkles.tv site.
Still shooting and editing the large majority of my work - I have in the last couple of years filmed events in Dubai and Mexico for Jose Cuervo barista event, filmed the Bergerac EPK for UKTV, filmed a TV segment on Bridgerton for Netflix, Argentina and created a series of video marketing campaigns for 365 Finance, featuring female entrepreneurs.
I have also been producing a conference opener for Howden insurance, with animated graphics and live streamed a film awards ceremony, using multiple cameras and a live mix tablet all operated by me.
For more info please do get in touch! - James 07973 962 926
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
+44 (0)7973 962926
I have been working with James for over twenty years during which time he has provided the highest
quality support as cameraman, director and editor. We have worked across an enormous range of sectors including fashion, pharmaceutical, technology and beverages. He has always offered me great advice when needed and is generally a great person to have as part of any production team. I can't recommend James enough and look forward to our next foray.
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Director of Marketing & ESG at Cynergy Bank
"I’ve worked with James on numerous film projects in the last 10 years and can confidently say he’s the best in the business. From prep to shooting, editing and delivery, the quality of work is outstanding and I’m always impressed by his commitment to going the extra mile to ensure the finished product is exactly what we need.
James is a pleasure to work with – a professional with a great attitude who fits in seamlessly with the team!
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News Anchor / Moderator
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James and I have worked together for almost twenty years. James is my Film maker of choice every time, I trust him implicitly. Whether it’s live segments from the United Nations, a hard hitting interview with members of Parliament, live streamed hybrid events to multiple zones or a beautifully filmed documentary, James does it all perfectly.
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