With 12 years experience as a respected Director and Producer of music documentaries, shows and live performances for MTV Networks Europe, James Russell now works as a freelance live music multi-cam director. He recently expanded into music promos while continuing his work on live performance and studio television shows.
Over the last few years James’s freelance career has seen him oversee a rich variety of projects and 2007 - 2008 alone saw:
Live Music Performances
Including: The Verve, REM, Alanis Morissette, Kasabian, Panic! At The Disco, The Enemy, Snow Patrol, Stereophonics, The Backstreet Boys, The Hoosiers, Adele, Amy MacDonald, Elbow, PJ Harvey, Sam Sparro, Alphabeat, The Ting Tings, Lykke Li, The Zutons, MGMT, One Night Only, The Script, Martha Wainwright, The Kooks, Editors, Duran Duran, QOTSA and many others.
Events
Including: Mainstage Oxegen Festival, Itunes Festival, MTVs Spanking New Music, Oxjam Festival, Little Noise Sessions and filming at various venues such as O2 Arena, Brixton Academy, Wembley Arena, Koko, Glasgow ABC and many others.
Presenters
Including: Jo Whiley Zane Lowe, Justin Lee Collins, Rick Edwards, Dave Berry, Miquita Oliver and Alex Zane.
With every musical performance, James is passionate about capturing a band’s energy, personality and specific musical image. Over the years he has developed an adaptable style and versatility, as well as the ability to translate a live performance onto the screen in a truthful yet innovative and appealing way.
"I love making the viewer feel they are not just watching another recorded show, but are actually part of the performance. I want to inspire and make the audience feel they are experiencing the gig personally, whilst balancing the imagery and musical content in a way that stays true to the artist"
James Russell
James has received high praise from music industry figures, received various award nominations for his work, and possesses the experience and creative knowledge to be involved in every part of the production process. From pre-planning and pre-production, right through to the edit and delivery, he ensures a smooth running throughout, making each production an enjoyable experience for all involved.
"I’m really passionate about live music so I aim to create exciting and stimulating performance films; pieces that have a look of originality. I have a great working relationship with bands and their labels as well as commissioners and broadcasters, so it’s a big team effort."
James Russell
Whether filming major festivals, intimate acoustic sessions or studio formats and shows, James brings experience, dedication and a refreshing creative outlook to productions of any size.
"James Russell is a very talented Director, his ability to capture a unique look and feel to a production either small or large, gives an artist’s show a look of originality and not just another live film or promo."
Dan Garnett, Manager, Stereophonics
"James (Russell)’s creative vision always ensures that it not only matches the artist’s needs, but it also reflects the musicality and excitement of unique live performances."
Mardi Caught, ex-General Manager, Columbia Records UK
He continues to work on label owned content and DVD's, as well as directing live music and shows for broadcasters including the BBC, MTV, ITV2 and Channel 4.
Showreel & credit list available on request - jamesrussell.tv@mac.com +44 7957 418 085