James Dean

Experienced and skilled Filmmaker and Shooting Producer with over a decade of success in a fast-paced creative agency environment. Proven ability to produce and direct diverse content for high-profile clients, including the NBA, Warner Bros UK, Disney, and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (Oscars®), as well as The Film and TV Charity. Adept at managing shoots from pre-production to final execution, leading teams, and ensuring the highest production quality.

Filmmaker at Tailwind (2025-01 – Present)

• Filmed small to medium-sized productions, operating camera, lighting and sound equipment to capture high-quality content across a range of commercial and branded projects.
• Managed end-to-end production logistics across multiple concurrent projects, tracking bookings, schedules and task allocations through ProWorkflow to avoid clashes and ensure smooth project delivery.
• Worked closely with producers and creative teams to gather and clarify production briefs, ensuring all shoot information, schedules and technical requirements were in place ahead of production.
• Supported productions from pre-production through to final delivery, ensuring deadlines and post-production schedules were met.
• Coordinated all aspects of production equipment management, including sourcing, booking, maintaining, transporting.
• Built and maintained relationships with rental houses, freelancers and logistics suppliers, securing cost-effective solutions for equipment hire, transport and repairs while supporting producers with budgeting information.
• Took responsibility for equipment maintenance and operational readiness, including troubleshooting issues, arranging repairs and recommending new purchases to senior management.
• Oversaw media management and data handling processes, including backing up footage, transferring assets to edit drives and maintaining organised media storage systems.
• Maintained accurate project administration, including task sign-offs, expense tracking and ensuring all project documentation and deliverables were completed correctly.
• Worked across both filmmaker and producer responsibilities when required, supporting project delivery within a fast-paced creative production environment.

Shooting Producer at Digital Media Services (2016-01 – 2025-01)

• Oversaw and directed shoots as a self-producing camera operator, ensuring creative and technical excellence.
• Liaised closely with clients to understand project objectives and translate them into compelling visual content.
• Produced a wide range of shoots, including commercial productions, red carpet premieres, electronic press kits, and press junkets.
• Managed freelance crews, ensuring smooth coordination and effective collaboration.
• Supervised in-house equipment maintenance and manage external kit hires as needed.
• Maintained expertise in various camera systems, including Arri, Red, Canon, and Sony.
• Successfully lead shoots in multiple international locations, including Los Angeles, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, Riga, Ljubljana, and Tallinn.
• Worked efficiently under pressure while maintaining high-quality standards across projects.
• Successfully produced and directed high-profile interviews, press junkets, and red carpet coverage for globally recognized brands and events.
• Managed multi-camera productions, ensuring professional-grade results under tight deadlines.
• Coordinated seamless international productions across various time zones, handling logistics, crew coordination, and creative execution.
• Maintained strong working relationships with top industry professionals, talent, and stakeholders.

Camera and Lighting Technician at Digital Media Services (2013-08 – 2016-08)

• Operated cameras with a high degree of technical expertise, ensuring optimal image quality.
• Conducted location scouting and technical recces to assess site suitability.
• Collaborated with sound, floor managers, and producers to ensure seamless production workflow.
• Coordinated technical equipment, including lighting, grip, and camera setups.
• Provided training and mentorship to junior crew members.
• Set up and maintained lighting equipment, ensuring optimal illumination for various shoot environments.
• Managed technical aspects of international shoots, including filming the Oscars® in Los Angeles for Swarovski and NBA events in Madrid and Paris.

Runner at Digital Media Services (2012-08 – 2013-08)

• Prepared for shoots, including location dress / set up. General administrative support including reception/FOH management.
• Organised kit bags – e.g checking the camera bag contains all the necessary equipment

Sound and Lighting Technician at 53 Degrees - Preston (2009-01 – 2012-01)

• Experience working on various club nights, concerts and comedy nights.
• Interpreting a lighting designer's plan
• Carried out risk assessments for health and safety purposes Planned where to run cables and place lights
• Assisted with rig and check the equipment for a range of artists.
• Unloading and loading equipment

BA Hons / BSc in Film Production, Media Production & Technology – University of Central Lancashire

BTEC National Diploma in Media Production – West Herts College