Working with James was an absolute pleasure. He was creative and highly competent and you could fully put your trust in him to deliver difficult and boundary-pushing content. He is a fantastic producer and without doubt a future leader in our industry.

Jasmyn McGuile, Commissioning Editor BBC Factual Entertainment & Events

James is true team leader who creates content of the highest quality while excelling in his pastoral care, H&S, compliance, and editorial policy duties. Calm in a storm and proactive at all times, he is a pleasure to work with. Tellingly, all of the team members who answered to James during his time on Countryfile have nothing but hugely positive things to say about him.

Mark Beech (Countryfile, Series Editor)

James is an extraordinarily capable film maker. As well as being a thoughtful producer director who can handle any subject, he can self-shoot to broadcast standard and deliver quality audio. He generates ideas, plans his films meticulously, is diligent in his research and takes his obligations to contributors seriously - including right of reply exchanges. He's also rigorous in ensuring accuracy in his scripts.

James has made network documentaries for me and for other execs on difficult subjects with flair and skill and works well within the tightest of budgets. His people skills and readiness to spend time on the ground with contributors mean he establishes trust and develops strong relationships quickly. This ability means James excels at obs docs and is able to put himself where he needs to be to get the story without becoming the centre of attention. Having worked with James as his exec producer for four years, I find him to be eminently reliable and self-contained yet always open to new ideas and ready to talk things through. He works well alone or within teams and embraces new technology and new kit with enthusiasm - becoming highly proficient in their use at alarming speed. I've no doubt James will be an asset to any team he works with and will deliver top quality programmes on time and within budget.

ingrid kelly

James joined Springwatch, making natural history VTs in March 2024. He immediately proved himself to be a great team-player by agreeing to self-shoot a complex film about rigging Corfe Castle with cameras. He took charge of the situation, was clear and level-headed about the challenge ahead and within a couple of days was out filming. He delivered a creative film which involved collaborating with, and at times winning over, some strong contributors. He then went on to make a number of other VTs in a short time, all of which were editorially robust, creative and with excellent story-telling at their heart. His journalistic credentials came to the fore in a film he pitched and delivered about pet flea treatments getting into our rivers and killing wildlife. This involved contributors pulling out at the last minute, liaising with editorial policy and directing a new presenter. He delivered an excellent film – again. He managed and mentored a small team, giving everyone who worked with him the chance to shine. Importantly, he listens to team members and takes suggestions on board and I wouldn’t hesitate to work with him again.

Joanna Brame, Series Editor, Springwatch