James Brett

James Brett is an award-winning new British writer-director making waves in commercials and film. Originally trained as an actor, it was music videos which led James to the US, where his first script won him a place at the prestigious American Film Institute. Described by mentor Frank Pierson as "funny, focused and very, very talented", his graduate films went on to win awards at festivals across the world. James directed a hit US TV show for Roland Joffe before returning to the UK to found MakeFilm, a development entity dedicated to innovative feature material. The current roster boasts over seven projects, both original ideas and adaptations. James entered commercials with an acclaimed anti-smoking campaign for the Dept of Health and a spot for Arm and Hammer, featured in Shots magazine. This work led to James' nomination for Best New Director at the Kinsale Shark Awards 2003. As a writer, James has penned several short and feature screenplays. His latest - a black comedy set in London - was selected for the North by Northwest program in conjunction with the Danish Film Institute. James' most recent short - _Earthquake (2002)_ - won him an Honourable Mention at the Sundance Film Festival 2003. He will shoot his debut feature in 2004.