James Brooks

James was born in Ottawa, Canada, and later moved nearby to Chelsea in Quebec. His teenage years were spent racing whitewater kayaking, and at one point ranked top boat on the Quebec team. He also taught the sport, recognizing a lasting personal interest in mentoring others. After high school, James spent several years traveling, working in youth hostels, doing construction work, hitchhiking, and later discovering WWOOFing. He spent his early 20's working on organic farms in the summer, and teaching snowboarding in Quebec during the winter months. In 2014, he moved out to British Columbia, Canada, and began teaching snowboarding in Whistler, being awarded "Pro of the Year" the following season. While in Vancouver, James started working as an extra in Vancouver's burgeoning film industry, and then joined IATSE as a grip. He has experience as a hammer, dolly grip, leadman, bestboy as well as a few key grip positions on second units. James spends his free time volunteering with a small non-profit bookstore, home-brewing beer, playing in the garden, snowboarding, playing board games and nerding out. He hopes to one day own a small piece of land in British Columbia, and have a little market garden and brewery. A life of peace, quiet and good-tilled earth, avoiding the big folk wherever possible.