James Russell (director)

James Russell is a British Award Winning Multi Camera Director of live music, events, promos, studio and DVD content. With over 16 years experience as a Director, he now works on a freelance basis. He has recorded live music performances from a diverse range of artists such as Morrissey, Katy Perry, Jay Z, Coldplay, Linkin Park, R.E.M., The Verve, Stereophonics, Backstreet Boys,[1] Editors, QOTSA, Duran Duran, and Alanis Morissette to name a few.

Born in Manchester, England, James moved down to London in the 1990s and has worked across an array of music disciplines, from live concerts and events, award shows, television programs and music documentaries. With over 14 years experience he alway provides a wide range of styles and innovative approaches to live video and film, from beautifully crafted intimate gigs to large arena and festivals. With each performance, he manages to individually craft the visuals, bringing a unique and audience point of view to each and every project.

He began his career at MTV Europe where he moved into directing live music and shows for both VH1 and MTV World Stage. The past few years alone has seen James work on a multitude of DVDs and musical capture with artists such as Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Muse, The Killers, Kasabian, Snow Patrol, Paloma Faith, James Bay, Charli XCX, Beyonce, Usher, Keane and Black Eyed Peas to name just a few. The end of 2011 saw him complete the first 3D Comedy show with Lee Evans at London’s O2 Arena. He continues to Direct the Mercury Prize, various music TV Shows and live cinecasts.

As a respected freelancer, he continues to push the boundaries with every live show and always makes sure he works closely with the artist and performer to deliver the correct visual balance and tone. Known for his high-octane style in his performances, James' work spans short film, feature-length documentary, advertising and creative direction. A host of high-profile clients includes Red Bull, Seat, Rihanna's River Island Collection, Sony Xperia, Xbox and Schwarzkopf.

Other notable projects include shooting the worldwide release of Morrissey 25Live, Kasabian Summer Solstice Wolfmother, Manic Street Preachers Postcards From A Young Man, Snow Patrol's A Hundred Million Suns,[2] studio performances for The Cure's 4:13 Dream album, Steve Angello's "Show Me Love" promo and ATL Live from the Ulster Hall for the BBC.

Shows and channels he has worked on include BBC, T4, 4Music, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, and MTV.