I'm a fully integrated, pivot-ready multi-platform human with a 360° swivel chair. I leverage synergies and harness ideas across copy, direction, and editing to craft authentic, award-winning content that disrupts paradigms. Powered by curiosity, fueled by coffee, I take a moment to ideate in the white space before driving a blue sequined bus straight through the walls of the everyday. In short....
I MAKE
AWESOME
STUFF.
HELLO THERE
I’ll keep it fun-size.
I’m a writer and director, heroically straddling the worlds of television, digital, and advertising. For twenty years, I’ve worked with broadcasters like the BBC, Channel 4, Vice, and MTV–creating promos, campaigns, and short-form content–and partnered with digital agencies on global brands such as Apple, Adidas, and Samsung.
These collaborations have produced award-winning television spots, social ads, radio commercials and print work–all built to resonate and bedazzle.
As a senior copywriter, I’ve defined tone of voice, built brand identities, scripted comedy for brands like Cinch, Virgin, and MTV, led rebrands, and written more than my fair share of fluff. From OOH to radio to social, I dig into the brand voice and push for ideas that don’t sound like everyone else’s — and when the stars align, produce something with some heart.
As a director, I’ve helmed ads, high-profile TV campaigns, and award-winning shorts– all of which balance performance, visual impact, and a strong sense of comedy. I’ve worked with established actors, presenters, and puppets, as well as the world’s most unpredictable creatures: reality TV stars.
It doesn’t matter if I’m writing the idea or directing it, the goal is always the same– make something that stops the scroll, catches the eye, or simply lands.
SELECTED BITS
Some choice cuts– from promos to brand campaigns, everything starts with a strong idea and ends with something that hopefully cuts through the noise.
MTV Brand Spot--Music Matters
An award winning, 90-second love letter to 2013’s best music moments, made by MTV—back when they were the ultimate music obsessive.
Creative: James Debenham
Creative Director: Jody Malam
VO: Jack Rowley
90″
Cinch — Terry and Sue
Lead copywriter for a Cinch radio spot with FOTW agency.
The brief: reassure online-wary buyers that Cinch has fifty physical stores. Cue: Terry, Sue, and some light innuendo.
Client: Cinch
Agency: FOTW
Lead Copywriter: James Debenham
30″
Channel 5 -- Rebrand Idents
As lead copywriter on the Channel 5 rebrand, I pitched concepts for their existing ident brief: four becomes five.
My “Scruffy Dog” idea became part of the campaign.
Client: Channel 5
Lead Copywriter: James Debenham
Creative Director: Alun Constable
Sky Entertainment Showcase
A lapel-grabbing sizzle reel for Sky’s biggest (then) upcoming shows: Breeders, The Trip to Greece, Bulletproof Series 2, Hitmen, Westworld Season 3.
Creative: James Debenham
Creative Director: Marta Meloni
40″
MTV--Ex on the Beach--OOH
Senior creative on the Ex on the Beach launch— I art directed the print work that captured the show’s explosive energy, while nailing MTV’s TOV.
The campaign spanned OOH and social, and tied into the television spot, where I also directed.
Senior Creative: James Debenham
Photography: Leigh Keily
NBC--Dawn of the Dead
A bold, hard-hitting trailer for Dawn of the Dead, delivering the only mantra you need for the zombie apocalypse: SHOOT. RUN. SURVIVE. Repeat as necessary.
Creative: James Debenham
Creative Director: Janine Kelly
45″
MTV--Springbreak with Grandad--Series Launch
A bright, bombastic trailer for MTV’s Spring Break with Grandad–proving you don’t need a huge budget when you’ve got Gary Beadle, a Shoreditch bathroom. And an old man in tight shorts.
Creative: James Debenham
Director: Jody Malam
45″
MTV--Washington Heights--Series Launch
A fast-paced trailer capturing the chaos and heart of nine friends living in Washington Heights—one of New York’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Fun, fallouts, and heartfelt moments included.
Creative: James Debenham
Creative Director: Jody Malam
60″
DIRECTING
When I’m directing, I focus on one thing — getting the best version of the idea on screen. In a world of fast, forgettable social content, I’m interested in well-crafted films built around concepts strong enough to hold it all together.
MTV--Ex on the Beach--S7--Launch
Seven series in and the contestants are just as punchy. To showcase their vitriol in all its glory, we decided to slow things down. Blows were traded. Tears were shed. Dildos were launched.
Director: James Debenham
Audio: Jack Rowley
40″
Geordie Shore Big Birthday Battle
To mark ten years of Geordie Shore, MTV reunited some familiar faces for a one-off special. Asked to do something different, we wrote them a short comedy skit. Gaz and Charlotte did the rest.
Copywriters: James Debenham/Jody Malam
Director: James Debenham
45″
Making a Killing -- Trailer
A trailer for Making a Killing, my much lauded short film that traveled the globe winning hearts and minds. Just in case you can’t spare twelve minutes, we’ve condensed it into forty-five seconds.
Editor: Malena Echevarria
45″
Making a Killing -- A Short Film
WINNER — Audience Award — Iron Mule Fest 2020
Making a Killing stars Adrian Scarborough (Gavin and Stacey) and Tiffany Stevenson (People Just Do Nothing) in a darkly comic short about one lovelorn homeowner determined to check out, and one cheery handyman who keeps accidentally foiling his plans–one botched repair job at a time. The film went on to screen for audiences around the world.
Director: James Debenham
Writers: Andy McCormick/Richard Webb
Producer: Rosie Wells
CALL ME, MAYBE?
But then again, who uses the phone these days?