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. Over fifteen 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 campaigns, radio ads and print work–all built to resonate and wow.
As a senior copywriter, I’ve helped build campaigns for high profile TV shows and OOH, defined tone of voice, shaped brand identities, and written scripts that balance humour with clarity.
Whether I’m collaborating with a team on a heavyweight brief or working solo on something that looks uninspiring on paper, I dig into the brand voice and everything else at my disposal to deliver fresh ideas–scripts, taglines, names for the new breakout area, and anything in between.
As a director, I’ve helmed ads, promos, and short-form films–from high-profile TV campaigns to award-winning shorts–balancing performance, visual impact, and a strong sense of comedy. I’ve worked with established actors, puppets, and 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.
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 Brand Spot--Music Matters
A 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
Audio/VO: Jack Rowley
90″
Mega Social Sizzle
What do you do with all your social edits?
Create a ‘bells-and-whistles’ sizzle that brings together social cuts, posts, and podcasts for Sony, MTV, BBC, and more.
Creative: James Debenham
40″
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: Clem Pavey
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
40″
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
40″
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.
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.
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 shot in slow motion at a villa with a pool. Blows were traded. Tears were shed. Dildos were launched.
Director: James Debenham
Audio: Jack Rowley
Dur: 40″
Geordie Shore Big Birthday Battle
To mark ten years of Geordie Shore, MTV reunited some familiar faces for a one-off special. We wrote them a short comedy skit. Gaz and Charlotte did the rest.
Copywriters: James Debenham / Jody Malam
Director: James Debenham
Dur: 45″
Making a Killing -- Trailer
A trailer for Making a Killing, the much lauded, short film of mine that traveled the world winning hearts and minds. Just in case you can’t spare twelve minutes, we’ve condensed it into forty-five seconds.
Creative: James Debenham
Editor: Malena Echevarria
Dur: 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.
Winner of the Audience Award at the Iron Mule Comedy Film Festival 2020, Making a Killing 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?