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James Bell

James Bell is a London-based, award-winning producer with a strong focus on bringing LGBTQ+ stories to the screen. His work spans film, TV, and music videos, with a commitment to providing opportunities for LGBTQ+ filmmakers. Birthday Boy (2021), one of Channel 4’s highest-streamed short films, won the Iris Prize Audience Award and was nominated for Best Student Film at the Norwich Film Festival. James’ dedication to creativity and inclusivity, coupled with his extensive experience in production management, has allowed him to successfully execute a wide range of projects from concept to final cut.

Projects

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The Wrong Path (Short Film, 2022)
Producer

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  • Produced a queer WWII period drama with a set build, overseeing creative and logistical decisions.

  • Worked closely with the writer to develop the narrative and visual style.

  • Managed the team, ensuring smooth coordination across all departments, from design to post-production.

  • Handled production logistics, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource management.

 

What’s The Tea? (Short Film, 2022)
Producer

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  • Produced a short film tackling LGBTQ+ prejudice, working alongside the writer to bring the script to life.

  • Coordinated all aspects of production, including casting, crew, and location management.

  • Ensured the creative vision was delivered while managing the production within the set budget and schedule.

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Birthday Boy (Short Film, 2021)
Producer

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  • Co-wrote and produced an original screenplay, taking it from script to screen.

  • Ran a successful crowdfunding campaign using social media marketing, raising £13,000 in one month.

  • Built and managed a team of Heads of Department (HoDs) and 40+ crew members, focusing on providing opportunities for LGBTQ+ filmmakers.

  • Held open auditions for 20+ trans masculine actors to ensure authentic representation.

  • Secured media interest, including support from Ben Hunte, LGBT correspondent for BBC.

  • Oversaw pre-production tasks, such as location scouting, contracts, and department oversight.

  • Worked closely with the casting director to audition the remaining cast.

  • Managed remote post-production during COVID-19 restrictions, overseeing the edit, score, motion graphics, compositing, and colour grading.

  • Led film festival outreach, managing the website and social media presence.

 

Boom Bay (Music Video, 2021)
Producer

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  • Produced a music video concept capturing the essence of a fantasy urban summer.

  • Coordinated cast and crew, ensuring safe and efficient shooting during COVID-19 restrictions.

  • Secured top-tier equipment and premium locations, ensuring high production value while negotiating cost-effective deals to stay within budget.

  • Managed post-production, including editing, colour grading, and final delivery.

 

Sugarbabies (TV Pilot, 2020)
Producer

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  • Co-wrote and developed a comedy pilot exploring queer experiences, supported by a detailed TV Bible.

  • Collaborated with creative departments to establish a consistent visual and narrative style.

  • Sourced unique locations, including a mansion and a sex dungeon, to enhance production value.

  • Worked closely with the director and actors during rehearsals to refine performances.

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My Trans Story (Docu-Interview, 2019)
Producer

  • Produced a docu-interview as part of the Birthday Boy Kickstarter campaign, highlighting trans voices and experiences.

  • Collaborated with cinematographer Michael Filocamo to create a visually engaging and intimate series.

  • Featured trans speakers and activists, including Maxine Heron, Cairo Nevitt, and Cambell Kenneford, discussing themes of school life, bullying, and the internet.

  • Oversaw production logistics, from coordinating interviews to managing post-production and online distribution.

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Awards and Nominations

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  • Best Comedy Episode, Atlanta Comedy Film Festival 2022 (Nomination)

  • Co-op Audience Award, Iris Prize 2021 (Winner)

  • Best British, Iris Prize 2021 (Nomination)

  • Best Student Film, Norwich Film Festival 2021 (Nomination)

  • Alternative Comedy Award, Poor Life Choices 2021 (Winner)

  • Best Screenplay, Rainbow Umbrella Festival 2021 (Nomination)

  • Gold Medal for Comedy, UK Seasonal Short Film Festival 2020 (Winner)

 

 

Professional Training

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Post-Production Coordination
National Film & Television School (NFTS), 2024

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  • Focused on the complexities of post-production management, with sponsorship from Netflix, Amazon, and HBO.

  • Gained expertise in overseeing all aspects of post-production, including budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating with editors and visual effects teams.

  • Coached by Gemma Nicholson, founder of Post Super.

 

Producing Your First Feature
National Film & Television School (NFTS), 2023

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  • Created a full pitch deck and pitched to industry leaders, receiving highly positive feedback.

  • Gained practical insights into financing, budgeting, and producing indie features.

  • Guided by Thembisa Cochrane, Producing Tutor at MetFilm School.

 

Independent Filmmaking
Central Film School, May 2022 – Jul 2022

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  • Wrote, directed, and produced a short film while also working in various crew roles (producer, cinematographer, production designer, sound recording, boom, camera, gaffer, script supervisor, AD) on ten other shorts.

 

Practical Filmmaking
Central Film School, Jan 2022 – Feb 2022

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  • Participated in workshops covering writing, directing, lighting, camera, and sound.

  • Pitched and produced a short film, with my script being selected for production.

 

Explore Filmmaking
National Film & Television School (NFTS), 2020

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  • Completed a short film production course in collaboration with the BFI Film Academy, covering various filmmaking specialisms, from writing and directing to cinematography, editing, and composing.

 

BA Fine Art (Degree Course)
Middlesex University, 2008 – 2011

 
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