JamesDuncanCONTACT MEPlug A.i. into everything
like its 2077. We're chippin' in!IanI consider myself a transformational leader with broad experience in the entertainment industry from both artistically creative and highly technical disciplines.about meI come from a small village in the middle of England where the world of Hollywood and filmmaking seemed like a distant dream. Growing up, I wasn't exposed to many creative people, so the idea of becoming a storyteller never crossed my mind. But when I was 15, I saw "The Shawshank Redemption" and it changed everything. The story opened my eyes to the power of film to convey important themes like suffering, criminal injustice, and the triumph of human connection. That's when my journey into filmmaking began.
I wrote short stories, borrowed a camcorder, and started creating as much as I could. However, when I was 18 and about to attend university, my family pressured me to pursue a more traditional and dependable degree in business studies. I was torn between following the path expected of me and the life I knew I wanted. But then, another film changed me again. I saw "American History X" and knew without a doubt that I had to be a storyteller. I had to strive to be part of a process that could open people's eyes and positively affect them the way I was deeply moved.
That's when I found my way to film school in the USA. I was determined to learn everything I could, and I took every class and attended any additional lectures that would let me sit in. After completing film school, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my dream.
I believe that storytelling and filmmaking are vital and powerful ways to share and connect in the human experience. They can inspire, educate, or simply provide an hour or two of entertainment to someone who needs a break from their everyday life. To be a good storyteller, you have to live and experience life fully. On my journey, I've dealt with great losses and great joys, traveled, fought for human rights, and started my own post-production company.
I'm inspired by innovation and have experimented with new ways to tell stories using augmented and virtual reality. My experience in VFX and post-production has allowed me to play key roles in the creative process, and I understand every angle of what can and needs to be done to make a great film. I know how to get the shot that will drive the story, and I know that collaboration is key.
After 15 years of production, post-production, and VFX experience, I founded Chariotdrive, a creative studio responsible for end-to-end production in film, television, new media, and commercials. In 2020, Chariotdrive was acquired, and I expanded operations into Canada. I then moved back to Los Angeles to work in generative AI and operations at Trailer Park Group.
play_circle_outlineTRAILERHalf-LifeThree-part series based on the greatest video game and character of all time. Over half of the viewers watched the episodes in their entirety. The views are significant as a YouTube view is counted after 30 seconds of viewing. The three-part series is available on YouTube along with several behind-the-scenes videos and cast and crew commentaries. Subtitled in over 20 languages by the community.Live action Half-Life series 10 million minutes watched, more than 3 million views. Rated 9.3 out of 10 on Steam
and 8.9 out of 10 on IMDB. overviewWriter, producer & directorclientrole(s)VALVe Episode 2: Part 2 Episode 2: Part 1 Episode 1"Yo Showtime, HBO, Netflix, Hulu, hell-- Youtube: Pick this show up. Give these guys a bigger budget. And TAKE. MY. MONEY."
- Youtube commenter: Nickplay_circle_outline Behind the Scenes Directors POVGo BackLets Talkplay_circle_outlineHave a Similar Project in mind?go backarrow_backScroll
Zero ContactIt was clear to me that the film needed a significant visual overhaul for it to be saleable. So I pitched the producers an initial idea to add some basic user interface to make the boxes on black seem a bit more compelling.From eight visual effects shots to visual effects and motion graphics on every frame of the film. A 3-minute high-concept intro that allowed for a pitch for Anthony Hopkins to be recast in the role of Finley Hart.overviewProducer, VFX Supervisor, Creative DirectorclientservicesEnderby EntertainmentThe opening was designed to pull in the viewer to this mystery of who the lead character was.Go BackLets TalkHave a Similar Project in mind?go backarrow_back
WargamingCreatively led a team of producers, designers, and video editors and vfx artists to conceive, plan and produce television, online, and streaming media to support the publishing, shipping and ongoing user acquisition and retention of the AAA titles World of Tanks (PC, Console), Blitz (Mobile), World of Warplanes, and World of Warships in the Americas.While working as Head of Video Production at Wargaming I produced and directed several spots including VR, live action and game capture.overviewDirector Head of Video Productionclientplay_circle_outlineTRAILERservicesWargamingI created this experiential action film and , 3 day live stream from the Wargaming booth during E3. Enormous engagement. Millions of chats.Go BackLets TalkHave a Similar Project in mind?Scroll go backarrow_back
HITRECORDThousands of people from around the world build on what Logic started, bringing their own ideas and influences, and inspiring each other to push the music in unexpected directions. Through this unique process, Logic discovers the stories and talents of 21 musicians: an unlikely band of collaborators who come together to create a truly original song and music video.I picked up the reigns from the creative team at Hit Record, and designed 3D animation & titles. VFX Supervised and color graded. Premiered at SxSW in Austin.overviewCreative Director, VFX Supervisor, Colorist.clientservicesHIT RECORD, YOUTUBE ORIGINALS, BGM"Do What You Love" is a song made collaboratively - on the internet.Go BackLets TalkHave a Similar Project in mind?Scroll go backarrow_back
Escape the NightEscape the Night was not your traditional TV show. It had both narrative and unscripted elements blended together and a new genre was coined, Surreality.
I designed a pipeline from camera to streaming platform overseeing, a team of editors and supervising over thousand visual effects and motion graphics shots. “I’ve not seen anything like your process in over 1000 episodes of TV. Technical combined with creatives in one space.”
Amazon Originals – Post Supervisor overviewVFX Supervisor, Post Supervisor, Colorist, Title Designer, Pipeline desinger/managerclientrolesYouTube Originals4 Seasons.
3 opening title sequences designed.
Over 1000 VFX supervised & 300 minutes colored.Go BackLets TalkHave a Similar Project in mind?Scroll go backarrow_back
Linden LabBased on market research from the incredible TWOFIVESIX, I put together several creative concepts that I pitched to the client. This was refined and a selection was made. All work was outlined on a massive digital whiteboard.I worked with the acclaimed Linden Lab who are responsible for the long running Second Life. I created and directed a series of launch videos using in game capture tools for a new product called Sansar.overviewCreative Director, Producer,Editor, Colorist.clientservicesLinden LabAll Blackmagic workflow. Captured in BRAW, edited and finished in Resolve.Go BackLets TalkHave a Similar Project in mind?go backarrow_back
Apple / SonosThe result is a distillation of data gathered from an in-depth, international case study involving families from all over the world. Participating families were given Nest cams, iPhones, iBeacons, and Sonos speakers; and were monitored for two weeks. The first week, the families were deprived of all music; and the second week, music was encouraged through the use of the provided Sonos speakers.A truly unique endeavor, the video was a result of a partnership between industry titans Apple and Sonos, this being the first time Apple has produced a joint campaign.overviewPost Supervisor, VFX Supervisor, Colorist.clientroleApple / SonosHow to get 15,000 Hours of video Edited to 90 seconds in 3 weeks.Go BackLets TalkHave a Similar Project in mind?go backarrow_back
