James Arden

Works:

I started out shooting no-budget music videos for bands in the North of English, and within a few years I was directing promos for world-renowned artists on global labels like Bastille, Inhaler and Cian Ducrot. From here, I moved into commercials and branded content, with a particular focus on storytelling for national charities, which earned me a triple-nomination as Best New Director at the Young British Arrows.

These days, I divide my time between commercials and narrative drama, where I’ve recently been directing for Apple TV.

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Men, You Are Not Alone

Snap On Control

The Ripple Effect

Healthy Mover

James Arden

I am a self-taught director working across commercials and film - I am drawn to work that explores humanity and emotion, with a craft centred around cinematic storytelling and impactful performances. I have won awards from 1.4, Creative Circle, Kinsale Sharks and the Smiley Charity Awards, amongst others.

Background

These days, I divide my time between commercials and narrative drama, where I’ve recently been directing for Apple TV.

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Selected work

Brand film

Charity

Mankind Initiative

Men, You Are Not Alone

Product Film

Sports

Redbull x Snapon

Snap On Control

Brand film

Charity

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide

The Ripple Effect

Brand Film

Charity

Youth Sport Trust

Healthy Mover

How I work

When it comes to working with a brand or agency, I like to hone in on the heart of an idea, and use my directing skills to create the strongest possible end result.

Collaboration fuels me. I’m just as comfortable coming up with a script as I am executing an existing idea, especially if emotion and storytelling are involved.