James Newman is an award-winning writer and director working across dark comedy and character-driven storytelling. His work explores loneliness, masculinity and emotional repression through surreal, often uncomfortable humour, balancing absurdity with genuine human vulnerability.
His short film Amigo, written by James Newman and Tom Waterhouse and starring Seann Walsh, was distributed by Directors Notes and screened at BAFTA- and Oscar-qualifying festivals including HollyShorts (Comedy), Flickerfest, Bolton International Film Festival, and Aesthetica.
James’s screenwriting has also been recognised internationally, including a runner-up placement at the Slamdance Screenwriting Competition. His work has been selected for a wide range of UK and international festivals. He previously won the Outstanding Comedy Award at The Pitch, judged by Gbemisola Ikumelo and Alice Cabañas.
Earlier in his career, James worked in post-production and development at companies including Molinare and Stolen Picture, before pivoting to writing and directing his own work. He has since written and directed a number of short films that have screened at festivals including London Short Film Festival and Norwich Film Festival.
James is a BAFTA Connect member and a member of Directors UK. He is currently developing new film and television projects and is open to collaboration with producers and commissioners.
