Feature and short-form documentary filmmaker
and self-shooting director.
Concurrently with his work as a director of photography and freelance camera operator, James has produced, directed, and shot documentary films on subjects he is passionate about. Most of these films develop from a curiosity, and some gain traction to expand in commissions, commercial productions, or brand collaborations.
Location recce at the Yoshinkan Honbu Dojo, Tokyo Japan, photo by James Copson
Features
Last Fisherman
This is the story of Malcolm Baker, the last traditional Fisherman of Rame, Cornwall. In his youth, this grumpy fisherman had a reputation for trouble; he made a living by shooting nets in Kingsand Bay and crabbin' on the Rame Peninsula like generations have done before him. He was born and raised in Kingsand and Cawsand, a home in Cornwall's forgotten corner and a place he has never left.
The romantic vision of a working fishing village has long succumbed to second homes and long, dark winters with few lights on in the empty seafront homes. In a continually changing community, fishing industry, and world, the last fisherman of Rame is struggling to find his place within it.
The Anholt Project
A group of 22 youngsters from six different cultures find themselves on a remote Danish island - Anholt. Formerly a forest, Anholt is now an eerie desert with under 100 inhabitants.
The group has only three rules and limited resources with little supervisory interference. The education system has let them all down, and they find themselves on the fringes of society. As part of a European Youth in Action project, they are challenged to create their own micro-society under the watchful eye of two Universities.
This isn’t supposed to be Lord of the Flies, but it could well be.
Short Form
Digital Guide to a Chamber Orchestra
Royal Northern Sinfonia is a chamber orchestra founded in Newcastle and now based in Sage Gateshead. James was appointed as the official filmmaker for the 2019 season and again in 2024, working closely with producer Fraser Anderson to develop a digital guide focusing on three themes - Musicians, Audience, and Periods. The films are a combination of live performances, documentary 'day in the life' footage and staged sequences; the pieces paint a picture of a contemporary, professional orchestra based in the north of the UK.
The Alternative Escape
New Music Cornwall, supported by Creative Kernow, took four acts to The Alternative Escape – the official grungy neighbor of Brighton’s famous Great Escape Festival. The showcased artists included Rue, FARE, Milo Gore and L I P S; presenting a genre-defying sound that echoes the culture and buzz of the new music that is currently flourishing in Cornwall.
Truth & Illusion
The #MyFilmStory series shares the stories of passionate film photographers from around the world. Each has their own style of film photography, sharing why they choose to shoot film and their motivations and inspirations. James was asked to tell the story of the incredibly talented Manchester-based analouge photographer Lucy Ridges, detailing her personal and professional journey in the run-up to the unveiling of her new exhibition.
Amazing Grace 250
Created in conjunction with the Cowper & Newton Museum and support from Milton Keynes City Council, the film documents and reflects on the 250th anniversary of the popular hymn Amazing Grace.
Design Frontier
Cornish stories from the London Design Fair. Design Frontier is a campaign created by the Cultivator business team to showcase great design and craft from Cornwall. For the 2018 London Design Fair, the Cultivator team has selected a collection of artists, designers, and makers for the British Craft Pavilion. A short-form documentary film provides an overview of the Cornwall maker's experience at the event, and a series of micro-social vignettes promote the work of each maker.
Cornwall 365
Cultural Canapés in the Capital - In November 2018, Cornwall 365 brought a range of businesses to London, creating a showcase of experiential tourism. Stakeholders wished to capture the event yet tell the bigger story about the makers who have been included and the continued support they received from Cornwall 365. An event film blossomed into a short-form documentary that celebrates the work of 365 in a tour of Cornwall, all the while considering the hole that might be left if/when the UK leaves Europe.