James has undertaken a wide scope of studies and has a breadth of media experience in visual arts, film and television production. Studies include Ontario College of Art and Design, Concordia University, Ryerson, and Master of Interdisciplinary Studies at York University. James is an experienced graphic designer, photographer and filmmaker. As an independent producer, James has many years of experience in the film and television industry creating broadcast television, documentary film and new media production. As an early adaptor to computer technology, James began combining graphics, photography, film, video and animation for communication solutions. In addition to several years as faculty of the School of Image arts Film Program, James has also been active as a researcher in areas of the creative industries. He authored and produced an extensive research project supported by Telefilm, Ontario Creates, the DGC, WGC and PRO. The publicly accessible website and report Focus on Features investigated and recommended several actions for the Canadian movie industry.