James Lees is a visionary director whose work has garnered over 5 billion views worldwide. Known for creating music videos for top artists such as OneRepublic, Justin Bieber, Lil Dicky, and Bloc Party, James’ journey began in humble surroundings in the smallest county in the UK. Starting his career in theatre, he gained widespread acclaim for his debut short film The Apology Line, which was followed by two more award-winning shorts. These early successes opened the door to representation and laid the foundation for his immense reach.
Since then, James has directed high-profile commercial campaigns for global brands like Cadbury, BBC, Converse, and Beats by Dre – where his Cannes Lions and Ciclope-winning spot featuring Conor McGregor earned significant recognition. Known for his richly cinematic style and his ability to evoke deep emotional resonance, James’ work blends imaginative visuals with compelling performances, showcasing his extraordinary range and artistic depth. Not bad for a boy from Rutland.