Latest Work 6 projects
Commercial
Content
Behind the Scenes
Lightforce Solar BTS Part 1
Behind the Scenes
Lightforce Solar — Part 1
Lightforce Solar BTS Part 2
Behind the Scenes
Lightforce Solar — Part 2
Subway Australia BTS Part 1
Behind the Scenes
Subway Australia — Part 1
Subway Australia BTS Part 2
Behind the Scenes
Subway Australia — Part 2
Subway Australia BTS Part 3
Behind the Scenes
Subway Australia — Part 3
Subway NZ BTS
Behind the Scenes
Subway NZ
The Co-operative Bank BTS Part 1
Behind the Scenes
The Co-operative Bank — Part 1
The Co-operative Bank BTS Part 2
Behind the Scenes
The Co-operative Bank — Part 2
Hell Pizza BTS Part 1
Behind the Scenes
Hell Pizza — Part 1
Hell Pizza BTS Part 2
Behind the Scenes
Hell Pizza — Part 2
Rebel Sport BTS Part 1
Behind the Scenes
Rebel Sport — Part 1
Rebel Sport BTS Part 2
Behind the Scenes
Rebel Sport — Part 2
Bluebird BTS
Behind the Scenes
Bluebird
Fiji Tourism BTS
Behind the Scenes
Fiji Tourism

More work ›
James Anderson
Director
James Anderson
Aotearoa, NZ
JamesAnderson

James Anderson is a multi-award-winning director with more than twenty years of experience making work that feels alive, honest and visually distinct. Based in Aotearoa, New Zealand, James has built a career across television, documentary, branded content and advertising — directing primetime series, globe-spanning documentary work, and high-impact commercial campaigns for both local and international brands.

A lover of wearing hats, James's work is driven by human connection, dry humour and cinematic clarity. Whether he's guiding talent, capturing real subjects or shaping brand storytelling, his approach is collaborative, performance-focused and grounded in visual intention.

Over the years James has directed everything from scripted series and cultural documentaries to compelling branded films and spots for brands including Ford, Samsung, adidas, Hyundai, KFC, Red Bull, Tourism NZ and 100% Pure New Zealand. His work stands out for its emotional nuance and a visual style that is polished without feeling clinical.

James's background includes co-founding a critically recognised production company, leading production teams, and shaping content from concept to final delivery. Above all, James is a storyteller — his focus remains the same: make something that resonates and sticks with people long after the frame goes dark.

Selected credits
Ford
Ranger Ranger
Brand campaign
adidas
Brand campaign
Hyundai
Space Craft
Brand campaign
Brand campaign
Tourism NZ
100% Pure New Zealand
Subway NZ
Sirens
Press
James Anderson on set James Anderson on set

Not showing off, but... okay maybe a little.

2024
GoldSpikes Asia — Creative Commerce — Yeastie Boys 'Blokequet'
FinalistAxis Awards — Direct Physical — Yeastie Boys 'Blokequet'
FinalistAxis Awards — Campaign — Yeastie Boys 'Blokequet'
FinalistAxis Awards — Brand Experience & Activation — Yeastie Boys 'Blokequet'
2022
GoldAxis Awards — PR — Tourism NZ: Social Influence
SilverAxis Awards — Social Media Campaign — Tourism NZ: Social Influence
SilverAxis Awards — Social Video — Tourism NZ: Social Influence
WinnerKantar Ad Impact Award — Kāpiti: Too Good to Share
NomineeNZ TV Awards — Best Entertainment TV Series — Jono & Ben: Good Sports
2019
WinnerHuawei NZ TV Awards — Best Documentary Cinematography
WinnerHuawei NZ TV Awards — Best Documentary Editing
WinnerHuawei NZ TV Awards — Best Post Production Design
ShortlistedCannes Lions — Social & Influencer — Tourism NZ #getNZonthemap
ShortlistedD&AD Awards — Tourism NZ #getNZonthemap
SilverAxis Awards — Social Video — Tourism NZ #getNZonthemap
BronzeAxis Awards — PR Social & Digital — Tourism NZ #getNZonthemap
BronzeAxis Awards — Use of Social Media — Tourism NZ #getNZonthemap
BronzeAxis Awards — Long Form Single — Tourism NZ #getNZonthemap
BronzeAxis Awards — Online 5 Minutes & Under — Tourism NZ #getNZonthemap
2017
BronzeMedia Global Awards — Best Branded Content — Anmum 'Dadtime'
2016
GoldAxis Award — Promo & Activation — BMW 'Reverse April Fools'
SilverAxis Award — Film & Screen Content — BMW 'Reverse April Fools'
BronzeAxis Award — Digital & Interactive — Energy Online 'Goodbye Door Knockers'
2015
BronzeCannes Lion — Promo & Activation — BMW 'Reverse April Fools'
2013
WinnerMetro Magazine Awards — Best Free-to-Air Programme — The Food Truck
2012
WinnerAFTA NZ TV Awards — Best Constructed Reality Series — The Food Truck
WinnerTV Guide Best of the Box — Best Culinary Series — The Food Truck
FinalistNZ TV Awards — Best Factual TV Series — Funny Roots
2011
FinalistAFTA NZ TV Awards — Best Television Director — The Food Truck
FinalistAFTA NZ TV Awards — Best Entertainment/Factual — Making Tracks
FinalistAFTA NZ TV Awards — Best Comedy Programme — A Night at The Classic
Contact

Let's makesomething rad.

Whether you're an agency with a brief, a brand looking for a director, or just want to have a beer and a chat — I'd love to hear from you.

Email
Phone
+64 21 198 5833
Studio
Two Heads
Level 1, 449 Richmond Road
Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021
Aotearoa
Available for
NZ · AU · International
Bookings — Australia
Clockwork Films
Aborah Buick, Executive Producer
+61 421 688 486
[email protected]
James Anderson

Send a message

+64 21 198 5833
me@jamesando.com