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
Tourism NZ
100% Pure New Zealand
Press
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