JAMES WRIGHT
PRODUCER / DIRECTOR
Broadcast Credits
THE ONE SHOW
BBC ONE 2024, BBC Studios
For BBC’s flagship factual entertainment series James produced, directed and edit produced topical films for some big moments of 2024, including the D-Day 80th anniversary, and the passing of Dr Michael Mosley.
Factual entertainment
TONY ROBINSON’S MARVELLOUS MACHINES
6x50mins UKTV 2023, Like A Shot
Tony Robinson takes a wry look at how machines work. James co-produced the series and played a key role in setting the comic tone of the series, mixing rigorous scientific content with studio skits and demos. James worked closely with Sir Tony, he shot and directed half the series and edit produced three episodes.
Science, engineering
HITLER’S ENGINEERS
6x48mins SKY HISTORY 2023, Like A Shot
This series profiles the people who built the Third Reich, literally. The stories of Hitler’s engineers are filled with opportunism, self-deception and genius. James interviewed key contributors from Porsche, Smithsonian, and the University of Alabama. The series relied on extensive drama reconstruction. James also edit produced two episodes; one on rocket pioneer Wernher von Braun, and another on Ferdinand Porsche.
History
HIDDEN AMERICA SEASON 1
6x42mins UKTV 2022, Like A Shot
A spin-off from the hit series, this show takes a closer look at the ordinary Americans who have extraordinary tales. In this series we meet ‘King Kobra’ a local legend in professional wrestling. James co-PD’d this first successful run, which lead to a second and third season. He also lit and shot the talking heads.
History, engineering
MYSTERIES OF THE ABANDONED 7
12x42mins DISCOVERY 2022, Like A Shot
As lockdowns lifted James returned to MOTA film across the UK and Europe. One story saw James lead a crew to the world’s smallest country, the Principality of Sealand.
History, Engineering
SECRETS OF THE LOST ARK
6x50mins DISCOVERY and ITV 2021, Like A Shot
A series which follows the rumours and clues surrounding the Ark of the Covenant. James edit produced two episodes, and produced and directed an additional scene in which he built a working ancient power-cell known as the ‘Baghdad Battery”
History, science
ABANDONED ENGINEERING 5
12x50mins UKTV 2021, Like A Shot
A reversion of Mysteries of the Abandoned for the UK audience. This iteration of the series adds more content. James produced, directed and edit produced three episodes of this series.
History, engineering
MYSTERIES OF THE ABANDONED 6
12x42mins DISCOVERY 2020/21, Like A Shot
The secret histories of abandoned buildings continues, this time featuring a story about prejudice in 60s America in the most unlikely place - the Wonder Bread factory. This series was made during the COVID pandemic. James produced stories and directed crews across the globe, and he edit produced three episodes.
History, engineering
MYSTERIES OF THE ABANDONED 5
12x42mins DISCOVERY 2020, Like A Shot
James returned for the next season of the hit series. He travelled to the remote communities in northern Spain to tell the story a village left displaced when their valley was turned into a reservoir. James edit produced three episodes and filmed all the talking heads.
History, engineering
MYSTERIES OF THE ABANDONED 4
12x42mins DISCOVERY 2019, Like A Shot
A series that connects abandoned structures to key moments in history. In season 4 James filmed across Europe, including in Paris’ Jardin d’Agronomie Tropicale where wonders from across the French empire were put in display, including human beings. James also lit and filmed all the talking heads for the series.
History, engineering
THE ONE SHOW SCIENCE VTs
5x5mins BBC 2019, BBC Studios
The science strand of the BBC’s iconic early evening show. James developed and produced five stories, including; a company saving lives by inventing a sound for silent electric cars, and a university team hoping to tackle hay-fever by recording the DNA of every pollinator in the UK.
Science
NOVA: BACK TO THE MOON
1x50mins PBS 2019, Bigger Bang
A one-off special to mark the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, produced by Heather Walsh and Chris Riley. James took a crew to three NASA sites in the US, and to Italy’s Mt Etna to film inside lava tubes.
Science, space
NOVA: RISE OF THE ROCKETS
1x50mins PBS 2019, Bigger Bang
A one off special charting the evolution of rockets, co-produced by Chris Riley. James directed the shoot at key NASA sites across the US, and interviewed expert commentators including engineers and policy makers.
Science, space
BREAKTHROUGH
6x45mins PBS 2018, Bigger Bang
A series which charts the the evolution of six world-changing inventions. James was the assistant producer on the episode about 'rockets’. He led a small crew to New Mexico to film at the site where the first nuclear bomb was tested.
Science
ONE STRANGE ROCK
10x42mins NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 2018, Nutopia
The landmark science series presented by Will Smith. James shaped stories and managed access for shoots in the USA, Canada and India.
Science