James WilderHancock

James fell into the film business by chance after several weeks of cold calculation and mailing resumes to two-dozen production companies. At the time (about 12 years ago) he was enjoying a fast paced career as a cable access producer/director and thought that, after a year or two in the film trenches, he would make a fabulous film producer. His first film opportunity found him in Southern Oregon as an unpaid intern on a Grizzly Adams picture. By the end of the three week gig he was the Best Boy Grip with his own room and an amazing $800 a week rate! After leaving the show literally sick AND tired, he received an invitation to Tinsel Town to work on a honest-to-goodness real Hollywood production, with big name stars, mob money and everything. It was during these 'Hollywood years' that he learned some important lessons, not the least of which is that "you'd have to be crazy to want to produce", and that the real action is on -or near- the grip truck.

While working closely with producers, directors, cast and crew on feature films, television, commercials, news and music videos over the years, he has learned something else about producing. The GOOD producers quietly inspire and nurture creativity in addition to averting disaster on a daily basis. And, in order to do that they must BE creative thinkers themselves. Also you have to be able to survive on 3 hours of sleep a day.

Beyond his years of film and business experience, James brings a great deal of integrity, passion to the creative process. And, after working as a P.A., grip, electrician, sound mixer, key, gaffer, camera operator, still photographer, director, propmaker and effects technician, he has a pretty good handle on what it takes to make a movie. Although it's the surprises that still get him out of bed each day.