Director Q&A: James Lees

This week’s director spotlight is shining a light on the one and only James Lees; our favorite UK boy living the American dream. Scroll down to read, and check out more of his work here.

What’s your greatest source of inspiration?
Reading the news, learning about history and inventing a story from a single photograph.

“I think as a filmmaker you thrive on creative adversity, that’s one of the reasons we do it.”

What made you want to start directing?
I started out in theatre, both acting and directing and it was this relationship that got me completely hooked and addicted.

Do you have any rituals you adhere to while working?
Whenever I’m shooting I’m pedantic about establishing where the best coffee shops are. 

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever asked someone to do on set?
Haha! Oh, I know the answer to this straight away. It was asking my naked male naked talent to run his tongue up my naked female talents inner thigh and all the way up her body. I was very much in the zone but as I walked away from giving the direction it all suddenly dawned on me that this is all fucking nuts.

If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?

1. A lover…

2. A chef…

3. And a masseuse.

What type of work do you hope to receive in the future?
I just hope I can keep calling this my career for the rest of my life.

What person would you want to have dinner with (living or dead)?