James Bamford

The Journey from Stuntman to Film Director

James Bamford is a highly accomplished figure in the film industry. His diverse roles, spanning stunt performance, coordination, fight choreography, second unit directing, and ultimately, directing and producing, stand as a testament to his extensive experience and range of skills. He has been a valuable part of more than 150 television series and feature films over his 30-year-long career. His remarkable accomplishments include working on high-profile episodes for Warner Bros and being a trusted director for critical episodes of popular shows.

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Hailing from Sidney, a small city on Vancouver Island, Bamford's passion for martial arts was sparked early on, after watching Bruce Lee's "Enter the Dragon." This fascination led him to train rigorously, earning him a 5th Dan Black Belt in Karate, amongst other martial arts accolades. His proficiency extends to a wide array of weapons, demonstrating his comprehensive martial arts capabilities.

Leveraging his martial arts expertise, Bamford embarked on a career in stunt work in the film industry. His debut as a stuntman led him to perform for several notable actors, including David Duchovny, Jerry O’Connell, William Baldwin, and Mickey Rourke, amongst others. 

His contributions to the "Stargate" franchise were significant, where he introduced unique fighting styles, blending his martial arts background seamlessly into the series' narrative.

However, it is his work on "Arrow" that brought him to the forefront. Commended for his outstanding stunt coordination, his innovative approach to filming fight scenes in the episode "Brotherhood," which marked his directorial debut, was widely praised. 

Beyond "Arrow," Bamford showcased his talent in numerous high-profile projects, such as the award-winning Bollywood film "Ek Tha Tiger," the webseries "Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn," and the CW’s "The Tomorrow People." His directorial contributions extended to 17 episodes of "Arrow," and episodes of "Batwoman," "Supergirl," and "Superman & Lois.”

Now, with his first feature film "JADE," scheduled for premiere in 2023, and the series "King of Killers" in pre-production, Bamford continues his creative journey in the film industry.

Bamford's career, marked by a transition from stuntman to film director, is a testament to his dedication, versatility, and immense talent. His vast array of skills, coupled with his distinct creative vision, have carved out a unique niche for him in the film industry, making him a truly influential figure.