James Bamford – Director | Action Visionary | Stunt Architect

James Bamford is more than a director — he’s a force of nature in the world of film and television. With a 35-plus year career forged in fire, fight choreography, and fearless storytelling, Bamford has redefined what modern action looks like on screen. From his early days as a world-class stunt performer, doubling Michael Dudikoff on the Stephen J. Cannell series COBRA and David Duchovny on the award-winning Chris Carter series, The X-Files, and fight coordinator, to becoming the sole directing producer of Arrow, his name has become synonymous with kinetic storytelling and heart-pounding cinematic craft.

As one of the creative driving forces behind Arrow, Bamford elevated the superhero genre with visceral, emotionally charged action sequences that blended brutal realism with operatic scope. His groundbreaking work helped build the entire Arrowverse aesthetic — influencing The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, and beyond — making him one of the most pivotal creative forces in genre television.

“James is considered a ball of talent and a full package film maker”

– Greg Berlanti

With more than 105,000 hours working in the film industry, James arrives on set as one of the most prepared, confident, decisive, creative, inspired and energetic directors in the world of television and cinema to date. His years spent in production meetings, location scouts, rehearsals, on set, and in the editing room have taught him things you just don’t learn in film school. He pays attention to detail, and to the creative flow of the experienced professionals around him, and to the inner workings of the craft itself.

Bamford’s unmatched expertise in stunt coordination, martial arts, and second-unit direction has led him to helm high-octane episodes across major studios and streamers, including Netflix, CBS, NBC, and HBO Max. Known for pushing boundaries, he’s directed sequences involving helicopter assaults, underwater battles, single-take fight scenes, and full-scale urban warfare — always with an eye for character, tension, and story.

What sets Bamford apart isn’t just the spectacle — it’s his ability to extract emotional truth through action. Every punch lands with meaning, every explosion with consequence. His sets are renowned for intensity, precision, and camaraderie, often blending the disciplines of filmmaking, choreography, and tactical realism into a single, electrifying vision

Whether commanding a crew of hundreds on a downtown shootout or crafting intimate moments in the eye of the storm, James Bamford is the ultimate director for a world that demands both muscle and soul.

Warner Brothers Director’s Workshop

During his 10 years at Warner Brothers, among other responsibilities, James served as the training officer for incoming new directors. When asked if he was comfortable hosting a “shadow” on any of his episodes the answer was always “yes” to have the opportunity to inspire a new generation of filmmakers. Part of the process with the Warner Brothers Director’s Workshop was for James to write a very specific curriculum for incoming trainees so as to ensure their preparedness when they were granted their first episode.

James Bamford on IMDB | Directors Guild of Canada | DGA (Director’s Guild of America)

Awards

  • Nominated Leo Award 2016 – Best Direction in a Dramatic Series – Arrow
  • Leo Award 2016 – Best Stunt Co-ordination in a Dramatic Series – Arrow
  • TOIFA (Times of India Film Award) 2013 – Best Action – Ek Tha Tiger
  • Leo Award 2013 – Best Stunt Co-ordination in a Television Movie – Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn
  • World Police and Fire Games – Bronze Medalist Karate – Team Canada

Press