My Story
James Valdez is an award-winning director and cinematographer based in Los Angeles.
His passion for cinema began at sixteen, when he worked as a projectionist at his neighborhood theater- an experience that sparked a lifelong love for storytelling through film.
After graduating from San Diego High School, James served six years in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Sergeant and developing strong leadership skills through honorable service.
Following his military career, he was accepted into the prestigious UCLA Film Program, where he studied under professors Bill McDonald, Rory Kelly, and Neema Barnette, deepening his understanding of visual storytelling and cinematic craft. He later earned his MFA in Cinematography training with acclaimed cinematographers Anthony B. Richmond (The Man Who Fell to Earth, Candyman, Men of Honor), Pascal Lebègue (Vogue, Slave 4 U), and David A. Armstrong (The Saw films).
James’s work has been recognized at numerous film festivals, most recently with his short film Canta Santiago, which received a Jury Award from the Directors Guild of America, now streaming on Omeleto.
Today, he continues to collaborate with fellow artists on independent productions, bringing thoughtful, visually driven stories to life.
Filmmaking Experience
James Valdez work has been exhibited across the United States, screening at prestigious festivals including the Iris Prize Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, San Diego Latino Film Festival, CineGear Expo, Miami LGBTQ Film Festival, and Frameline San Francisco, among others.
His debut short film, Fallen Comrade (Writer, Director), received critical acclaim on the festival circuit, earning eleven awards—including “Best Short Film” and multiple Audience Awards—and was nominated at the Iris Prize Film Festival in Cardiff, Wales.
James has collaborated on a range of projects with commercial creative Geoff McGann, known for his iconic campaigns with brands such as Nike, Google, and Samsung. He has also worked as a Cinematographer alongside screenwriter and director Tony Rettenmaier (Creed II, 2018; They Cloned Tyrone, 2023), and as a Camera Operator for DP Marko Alonso.
James is an ASC Vision Mentee for 2025.
The Creative
Film production is James’s specialty. His mantras?
“Make good shit!” and “Whatever it takes to make the best f***’n movie possible.”
James has been involved in every stage of the creative process— from the spark of an idea to the final cut. With strengths in writing, directing, and cinematography, he’s a versatile, all-around filmmaker who understands that making great films demands grit, vision, and relentless creative leadership.
