James Chappell is a two-time ARIA Award-winning film director celebrated for bold visual storytelling, high-energy camerawork, and a distinctive blend of genre tropes, quirky humor, and stylized VFX.

He made history as the first director to win back-to-back ARIA Awards for Best Music Video - 2019 and 2020, for Guy Sebastian, a milestone that cemented his reputation as a visionary talent. His work has also earned three Vimeo Staff Picks for its inventive, boundary-pushing visuals.

From music videos and short films to major campaigns, James brings a cinematic edge that fuses the worlds of music, advertising, and storytelling. He has directed high-profile work for brands including eBay, Subaru, Westfield, TK Maxx, NRL, Boost Juice, Amazon, Chubb, and V Energy, as well as promos for hit shows such as The Voice and Australia's Got Talent. The Voice campaigns he directed in 2021, 2022 and 2025 drove record-breaking ratings.

In 2024, James directed a music video for breakout pop star Stephen Sanchez, whose hit "Until I Found You" has amassed over two billion streams. As of 2025, he has completed his latest short film Shelly, starring Australian screen icon Gary Sweet, while developing his debut feature.

His credits also include serving as 2nd Unit Director on the sci-fi action-horror Nekrotronic, from director Kiah Roache-Turner (Wyrmwood, Sting, Beast of War) and producer Andrew Mason (The Matrix). Now signed to Clockwork Films for advertising representation across Australia, James continues to push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling, with work that resonates and leaves lasting impact worldwide.

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James Chappell

Director

Writer

Producer

Second Unit or Assistant Director

Camera and Electrical Department

Additional Crew