Directing

James A. Sims is a filmmaker in Los Angeles who believes that compelling visuals are a key component in amplifying a great story. As a father of four children, James pursues stories that encourage and inspire fatherhood in the African-American community. James studied film at the University of Washington as a student-athlete, competing in both football and track and field. After graduating he joined the New York Giants as a running back, then eventually moved to Los Angeles to begin his entertainment career working as a production assistant on “America’s Funniest Videos.” James has directed various music videos and short films, supporting his appointment to the 2018 Sony Pictures Diverse Directors program. Most recently, he was a contributing animator on the NAACP Image Award and Peabody Award–nominated short film, “Cops And Robbers,” produced during the COVID-19 pandemic.