JAMES GARCES
Hey, I'm James.
"How did you get here?"
As a kid, I always looked up at the people performing on stage, the people making films, and the creatives around me that shaped the experiences I had, TV shows I watched, and other such things that helped me shape my values and attitudes, and wondered what it was they were doing in order to convey these emotions and ideas. Growing up, I continued to wonder and investigate what makes various people tick, and how their experiences and things they may have seen shaped them. I gained further and further understanding and appreciation for creatives and their work, before embarking on a journey to do so myself.
"That's cool. So what do you do?"
I specialise in screenwriting, directing, camera work and editing, working both with narrative work and corporate clients. In narrative I love to tell relatable, ordinary stories with extraordinary characters that resonate with audiences. For corporate work, I thrive in putting my best foot forward for my clients to ensure that they have the highest quality production possible. In both aspects I thrive in time management, leadership where applicable, communicating ideas and then safely and efficiently executing those ideas. I work well under pressure and am able to keep calm, cool and collected to ensure that no matter what is happening around you, I've got your back.
"Sounds sweet. How do we get in touch?"
You can reach me via the following channels:
Email: jamesgarces@outlook.com
Instagram: @thejamesgarces
Currently located: Perth, Western Australia
LATEST PROJECT
Night of the Living Homework | Writer/Director | 2024
(Working Title)
"When the zombie apocalypse threatens his laid-back Aussie school life, Miles scrambles to form a team with his endearing-yet-annoying little brother, his studious girlfriend, and his quirky sports teacher to find a way out while confronting the undead, the otherworldly, and the idea of growing up."
Currently in Post-Production, this project seeks to explore the complex relationships between siblings at a crucial part of childhood, with supernatural elements serving as both a guise and an external representation of internal struggles.
CREATIVE
NOTHING SPECIAL
"After gaining super-powers, Jack Johnson applies to be trained by a world-famous Super-Hero. When his true-blue, Aussie father objects, Jack is caught in the crossfire of a fight to the finish between his Dad and his idol..."
Created in 2022, the short film Nothing Special represents a capstone of my filmmaking career as I transition from my studies to professionalism. Made with a largely-freelance/professional crew, the project blended what I have learnt throughout my studies with real-world industry professionals who expected the most from me - and I am proud to say that I delivered. The project has gone on to win and be nominated for numerous prestigious international awards, as well as being officially selected in notable festivals across the globe.
Role: Writer/Director
'Best Adventure/Superhero Film'
CANNES WORLD FILM FESTIVAL
'Best Sci-Fi Film'
OZ INDIE FILM FESTIVAL
'Best Original Story'
CANNES SHORTS
'Special Jury Award' | 'Best Producer'
INDO FRENCH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
'Official Selection'
WA MADE FILM FESTIVAL
ONE MORE DAY
"Oliver, a naïve, heartbroken young man is thrown into the adventure of a lifetime when presented with the opportunity to go back in time and un-do the breakup that 'ruined his life'. His travels bring him face-to-face with a wacky professor, his ex-girlfriend, and... himself?"
Created in 2021 as part of my studies at SAE Institute, One More Day was an opportunity to put everything I had learned in both writing and directing into practice. It was the first time I got to experience leading a team from project conceptualisation through to final short film delivery, and I learnt invaluable lessons and skills whilst also making a project that has heart.
Role: Writer/Director
Other Creative Projects
Before Dawn | Cast Member | 2024
A Narration | Feature Film | Lead Cast Member | 2024*
Torn Teddy | Short Film | Writer | 2024*
Powerballin' | Television Advertisement (Lotterywest) | Lead Cast Member | 2023
Powerballin' | Print + Social Media Advertisement (Lotterywest) | Lead Model | 2023
EmAGN Advertisement | Advertisement (Interia) | Writer/Director/Editor | 2023
A Novel Christmas | Short Film | Production Assistant | 2022
GET THE GIRL | Short Film | First Assistant Director | 2021
Blackout | Short Film | Editor | 2020
Aneurysm Survivors | Short Documentary | Director of Photography | 2020
*This project is still in production and has not been finished as of April 2024
Please email for more detailed resume.
CORPORATE
INTERIA
Currently employed at Interia as a Photographer and Content Creator since mid-2023. Carrying out photo and video shoots from intial conceptualisation to final delivery, I safely and efficiently capture, edit, and deliver content to the Marketing Manager, conisting of product photography, completed jobs, and events, all to be posted on the company’s social media platforms.
ROY HILL
Was employed at Roy Hill in an “Audio Visual and Drone Technician” position in West Perth from mid-2022 to early 2023. Carrying out aerial and handheld shoots once per week, I safely and efficiently captured, edited, and delivered site photos and video to Project Delivery staff to ensure progress was being monitored, documented, and shared with key stakeholders.
LANSKEY CONSTRUCTIONS
Was employed at Lanskey Constructions as a primary Drone Pilot and cinematographer. Carrying out both aerial and handheld shoots, I safely and efficiently capture, edit, and bring in site photos and video to project managers and clients to ensure progress is being monitored and documented.
I worked for Lanskey since the beginning of 2019 until late 2022. In that time I have been mentored by Project Managers and State Managers to ensure the safety and efficiency of the photography and videography operation matches my keen eye for detail and high standard of production values.
FREELANCE
I regularly complete freelance real estate aerial shoots for an agency called Century 21: developing good professional relationships and ensuring that a consistently high quality of production is met.
I complete freelance event shoots for event management companies; one of my main clients being Apex Entertainment Services. Their business carries out both personal events and corporate events - example shots of both of these (a party and a corporate function at Crown) are below.
Email: jamesgarces@outlook.com | Instagram: @thejamesgarces | Currently located: Perth, Western Australia