James Stier

Documentary Camera Operator, Director of Photography and Documentary Filmmaker.
James Stier
Hello, I’m James, a northern-based DP and camera operator, creating visuals for documentaries, corporate communications, broadcast television and branded content. My work has been featured on major international networks and in cinemas across Europe, the US, and the UK, for the usual suspects of Amazon, Netflix, BBC, and Sky. I relish the opportunity to collaborate with agencies and production companies to shape content for brands such as Porsche, The Peninsula Hotels, Ilford Photo and The Royal Northern Sinfonia. I live in the beautiful Calder Valley, near Hebden Bridge, with a production base in Manchester. I frequently work internationally and hold a U.S. I Media Visa, ATA Carnet, and Global Entry, making for streamlined travel to the USA and beyond. I trained at Leeds Beckett University, Apple Computer, BBC Glasgow, and the National Film and Television School. I built my media experience as a combat camera operator in the Royal Air Force, earning several service awards after graduating from the Defence School of Photography at RAF Cosford. My first documentary assignment was walking across the Himalayas, and since then, I’ve shot feature documentaries in the USA, Japan, and Europe. More recently, I was part of the British Society of Cinematographers' mentorship program, where I had the privilege of being mentored by an Oscar-winning BSC/ASC member. I’m also a friend of the Association of Camera Operators and a full member of the Guild of Television Camera Professionals. Some of my more notable projects include work on the Netflix series Beckham, the Sky Arts series Inside Art, and the 2024 See the World from The Peninsula Perspective campaign. My work in the automotive and racing industry has also led to me becoming the 'go-to' UK cinematographer for F1 legend Daniel Ricciardo. As a documentary filmmaker, I’ve self-shot and directed two feature films and a collection of shorts, receiving several awards, including a nomination for a British Society of Cinematographers award. As a creative problem solver, I’m passionate about developing a project’s visual identity through camera movement, composition, and lighting. I thrive on collaboration where I can support artistic, technical, and logistical decisions, creating work that matters with people who care.

Additional Info

I live in the beautiful Calder Valley, near Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire. I'm close to all the major cities in the region and maintain a production office in Manchester.

I frequently travel across the UK for work, from London to as far south as Cornwall. I also have strong relationships with crew, rental, and post-production houses across the UK, USA, Europe, and Asia. Even if I’m not involved in a project I’m always happy to help connect like minded creatives.

Documents, Visa’s & ATA Carnet

I frequently work in Europe, the United States, and Asia. I hold a US I Media Visa with Global Entry and have extensive production management experience with import/export documents, such as the ATA Carnet, for moving equipment across borders.

I have established key contacts for crew, equipment, and facilities across many countries, and I specialise in transatlantic production services—assisting UK clients shooting in the US and supporting US clients with their UK-based productions. In addition, I’m an RoSPA Advanced driver with a clean licence, and regularly hire and drive a variety of vehicles when working overseas.

This international experience allows me to navigate the logistical challenges of global productions efficiently, ensuring smooth operations wherever the project takes me.

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