James Werner - Open Pitch Session

James Werner fell in love with acting and performance in high school, and has spent the majority of his life exploring many creative fields and developed talents in multiple artistic mediums. His goal through working and developing his craft as an actor is to eventually be asked to contribute skills as a comedian, musician, writer, director and producer to the projects booked. James is a Black, biracial, filmmaker from Los Angeles, who was raised Buddhist. For the past six years he’s worked in film and TV on all sides of production, and over the last year and a half has gotten to know, and genuinely love, the filmmaking and artist communities worked with across the country. In the summer and fall of 2021 he assisted two directors, Nicholas Ma and Elegance Bratton, on their debut features, and most recently assisted a showrunner and two other writer/executives on the TV reboot of JUSTIFIED. James’ bosses have expressed appreciation for his presence and empathy on set, which allows him to facilitate strong connections with and between the crew. In the summer of 2021 James released his first EP and started working on, and playing music with musicians, producers and engineers in sessions. He has helped artists develop their projects, and value the way songwriting, jamming, and brainstorming has helped further his creative process in and outside of music, and strengthened his communication with creatives. James is currently based in Los Angeles where he studies improv with mentors Will Hines, Jim Woods, and Shannon O’Niell. James performs at indie shows and harold nights with his team Toretto. He also studies scenes, plays and playwrights with Ann Noble at Berg Studios, and has begun playing original songs at open mics, and variety shows. On the side James produces for a podcast network run by the underground rapper, Open Mike Eagle. Over the course of James’ work behind the camera, he knows how to facilitate artistic connections and communicate in a way that respects boundaries while moving things forward. This has helped his art and performance immensely. James wants to work with a manager who he can grow with, and who will help him find opportunities that will allow him to give everything he can offer.