James Watkins

James Watkins is a director and screenwriter.

He made his directing debut with the critically acclaimed thriller EDEN LAKE. Declared 'the best British horror film in years' The Guardian, it won the Empire Award for Best Horror, the Jury Prize at Sitges Fantasy Film Festival and Best Director at Fantasporto.

Before he moved into directing, James had a first look writing deal with Working Title Films. Under this deal, he wrote several scripts including acclaimed horror-thriller MY LITTLE EYE. Other writing credits include GONE and THE DESCENT 2. James has also written scripts for Film4 and BBC Films, and in 2012 directed the international success THE WOMAN IN BLACK, a chilling Victorian ghost story starring Daniel Radcliffe.  Since then, James has written and directed 2016’s BASTILLE DAY starring Idris Elba and SPEAK NO EVIL in 2024 for Blumhouse Productions.

His directorial work in TV includes SHUT UP AND DANCE – an episode of the third season of Charlie Brooker’s BLACK MIRROR; MCMAFIA which he also wrote and produced and went on to win the International Emmy for Best Drama Series; and most recently THE IPCRESS FILES starring Joe Cole, Lucy Boynton and Tom Hollander, which released to wide critical acclaim.

James is represented by Phil D'Amecourt WME in the US.