James Lucas (screenwriter)

James Lucas is a British/New Zealand screenwriter and film director. He is best known for writing and producing the British short drama film The Phone Call (2013), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film at the 87th Academy Awards. Lucas was born in High Wycombe, England and grew up in Christchurch, New Zealand before moving back to London.

After graduating from film school at London Metropolitan, being a Writer/Researcher at Talkback Television and an Assistant Editor at Tank Magazine, James worked at Ridley Scott’s RSA Films for a number of years - a time he cites as his "Masters in Film".

Alongside this, James played in art-rock bands and composed music for clients such as Wallpaper Magazine, HSBC and Moov. He also found time to perform as a lead actor in the Danny Boyle created 2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony.

Since winning his Oscar, James has gone on to make several more award-winning short films, and written the critically acclaimed, New Zealand feature film 'Whina', starring Rena Owen, released in 2021, and also picked up awards around the world.

James is currently in post production for his hotly anticipated Kate Moss biopic 'Moss & Freud', starring Ellie Bamber and Sir Derek Jacobi playing Lucian Freud.

His next film and television projects, and a collaboration with Disney Plus are soon to be announced.