James made his Acting debut in 2007 opposite Daniel Radcliffe in 'December Boys'. Recent screen work includes 'The Wilds' for Amazon Prime and Russell Crowe's directorial debut, 'The Water Diviner'. 2014 saw him labeled as "One to Watch" by GQ magazine, following a starring role in 'Deadline Gallipoli', alongside Sam Worthington, Hugh Dancy and Charles Dance. In 2016 his short film 'Hench' won James the Best Australian Young Filmmaker and Audience Choice Awards at Dungog Festival. In 2017 his film 'Dirt Tin' won Best Australian Short at Fantastic Planet Film Festival. And in 2018 his parody 'Safety Driver' won the inaugural Blue Datto short film competition. 2018 also saw James awarded 'Best Actor' at the New York Independent Film Festival 2018 for his work in 'The Virgin'. In 2019 'Snare', which James starred in, co-wrote, and edited was nominated for an AACTA Award following screenings at SXSW and TriBeCa Film Festivals. In 2021 'Laura', which James also starred in, co-wrote, and edited premiered at MIFF.