James McNamara

James McNamara created the critically-acclaimed international Disney+ and Hulu series, THE ARTFUL DODGER (starring Thomas Brodie-Sangster, David Thewlis, and Maia Mitchell) and wrote and executive produced Seasons 1 and 2. Season 1 was nominated for seven Australian Academy Awards (AACTAs) and McNamara was nominated for an Australian Writers’ Guild Award for writing the pilot episode. Season 2 premiered at #1 worldwide on Disney+ and was nominated for a Logie Award. Twice named an “international rising star” by BAFTA LA, his creative work encompasses executive producing scripted drama for Disney+ and Amazon, writing and directing for Audible, and contributing to television writers’ rooms for leading international production companies including the Academy Award-winning See-Saw Films.

McNamara’s work as a writer and showrunner is defined by language-driven, actor-centred drama. His formation includes conservatory training in writing, directing, and classical performance at the National Institute of Dramatic Art and the Bell Shakespeare Company, screenwriting training at Australia’s national film school, the Australian Film Television and Radio School, and a PhD in English Literature from the University of Oxford. Alongside his creative practice, McNamara is an Associate Professor of Film Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara where he specializes in literature-to-screen adaptations. Prior to commencing his career in film and TV, McNamara was a trial lawyer specializing in complex international disputes for a top-tier US law firm.