James accompanied Sir Don McCullin, Dan Cruickshank and me to film the BBC’s The Road to Palymra in January 2018 and I can honestly say I wouldn’t have made the trip into wartorn Syria without him. He not only provided Don who was 83 and has had open hear surgery with medical support, he provided me with a much needed soundboard on both health, safety and security.
IS were still operative and we had to tread carefully but James was confident, professional and focused on the job in hand which consisted of a ten day journey through an often devastated country, not only working with us but also local people some friendly others wary. He was a key part of why we came back home from a difficult shoot successfully with a great film in the can and even though we worked in some tough conditions, we had an enjoyable time and he’s great company
Adrian Sibley, Oxford Films