Home | JamesBlakeFilm

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Blake Film

DP, Shooting PD, Drone, Editor

About

Hi! I'm James, and I specialise in filming, directing and editing. I do this for documentaries, commercials, and adventure projects. I've worked with the BBC, Disney, and National Geographic among others.

Work

My work, solo or as part of a production team, includes...

- Feature documentaries

- Extreme expeditions and sports coverage

- Short or long form pieces

- Social media and branded content

- Drone projects from above

And more...

Please see my CV and my SHOWREEL

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Contact

Please get in touch, I'd love to hear from you.

jamesjohnblake@gmail.com

+447766796401

Unbelievably honoured to have my image on the front cover of @natgeo January edition, a childhood dream come true…

My dad had rows and rows of National Geographic magazines on his expedition boat, and I spent countless hours going through them as a kid. They had a big influence on my interest in photography, filmmaking and science communication

If you can get your hands on a copy, full story of our expedition pages 16-43

#nationalgeographic #endurance22

Unbelievably honoured to have my image on the front cover of @natgeo January edition, a childhood dream come true…

My dad had rows and rows of National Geographic magazines on his expedition boat, and I spent countless hours going through them as a kid. They had a big influence on my interest in photography, filmmaking and science communication

If you can get your hands on a copy, full story of our expedition pages 16-43

#nationalgeographic #endurance22

It was an incredible honour to be part of the team that filmed the discovery of the Endurance, surrounded by such talented individuals. This journey took us to Antarctica for @natgeodocs, @littledotstudios, and @dogwoof, and we premiered at the @britishfilminstitute BFI Film Festival 2024. Grateful to have worked alongside @natalie.hewit, @jimmychin, @chaivasarhelyi, @paul_morrisdp, @saunderscb, @_editmonkey_, and @thehistoryguy.

An inspiring story of resilience and resolve—Endurance is now showing in cinemas across the country!

www.endurance.film

#endurance #endurance2022 #nationalgeographic #ernestshackleton #antarctica

It was an incredible honour to be part of the team that filmed the discovery of the Endurance, surrounded by such talented individuals. This journey took us to Antarctica for @natgeodocs, @littledotstudios, and @dogwoof, and we premiered at the @britishfilminstitute BFI Film Festival 2024. Grateful to have worked alongside @natalie.hewit, @jimmychin, @chaivasarhelyi, @paul_morrisdp, @saunderscb, @_editmonkey_, and @thehistoryguy.

An inspiring story of resilience and resolve—Endurance is now showing in cinemas across the country!

www.endurance.film

#endurance #endurance2022 #nationalgeographic #ernestshackleton #antarctica

It was a privilege to work on this Emmy Nominated series by @passionpicturesfilms for @pbs. Filming wild camels in one of the remotest parts of the planet is something I will always remember 🎥

Pic 1. These guys were in a hut in the middle of the Gobi desert keeping an eye out for illegal miners. They would do 6 weeks on 3 weeks off. Love their smiles and warmth.

Pic 2. Wild Camel in the Gobi

Pic 3. Sunset timelapse BTS

Pic 4. Dinner prep (heavily meat based diet in the desert)

Pic 5. This beautiful chap was the main camel caretaker. He’s a good wrestler as I found out to my own detriment.

Pic 6. BTS- my standard setup for filming the people of this story- Sony FX6 with an easy rig.

Pic 7. Sleeping arrangements- we would move from yurts to tents as we traveled through the desert. Tents were cold!

Pic 8. @moyleb our fantastic fixer without whom a lot of this would not be possible. He had a comfortable ride.

Pic 9. Long lens filming for the Natural History.

Pic 10. Card game during a storm

#evolutionearth #wildlifedocumentary #emmys #gobidesert #sonyFX6 #redcamera #wildcamels

It was a privilege to work on this Emmy Nominated series by @passionpicturesfilms for @pbs. Filming wild camels in one of the remotest parts of the planet is something I will always remember 🎥

Pic 1. These guys were in a hut in the middle of the Gobi desert keeping an eye out for illegal miners. They would do 6 weeks on 3 weeks off. Love their smiles and warmth.

Pic 2. Wild Camel in the Gobi

Pic 3. Sunset timelapse BTS

Pic 4. Dinner prep (heavily meat based diet in the desert)

Pic 5. This beautiful chap was the main camel caretaker. He’s a good wrestler as I found out to my own detriment.

Pic 6. BTS- my standard setup for filming the people of this story- Sony FX6 with an easy rig.

Pic 7. Sleeping arrangements- we would move from yurts to tents as we traveled through the desert. Tents were cold!

Pic 8. @moyleb our fantastic fixer without whom a lot of this would not be possible. He had a comfortable ride.

Pic 9. Long lens filming for the Natural History.

Pic 10. Card game during a storm

#evolutionearth #wildlifedocumentary #emmys #gobidesert #sonyFX6 #redcamera #wildcamels

🌍🏉🎥 Excited to announce the release of the documentary I filmed for @worldrugby… It’s about @lahiffmax on his journey to Senegal where he explores ‘Laamb’ - the country’s national sport of wrestling. The film dives deep into the culture, passion, and raw athleticism of this incredible sport. The pageantry was unbelievable, and the energy unmatched – and it was THE LOUDEST environment I’ve ever been in! You can see it here- https://youtu.be/estyTh29GkA?si=9ucfKwtEexyiygfm

A huge thank you to the amazing team: executive producer @editmonkey, producer @yanazy, director @adventuresinmotion, editor Jonny Quinn, and colourist Ryan Jenkins 🎬

🇸🇳 #Rugby #Laamb #Documentary #SportsCulture #Senegal #Wrestling #FilmMaking

🌍🏉🎥 Excited to announce the release of the documentary I filmed for @worldrugby… It’s about @lahiffmax on his journey to Senegal where he explores ‘Laamb’ - the country’s national sport of wrestling. The film dives deep into the culture, passion, and raw athleticism of this incredible sport. The pageantry was unbelievable, and the energy unmatched – and it was THE LOUDEST environment I’ve ever been in! You can see it here- https://youtu.be/estyTh29GkA?si=9ucfKwtEexyiygfm

A huge thank you to the amazing team: executive producer @editmonkey, producer @yanazy, director @adventuresinmotion, editor Jonny Quinn, and colourist Ryan Jenkins 🎬

🇸🇳 #Rugby #Laamb #Documentary #SportsCulture #Senegal #Wrestling #FilmMaking

Lightning Strike 22.06.24 New York 🎥 @sailgp #lightningstrike #manhattanstorm #newyork #thunderandlightning

Lightning Strike 22.06.24 New York 🎥 @sailgp #lightningstrike #manhattanstorm #newyork #thunderandlightning

Ancient Yew trees pollinating. Enjoy.

Footage taken earlier this month with music written and sung by my aunt @louiseburnet #slowmovement #yewtrees #landscape #naturevideo

Ancient Yew trees pollinating. Enjoy.

Footage taken earlier this month with music written and sung by my aunt @louiseburnet #slowmovement #yewtrees #landscape #naturevideo

View of the Milky Way #outback #Australia #shotoniphone #starscape

View of the Milky Way #outback #Australia #shotoniphone #starscape

Moonrise off the coast of Mozambique. Great 🦈 shoot for @bigwavetv. Amazing place with an amazing team. #mozambique #moonrise

Moonrise off the coast of Mozambique. Great 🦈 shoot for @bigwavetv. Amazing place with an amazing team. #mozambique #moonrise

Base camp and other accommodation #gobi #gobidesert #documentaryfilm

Base camp and other accommodation #gobi #gobidesert #documentaryfilm

The Gobi Desert, Mongolia. One of the most remote places I have ever filmed in. Stunning landscapes with beautiful light and ever changing conditions. #gobi #gobidesert #documentary

The Gobi Desert, Mongolia. One of the most remote places I have ever filmed in. Stunning landscapes with beautiful light and ever changing conditions. #gobi #gobidesert #documentary

We have left Antarctica and heading back to Cape Town. An incredible journey with an incredible result. Will miss the ice and it’s inhabitants but looking forward to getting home to family #endurance22 #Antarctica #hometime #penguin #penguin #emperorpenguin

We have left Antarctica and heading back to Cape Town. An incredible journey with an incredible result. Will miss the ice and it’s inhabitants but looking forward to getting home to family #endurance22 #Antarctica #hometime #penguin #penguin #emperorpenguin

South Georgia- When Shackleton reached South Georgia, he still had to trek over uncharted mountains to reach any sort of civilisation. I was very lucky to complete this trek in 2015. I never thought I would be back here but so grateful to visit this extrodainary place again #endurance22 #subantarcticislands

South Georgia- When Shackleton reached South Georgia, he still had to trek over uncharted mountains to reach any sort of civilisation. I was very lucky to complete this trek in 2015. I never thought I would be back here but so grateful to visit this extrodainary place again #endurance22 #subantarcticislands

The Endurance. We found her. Shackleton and his men were the last people to see her slip below the ice until now. Incredible experience to witness with an incredible team. Photo credit: Falklands maritime heritage trust/ National Geographic #endurance22 #endurance #antarctica #documentary

The Endurance. We found her. Shackleton and his men were the last people to see her slip below the ice until now. Incredible experience to witness with an incredible team. Photo credit: Falklands maritime heritage trust/ National Geographic #endurance22 #endurance #antarctica #documentary

Shackleton’s lost ship the Endurance is sat somewhere on the seabed 3000m below these ice flows and icebergs. The search continues but the clock is ticking…. #endurance22 #antarctica #searching #iceberg

Shackleton’s lost ship the Endurance is sat somewhere on the seabed 3000m below these ice flows and icebergs. The search continues but the clock is ticking…. #endurance22 #antarctica #searching #iceberg

The nights are getting longer and the temperature has plummeted. It’s currently -38C with windchill. The ship has to fight the drift of the ice flow and reposition after every dive making it very challenging to cover the right areas. #endurance22 #frozen #frozenocean #antarctic #weddellsea

The nights are getting longer and the temperature has plummeted. It’s currently -38C with windchill. The ship has to fight the drift of the ice flow and reposition after every dive making it very challenging to cover the right areas. #endurance22 #frozen #frozenocean #antarctic #weddellsea

The water temperature is dropping. It’s currently at -1.8C and cracks are starting to freeze. Still searching…. #endurance22 #antarctica #shackelton #freezing

The water temperature is dropping. It’s currently at -1.8C and cracks are starting to freeze. Still searching…. #endurance22 #antarctica #shackelton #freezing

The Weddell Sea- Shackleton and his men spent over 14 months trapped here and that was only the start of their journey. They lived aboard the ice bound Endurance for 9 months before she sank. The search continues… #endurance22 #iceflow #shipwreck #endurance

The Weddell Sea- Shackleton and his men spent over 14 months trapped here and that was only the start of their journey. They lived aboard the ice bound Endurance for 9 months before she sank. The search continues… #endurance22 #iceflow #shipwreck #endurance

The search continues 24hrs a day for the Endurance. It means some pretty crazy shifts but we have been treated to some incredible sights. A parhelion and an a orange moonrise being among some of them. #endurance22 #atmosphericphenomenon #icecrystals #documentary

The search continues 24hrs a day for the Endurance. It means some pretty crazy shifts but we have been treated to some incredible sights. A parhelion and an a orange moonrise being among some of them. #endurance22 #atmosphericphenomenon #icecrystals #documentary

We are at the last known location of the Endurance and the search is underway #endurance22 #ice #frozenocean

We are at the last known location of the Endurance and the search is underway #endurance22 #ice #frozenocean

Emperor penguins having a chat. #endurance22 #antarctica #penguins

Emperor penguins having a chat. #endurance22 #antarctica #penguins

There is some exciting new technology about to be deployed in the hunt for Shackleton’s Endurance. We are nearly at the ice edge…
#endurance22 #icebreaker #lifeatsea #documentaryphotography

There is some exciting new technology about to be deployed in the hunt for Shackleton’s Endurance. We are nearly at the ice edge…
#endurance22 #icebreaker #lifeatsea #documentaryphotography

The beautiful Southern Ocean. Heading south to find Shackleton’s Endurance on the bottom of the Weddell Sea #endurance22 #iceberg #albatross #antarctica

The beautiful Southern Ocean. Heading south to find Shackleton’s Endurance on the bottom of the Weddell Sea #endurance22 #iceberg #albatross #antarctica

Today marks 20 years since the world lost a great sailor, explorer and environmentalist, and we lost our dear dad. I often wonder what he would be up to today but it’s not a hard one - he would be doing what he loved and fighting for what he believed in. We miss you and can’t wait to teach the lessons you taught onto your grandkids. #goodwatergoodlife

Today marks 20 years since the world lost a great sailor, explorer and environmentalist, and we lost our dear dad. I often wonder what he would be up to today but it’s not a hard one - he would be doing what he loved and fighting for what he believed in. We miss you and can’t wait to teach the lessons you taught onto your grandkids. #goodwatergoodlife

Rufus having a good look down Woolacombe beach #holiday #northdevon #cloudscape

Rufus having a good look down Woolacombe beach #holiday #northdevon #cloudscape

Big Blue

North Atlantic Blue whale 1 of 1200ish (hopefully more) Filming with @osullivan.ken and @gavingallagher #Bluewhale #whale #wildlife #ocean #wildlifephotography #dji

Big Blue

North Atlantic Blue whale 1 of 1200ish (hopefully more) Filming with @osullivan.ken and @gavingallagher #Bluewhale #whale #wildlife #ocean #wildlifephotography #dji

Quarantine mate

Quarantine mate

The sei whale- really lucky to film this beaut in the Mid Atlantic the other day. One of the fastest whales in the world and sadly on the endangered list #oceanwanderer #wildlifephotography #seiwhales #endangeredspecies #whales

The sei whale- really lucky to film this beaut in the Mid Atlantic the other day. One of the fastest whales in the world and sadly on the endangered list #oceanwanderer #wildlifephotography #seiwhales #endangeredspecies #whales

Learning on the job has never been so exciting @oceankiteproject 🎥 @samlight1 🎵Biff Roxby from @wraudio #kiteboat #kite #oceancrossing #neverbeendone #drone

Learning on the job has never been so exciting @oceankiteproject 🎥 @samlight1 🎵Biff Roxby from @wraudio #kiteboat #kite #oceancrossing #neverbeendone #drone

A few more modifications and a bit more breeze @oceankiteproject #kiteboat #kite #speed

A few more modifications and a bit more breeze @oceankiteproject #kiteboat #kite #speed

Good testing in some lighter breeze today. The kite loop providing some good power from the small kite. @oceankiteproject #kiteboat #kite #kiteloop #downwind

Good testing in some lighter breeze today. The kite loop providing some good power from the small kite. @oceankiteproject #kiteboat #kite #kiteloop #downwind

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