James Lester, a quintessential New Yorker, exemplifies the embodiment of a multifaceted creative genius, effortlessly exceling in a wide array of roles that showcase his remarkable versatility as a visionary independent film director, a meticulous editor, a shrewd producer, and a gifted writer, thus underscoring his ability to seamlessly transition between various creative pursuits with ease and aplomb.
Biography:
James Lester was born and raised in New York City, where he developed a passion for storytelling and filmmaking at a young age. He began his career in the film industry as a production assistant, working his way up the ranks to become a successful independent film director, editor, producer, and writer. Throughout his career, Lester has been recognized for his innovative storytelling, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to bring complex characters to life on the big screen. Despite his many accomplishments, Lester remains humble and dedicated to his craft, continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of independent filmmaking.
The feature-length documentary film "Getting Naked: A Burlesque Story" made a substantial and remarkable impression at the prestigious 74th Venice International Film Festival, particularly within the esteemed Venice Days section, where it was showcased at its world premiere.
The motion picture, having undergone a multitude of subsequent releases, eventually made its way onto the silver screens of North America, thanks to the prestigious distribution company, Gravitas Ventures, in the year 2018.
Lester's short films have garnered a substantial level of recognition and acclaim, boasting a notable presence at the prestigious New York Television Festival, an annual event renowned for showcasing the crème de la crème of television programming.
Moreover, his short films have also received widespread recognition at the Jackson Hole Film Festival, a highly esteemed event that celebrates the art of filmmaking and attracts a diverse range of talent from around the globe.
Furthermore, his work has been featured on IFC, a popular cable network celebrated for its innovative and eclectic programming, thereby providing him with a platform to reach a wider audience and showcase his unique style and perspective, setting him apart from his peers and solidifying his position as a rising star in the world of filmmaking.
As a distinguished and renowned senior editor and producer, he held a position of significant authority and played a vital, instrumental part in the globally acclaimed, extensively praised, and highly respected CNN documentary series "Chicagoland", which featured an impressive array of creative professionals, including the celebrated executive producer Robert Redford and the accomplished director Marc Levin, who together brought a wealth of expertise and artistic vision to the project.
Lester's remarkable editorial expertise is showcased through a vast array of film credits, encompassing a diverse spectrum of prominent networks, including HBO and Showtime, as well as a multitude of programming for various other distinguished organizations, such as AMC, A&E, PBS, CBS, NBC, FOX, MSNBC, and the Sundance Channel.
Lester's odyssey in the realm of entertainment commenced with a profound emphasis on music, as he devoted himself to the arduous pursuit of mastery over the piano, as well as the intricate art of composition, thereby establishing a solid foundation that would ultimately serve as the springboard for his future endeavors in the domains of film and television.
