James Bruce

Beginning his career under the mentorship of the legendary Louis Malle, Bruce honed his craft on films such as "Atlantic City" and "My Dinner with André," contributing to production efforts before taking the helm as editor for "Alamo Bay" and the critically acclaimed documentary "God's Country." His directorial portfolio spans a diverse range of independent feature films including the provocative "Headless Body in Topless Bar," the drama "Den of Lions," and the socially insightful "Anatomy of a Shooter" based on Walter Dean Myers novel "Shooter." His passion for documentary filmmaking is evident in works like "Our Food Chain," "Listen to The Forest," and "Indivisible: healing hate" which delve into pressing global and political issues. As a producer, his notable project "Oka!"- filmed in the Central African Republic and premiered at the Telluride Film Festival-showcases his ability to manage complex productions in challenging environments, a testament to his commitment to storytelling that bridges cultures and perspectives. In television, his directorial acumen has been recognized through an Emmy nomination for "Survivor" and two Emmy nominations for "Apprentice," alongside my work on "Highlander," "America's Most Wanted," "The Adventures of Robin Hood," and "Army Wives," underscoring his versatility across genres. As a show-runner, Bruce spearheaded numerous non-scripted series, notably "The Restaurant" for NBC, a pioneering soap drama in the culinary non-scripted arena. He played a key role in launching "Below Deck," which has evolved into a major franchise, and contributed to the success of "Restaurant Startup" and "How to Make a Millionaire" for MSNBC. From 2018 to 2023, Bruce served as EVP of Production at XG Productions, spearheading the reboot of "America's Most Wanted" for FOX in 2021 and directing the impactful six-part documentary series "Indivisible: Healing Hate" for Paramount Plus in 2022. His leadership and innovative approach in this role further solidified his reputation as a forward-thinking executive in the entertainment industry. In April 2024 along with his two partners, he co-founded Big Love Studios, a hybrid tech/entertainment/media company.