James Mackel is a director and creative director born and raised in Simi Valley, California. From an early age, he was drawn to the world of filmmaking, determined to carve a unique path in the industry. Mackel has built a reputation for shaping cinematic experiences that leave a lasting impact on his audience and is known for a signature style rooted in immersive worldbuilding, bold iconography, and emotionally charged, often surreal narratives.

His work reaches past genres, including collaborations with Doechii, A$AP Rocky, Tyler Childers, ScHoolboy Q, and Playboi Carti. Technically fluent and creatively fearless, he often incorporates high-level production techniques in his films, ranging from pyrotechnics and aerial cinematography to dramatic set pieces and large-scale action sequences.