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James Bartolomeo is a writer, director, and visual storyteller known for his work in film, commercials, and narrative media.
Early Career
He worked in the camera department of major film and TV productions, such as Spider-Man, Requiem for a Dream, As Good as It Gets, Donnie Brasco, The Sopranos, Oz, Homicide: Life on the Street, and Men in Black, gaining experience on sets with directors like David Chase, James Brooks, and Darren Aronofsky early in his career.
Writing & Directing
In 2026, his original feature screenplay, The Novitiate, was named a Second Rounder at the Austin Film Festival Writer's Conference.
In 2025 he co-wrote and directed the 30-minute drama Scallop Season featuring actors John Wesley Shipp, Taegen Burns, and co-writer Oliver Bartolomeo. The film won Best Narrative Short at multiple festivals including The Tokyo Cinematic Awards and The North Film Festival in New York City. It is currently being re-imagined as a limited series.
His silent documentary film, THE CITY, described by New York Times reviewer David Allen as a ‘restless memory stream that captures a city in ascendance’ premiered at Carnegie Hall in 2016 with live orchestra performing a new symphony composed by Pulitzer Prize-winner Kevin Puts.
His original screenplay Heart of Brass was featured in the Stowe Story Labs writers’ workshop in 2022.
He has directed commercials and branded content for brands such as Capital One, Target, Walmart, Southwest Airlines, FX Network and Under Armour.
In 2012, he was chosen by the Obama Administration to help launch Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative — a high-profile public service campaign.
Background
James grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and moved to New York City after receiving a degree in Creative Writing at Loyola University.
His first job on a film set was as a PA on John Waters’ Hairspray while he was in college — a formative step into the industry.
Style & focus
His work as a writer/director is characterized by emotional truth, character-driven storytelling, and a knack for mixing aesthetics with unexpected, human moments.