Playtime (by Photoplay) director, James Chappell trained under Stephan Elliott (Priscilla Queen of The Desert). The fine art graduate in photography went from being a director’s assistant to directing clips for Tiësto, The Bloody Beetroots, and Art vs. Science, all within three years.

That was a superb start, but Chappell had his own strengths to draw on too. And he has made a name for himself for his unique style and strong visual aesthetic, which has won him an impressive collection of work in both TV commercials and music videos.

Chappell’s style, he says, is inspired by the wonder and terror he felt as a kid watching 80’s and 90’s genre movies. It’s inventive, surprising and it makes you watch. Chappell likes to elicit shock and he likes to elicit awe. He does both particularly well.

He has just completed a music video called Nightmares by Sydney electronic duo, Set Mo, in which Chappell visually represents the invisible demons which torment millions of anxiety sufferers day-to-day.

The video was created in collaboration with anxiety organisations, including the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, to shine a light on an issue that affects so many and lend support to those who suffer from it.

Watch:

Chappell’s very many music videos include:

He has also won two Vimeo Staff Pick awards – one for his short film, The Keeper:

The other for his music video The Grid:

His new short film, Proceeds Of Crime, is now screening at festivals internationally. And his commercials work includes campaigns for Hello Sunday Morning and Charles Sturt University.

FInd James Chappell at Playtime.