Conversations with James Parker

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Parker.

Hi James, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Sure! I was born in the UK and grew up in Southern California, watching my parents build a life here with very little. My passion for documentary storytelling began early on as a way to explore the world. I became hooked on the process of discovering and rediscovering the wonderful truth that, even in our differences, we share much more in common than in difference. That element of documentary production still sparks my passion today.

My path in film has been dynamic. I’ve done everything from day-playing on shorts, DP’ing reality shows, working at the Golden Globes and American Music Awards, directing commercials and creating impact stories for non-profits around the world. I’m constantly learning and evolving.

In 2017, I launched my production company, Synchronous Pictures, with the mission of telling stories beyond the black and white. Alongside our commercial and broadcast work, we completed our first original film, “Other Side of the Hill,” which is now streaming on PBS. As we continue to evolve, I’m excited to move further into original content, exploring new ways to merge great stories with emerging mediums, and using the power of film to bridge the divides that keep driving us apart.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve had a lot of good fortune, as well as my fair share of obstacles and challenges. I’ve found that the most challenging seasons are often the most uncomfortable and painful, but they’re also the periods where the majority of growth occurs. Looking back, it’s clear that times of great challenge and discomfort have been crucial in shaping who I am today. And I know there will be plenty more ahead. It’s a great reminder that love, hope, and community are some of the most powerful tools we have to weather the storms that life inevitably brings.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a director and DP specializing in documentary storytelling and impact commercials. I founded Synchronous Pictures to explore complex human experiences and amplify unheard voices. Today, we are a passionate team of filmmakers, creatives, and strategists dedicated to creating visually stunning, emotionally moving, and impact-oriented stories that leave a lasting impression. We excel across multiple production disciplines and infuse a documentary ethos into everything we do, focusing on heart, humility, and integrity.

I’m most proud of the conversations our work has sparked and the change it has inspired. Our latest original film, “Other Side of the Hill,” played nationwide in festivals, community screenings, and multiple TV broadcasts and streaming. The film is all about bridging divides, and seeing people from opposite sides of an issue come together to watch it and then build their own ground-up solutions was incredibly inspiring.

I’m still discovering my voice, but I’m deeply moved by stories of the underdog, and overcoming difference and divides. I aim to explore some of the most pressing issues of our time through that lens.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think resilience is an essential quality for surviving in this business. I remember folks in film school telling me how many ‘no’s’ I’d hear before getting a ‘yes.’ I heard what they were saying, but I didn’t fully understand it. Now, I have a much deeper appreciation for that wisdom. Resilience, adaptation, and gratitude are key!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.synchronous.tv
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/synchronous.tv/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-parker-06214457/

Image Credits
Andres Lopez