Everybody say Hi to James Luxford. Originally hailing all the way from London, they moved all the way up to The Midlands and have been situated there ever since. They first began their foray into the world of journalism 13 years ago way back in 2007 and have since gone from strength to strength.
James is passionate when it comes to social issues such as LGBT+, even dabbling a bit in Travel Writing. A passionate movie buff They have contributed film reviews for well-known publications such as The Guardian, The Hollywood Reporter, BFI, and Empire Magazine to name but a few. James also works as a Film Editor for American Express Essential as good contributions to broadcast journalism for both BBC and LBC Radio under their belt. They have even appeared on TV programs for BBC One and BBC World News. There probably isn’t a lot that you could teach them when it comes to all things film.
“You don’t have to agree with every opinion, but the way in which it is expressed can be very inspiring.”
So, what inspired you to embark on a career in journalism?
In 2006, at around 22, I had been out of University for about six months and was a bit lost. I had always loved the film and planned a career in film production, but as I was offered an entry-level role in TV, I realized I didn’t have the passion required to pursue it. I did always love movies, though, and I remember my friend emailing me asking if the thriller Lucky Number Slevin was any good. I sent him a 1000-word reply! He suggested I pursue a career as a film critic. I’d never considered it, but a couple of other people I trusted thought it was a good idea so I started a very DIY film website for a year, and in 2007 started writing for magazines and bigger websites (I count that as the ‘start’ of my career as I was writing for other people).
And what was it about the role that made you want to get into it?
There didn’t seem to be much of a downside. Watching movies for free, and early, and the chance to tell other people about them. I think also it was a way to make my love of film my profession. I had been a ‘movie nerd’ since the age of 12, so in some ways I feel like I had been unwittingly training for it for years. It just fits.
Many upcoming writers begin by working with small, regional/local publications before going onto the bigger ones. How did you begin yours?
After my website I started writing for my local ‘through the letterbox’ free magazine, then an entertainment website, just building up my experience. For the first three years I worked on a building site during the day, changed at the tube station and went to screenings at night. Slowly I built up a portfolio in local and online journalism, then foreign newspapers, then local radio, then national outlets. It’s been a winding path to this point – pre-pandemic, I was writing for around twenty different places.
What is it about the work that you enjoy so much?
It’s always been the writing for me. That might sound obvious, but there are people who enjoy the glamour, meeting famous people, the exclusivity of it. That’s all fun and perfectly valid, but personally the thing I enjoy most is sitting down and writing about movies I’m passionate about. The feeling when I come out of a film very excited to talk about it, and the words just fall out, knowing people are going to get to read your excitement and maybe take a chance on that movie too. That’s the feeling that makes me love the job so much.
Now, there are many journalists and writers who will cover many topical areas whilst also maintaining interest in specific criteria’s e.g. social issues, foreign issues, travel, the arts, politics, literature, medical, gender-specific issues etc. What are yours if you have any?
I’m passionate about LGBTQ issues. I’m Bisexual and Non-Binary, and it’s only in the last few years that I’ve been particularly open about that as I’m quite a private person. Being involved with Pride organisations has taught me of the importance of visibility, both to myself as a person and people who are perhaps closeted or think that there’s no-one out there like them. I like the idea that just existing unapologetically can be helpful to someone else – as someone told me once, “you can’t be it if you don’t see it”.
At any point have you ever thought about covering areas outside your own?
I’ve done a few travel writing assignments over the years which are extraordinary experiences. I’ve stayed in places around the world I couldn’t dream of affording, and done things I’d never have imagined. Sitting in a hotel room overlooking Hong Kong at night, it’s baffling to me to think that writing a message to my mate on Myspace started a journey that led to here. I don’t often use the word ‘lucky’, because I believe I’ve worked hard for what I’ve got, but my experiences travel writing is one of those times when the word applies!
You first began your writing career in 13 years ago in 2007, how would you say things have changed, if they have in any way?
Tremendously. In journalism, I started before the widespread use of Twitter or Smartphones, both of which have changed the way people consume media. The Internet was still a bit like the Wild West, with tiny independent websites popping up and gaining huge popularity. I would say there’s less of that now, as bigger media companies have found their way online. I think I started at a turning point for journalists, where the old way of doing things was falling away and the industry was grappling with how to incorporate The Internet. It still is, I think. In movies, I covered the beginnings of The Marvel Universe, the hysteria around Avatar, the return of Star Wars, and the emergence of streaming services. When I started you were still posted a huge pamphlet of upcoming releases from studios, whereas now in some cases the film itself is emailed to you! In some ways, I miss the simplicity of how things were, but I’ve always tried to be adaptable.
During your time you also wrote for a publication in the UAE (United Arab Emirates), how did that come about?
I wrote to them and asked – I wish I had a more interesting story than that! I’ve always had a practice of writing to every place I can find, asking if they need anyone to write about movies for them. 99 times out of 100 it’s a no, but you only need one yes. In this case, I was due to be a film editor for a new magazine in the UAE, and that fell through, but I was pointed in the direction of a paper that did need somebody. It was tremendous, as I was still writing for small local places in the UK, albeit a little bit frustrating as no-one here had heard of it. I was an established journalist in a country I’d never been to, but relatively unknown here. Luckily the latter caught up.
Also, you have worked in Broadcast Journalism since 2012. Are there any differences from working in a newsroom at a paper to that of a radio broadcast suite?
A radio studio can be quite hurried, you have to be ready and train yourself to fit as much as you can into 4-5 minutes, which is harder than it sounds. Also, to be mindful of the audience you’re talking to. I used to come in with very detailed reviews until a presenter politely advised that “people only want to know if the film is good or not”. That might sound patronizing but it’s true – if you’re driving home from work and listening to me rounding up the week’s releases, maybe you aren’t that bothered about the cinematography or social allegories. Is it funny? Is it exciting? Is it worth me spending two hours? It’s a different delivery system. You’re coming into people’s homes who may not be that interested in new movies, and you’ve got to appeal to them.
Throughout your career in journalism is there anyone whose work you have been inspired by?
Lots of people. The late film writer Anwar Brett was someone who really helped me early on in my career when I had very little confidence in myself, I think he taught me a lot about professionalism by the way he conducted himself. In terms of writing, I love American critics like Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers, Roger Ebert, and Todd McCarthy. Also, UK-based writers like Wendy Ide, Mark Kermode, and Karen Krizanovich. You don’t have to agree with every opinion, but the way in which it is expressed can be very inspiring.
Living in todays’ world with the media with have today what are your thoughts in regards towards it especially where fake news is concerned?
I think it’s terrifying, it’s weaponized information. I think a factor that’s less talked about is the manner in which we consume articles – how much conflict is caused by people only read a headline, or not checking the validity of what’s being written? I think we need to be savvier about what we consume because very big moments in history are being decided by false information. We need good journalism more than ever, but good journalists seem to be the first thing to be cut from the budget.
Throughout the years a lot of publications have had differing attitudes when it comes to social attitudes. As someone who works in the world of journalism is this something you’ve had to think about when it comes to producing content, both online/print and on-air?
Yes and No. Generally, I write about movies and that tends to keep me away from global issues, but of course, in the last few years, those issues have been very present in Hollywood. Discussions about abuse and inequality in cinema become things that you have to be mindful of, even in something as relatively small as a review. Can you review a certain director’s new work, or a star’s new role, without mentioning the allegations leveled against them? I try to be as true to myself as possible. Luckily editorial attitudes are rarely imposed upon me. The biggest exception I can think of is losing a commission when I was asked to not mention homosexuality in a review of 2015’s Carol (I was asked to describe it as ‘a film about friendship’). I refused and didn’t work for them again.
Since March this year we’ve been in lockdown owing to our current Covid 19 situation, has this affected the way you work?
I’ve always worked from home, so physically not really. I’ve managed to keep working throughout, and as a freelancer, there are inevitably going to be cases where work goes away. However, I’ve been surprised by the new opportunities that present themselves. In a strange way, it’s been a recalibration, reminding me of what I miss about the job, which makes me keen to get back to some kind of normality.
And would you say that it affects you more if you work in a genre-specific journalism?
I think everyone has been affected to some degree, but yes there’s less call for a ‘Going Out’ section of a publication if no-one’s allowed to go out! I can still write about old movies, or movies coming to streaming platforms, whereas I know people who review live music, theatre, or travel destinations who find themselves without anything to write about. So yes, while I think I’ve been fortunate, your ability to function during lockdown depends greatly on how much your area of expertise is affected by it.
And finally, what can we expect from you later this year going into 2021?
Hopefully still writing about movies! It’s so difficult to predict anything right now, but making a living doing what I love is always the priority. I’ve just started as the editor of a new magazine for a chain of cinemas, which has been a new experience and one I’ve enjoyed thoroughly. I’d love to do more television, write for new and different publications, but it all depends on the opportunities that arise. In the long term, I’d love to write a book, but for now, I’ll settle for being back in a press screening!