James Kicklighter

Following numerous subjects from December 2016 - 2021, The American Question examines the root of American polarization and the repercussions of eroded civic institutions, public trust and leadership, providing solutions to solve the problem. Guided by an all-star lineup of experts, including Amy Chua (Day of Empire), Colin Woodard (American Nations), Yuval Levin (The Fractured Republic) and Yascha Mounk (The People vs. Democracy), we examine the broader arc of history and discover new revelations about the shared values system that binds society together in times of triumph and turmoil. From director James Kicklighter (The Sound of Identity), The American Question is produced by Guy Seemann, p.g.a. and James Kicklighter, p.g.a., with executive producers S. Asher Gelman (Afterglow) and Marika Feuerstein. The director of photography is Jonathan Pope (Emmy® Award Nominee, The Social Dilemma) and film edited by Mohamed El Manasterly (Emmy® Award Winner, The Square), J.D. Sievertson ("Cosmos") and Carlos Puga (Emmy® Award Winner, “True Life"), with an original score from Nicolas Repetto, featuring original animation from Filmograph (Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Candyman, Promising Young Woman).

Winner of the 2020 Outshine Film Festival’s prestigious Programmers Award of Excellence, The Sound of Identity is a groundbreaking feature documentary profiling international Opera star Lucia Lucas’ historic performance at the Tulsa Opera. The Sound of Identity lifts the curtain as she becomes the first known transgender woman to perform a principal role in Opera history. The Sound of Identity captures Lucia Lucas on the cusp of international stardom, profiling the moment in an artist’s career when everything could fall apart or come together. Showcasing the collaborative process between Lucas and her mentor, prolific and renowned composer Tobias Picker, Mozart’s Don Giovanni comes to life as Lucas, a world-renowned baritone, takes the spotlight and all the pressures that come with it. Taking place at the height of her career, Lucas provides fresh insights into her transition, the professional risk she is taking, and what it means for those who follow. Exploring the role that identity plays in our personal and professional lives, The Sound of Identity provides a nuanced look at voice and gender, in a documentary The Independent Critic calls “director James Kicklighter’s best film yet.” Directed by James Kicklighter, The Sound of Identity is a production from the Emmy Award-winning team of Russ Kirkpatrick & Andy Kinslow (Boomtown: An American Journey, Unlikely Family), and is executive produced by Golden Globe®-winner and Academy Award®-nominated Josh Bachove (Minari, The Little Hours), with Jonathan Pope (The Social Dilemma) on as Director of Photography.

From directors Adam Margolis and Jim St. Germain, Every Nine Hours is a modern-day exploration of skin color and gender and how they affect one's ability to participate in relationships and society. In 2017, 987 people were shot and killed by police in America. One every nine hours. Black men were 3x more likely to be in that number than any other group of people. Every Nine Hours stars Phillip Smithey (“Code Black,” “Grace and Frankie”), Elisabeth Ferrara (“Lethal Weapon”), Kahyun Kim (“American Gods”), Marcy Goldman (“Airplane!”) and legendary actor Danny Trejo (Machete, Predators). The film is produced by the award-winning team of Ari Rutenberg and James Kicklighter (Angel of Anywhere, Desires of the Heart), co-produced by Jameelah Nuriddin. The director of photography is Lauren Guiteras, casting by Jaime Gallagher (The Great Illusion, Know Your Enemy), featuring a crew comprised of over 50% females and minorities.

For the 2019/2020 season, Tulsa Opera asked director James Kicklighter to conceptualize an inclusive advertising campaign for broadcast and digital. Using the company's Opera Within Reach slogan, the campaign highlights artistic director Tobias Picker's "Season of Love," showcasing an artistic interpretation of each type of love. Crafted in three, 15 second spots for each show and one 30 second season ad, JamesWorks Entertainment crafted a cohesive, singular visual message to promote the season.

Angel of Anywhere is the story of an empathetic stripper who plays therapist to the many damaged clientele and co-workers who frequent the popular Anywhere Bar. JamesWorks Entertainment’s Angel of Anywhere stars Briana Evigan (“Step Up Movie 2: The Streets,” “Sorority Row”) as Michelle, Ser’Darius Blain (“When The Game Stands Tall,” “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle”) as Brian, David A. Gregory (“One Life to Live,” “The Good Fight”) as D.C., Nihan Gur (“Westworld,” “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders”) as Alexx in Wonderland, Adam Carr (“The Call Room”) as Drunk Patron, Krystal Conway as Bartender, and introducing Axel Roldos as Angel. Angel of Anywhere is directed by James Kicklighter (“Desires of the Heart”), written by Casey Nelson & Kate Murdoch (“The Last Treasure Hunt Movie”) and produced by Beau Turpin (“Beneath The Leaves”)

Created for Caesars Entertainment targeting audiences in China, the advertisement announces the availability of WeChat Pay and Alibaba's AliPay. Caesars Entertainment is the first property in North America to accept these payment platforms.

Conceptualized and produced teaser advertisement for a new Silicon Valley backed app toplined by one of the first 100 Lyft employees and Obama 2008 alumni targeting millennials for civic and political engagement.