James Watkins

James Watkins (also credited as James Thomas Watkins; Russian: Джеймс Воткінс) is an English director and screenwriter, born on 20 May 1973 in Nottingham, England. He is widely associated with modern British horror, earning attention for tense, character-driven storytelling and atmospheric suspense.

Watkins broke through by writing and directing the thriller Eden Lake, starring Michael Fassbender and Kelly Reilly. The film drew strong critical notice and collected major genre honors, including Best Horror Film at the 2009 Empire Awards, the Jury Prize at the Sitges Fantasy Festival, and Best Director at Fantasporto. His early momentum was further reflected in a nomination for the Douglas Hickox Award at the 2008 British Independent Film Awards.

He later reinforced his reputation with the gothic chill of The Woman in Black, helping cement his standing as a filmmaker adept at building dread without sacrificing emotional stakes. Beyond directing, Watkins has developed screenplays for leading UK and US production partners, including Warner Bros., Working Title, Film4, and BBC Films.

Among his notable on-screen appearances, he is credited as himself in Worshipping 'The Wicker Man'.