We were lucky to catch up with James Fox recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi James, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
“Optimism, for me, has been a journey shaped by a myriad of experiences, starting from a very young age. Rather than a single defining moment, it was a series of challenging and traumatic events that instilled in me a necessity to understand the ‘why’ behind actions, both good and bad. This empathetic approach allowed me to see beyond the surface-level negativity, searching for lessons and growth opportunities in adversity.
My parents played a significant role in shaping this outlook. My father, trapped in a career he didn’t love but excelled at, and my mother, a passionate artist, presented two contrasting perspectives on life and work. My father’s fear of failure contrasted with my mother’s embrace of mistakes as part of the creative process, teaching me the value of embracing challenges and the growth that comes from overcoming them.
Throughout my life, I’ve faced numerous challenges, some incredibly harsh. Yet, each time, I’ve strived to transmute these experiences through understanding and empathy, turning them into something positive. I’ve learned that growth and adaptation are key; they are what I consider doing my ‘job’ as a human being. This doesn’t mean I’m immune to sadness or depression, but ultimately, I always find a way to learn and move forward.
My daily practice of mindfulness and spirituality also fortifies my optimism. Being aware and prepared for life’s inevitable challenges helps in mitigating their impact and aids in quicker recovery and learning. My faith also plays a role, reinforcing my belief that adversity often shapes good people.
However, this path hasn’t been without its difficulties. My optimism and openness about my struggles and triumphs have sometimes attracted negativity from others. It’s a strange aspect of human nature – instead of drawing inspiration from someone who has overcome adversity, some choose to resent or undermine these achievements. But this, too, is a learning experience for me, reinforcing my belief in the power of positivity and resilience.
In conclusion, my optimism is not just a trait but a carefully cultivated skill, forged through a combination of personal experiences, family influences, spiritual beliefs, and a conscious effort to learn from every situation. It’s a perspective that has not only helped me navigate my own life but also shapes how I interact with the world around me.”
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
“Leading Dawnrunner Inc and being a part of Moving On Films is kind of like being a professional dreamer – and trust me, I take my dreaming very seriously! My days are packed with directing, screenwriting, and diving into the world of books. And yes, I’ve snagged a few awards here and there, but let’s be honest, it’s not about the trophies. It’s about the stories and the crazy ride of telling them.
I’ve been a Dungeon Master for almost three decades – and no, that doesn’t come with a dragon or a castle, unfortunately. But it does mean I’ve had a lot of practice creating worlds where anything can happen. It’s not too different from directing a film or writing a book. It’s all about weaving a tale that pulls you in and makes you think, ‘Hmm, what if?’
My projects usually dance around sci-fi and fantasy because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want to think about spaceships or wizards once in a while? Plus, these genres are sneaky ways to chat about the big, serious stuff without getting too heavy. It’s like hiding veggies in a kid’s meal – good for you, but still fun.
Super excited about Book 3 of The Sol Saga – it’s the grand finale of the trilogy, and I can’t wait to see what readers think. Also, my film “CRYPTO SHADOWS” is out and about, collecting some shiny awards, which is pretty awesome. But what’s really got me buzzing is diving into the horror genre with “QUARANTINE ISLAND” and “FLESH OFF THE GRILL.” I mean, who doesn’t love a good scare?
And hey, The Sol Saga might be coming to a TV near you soon – fingers crossed. Next on my list? An urban fantasy series and wrapping up a sci-fi series I started with my dad. It’s a bit emotional, but it’s going to be epic.
But here’s the thing – it’s not just about me and my projects. It’s about opening doors for others to share their stories too. If I can do it, with a bit of humor, a dash of creativity, and a whole lot of late nights, then why not you? Let’s all grab our storytelling hats (mine’s a bit worn out but still works) and make some magic happen!”
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
“If I had to boil down my journey to three essentials, they’d be perseverance, grit, and passion. Trust me, the path of a professional creative isn’t a stroll in the park. It’s more like a hike through uncharted wilderness, where you occasionally step in mud puddles or get smacked in the face by a rogue branch. You’re sharing your soul with the world, and sometimes the world shrugs and says, ‘Meh, seen better.’ Those one-star reviews? Yeah, they sting.
Film school was my crash course in perseverance. Picture this: class sizes shrinking faster than my bank account in San Francisco, working three jobs, and juggling loans. It was like a bizarre game of educational survival. Grit? Well, let’s just say I wasn’t exactly raised with a silver spoon. More like a plastic spork. Tough times make tough people, and I’ve had my fair share of ‘character-building’ experiences.
Passion is the game-changer. When you love what you do, it’s not work; it’s like being paid to eat your favorite ice cream. It’s what keeps you going when the going gets tough. I mean, who wouldn’t want to get up every day and play in the worlds they’ve dreamed up?
For those just starting out, remember this: these qualities will come with time. Life’s a rollercoaster – you’ve got your ups, your downs, and those weird loop-the-loops that make you question your breakfast choices. Embrace the highs, learn from the lows, and know that nothing lasts forever. Not even student loans, paying those off was one of the highlights of my young career. No award has yet to top the rush I felt when I was able to finally kill those loans off for good.. Ride the rollercoaster with your hands in the air, scream your lungs out, and enjoy every twist and turn. That’s what makes the ride worthwhile.”
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
“Absolutely, I’m always on the lookout for creative souls to join forces with! Whether you’re an Executive Producer, Film Investor, Agent, Manager, or an Author itching to collaborate, consider this your bat-signal. I’m like a trusty work truck, ready to roll up my sleeves and get down to business. My journey has been marked by incredible support from many, and I’m eager to pay it forward by teaming up with others to push even more amazing projects into the limelight.
What’s my ideal collaborator like? Simple: someone who can check their ego at the door. In my book, the project is the star, and everything we do should serve its best interest. If you’re someone who can rally behind this ethos, then we’re already halfway to a successful partnership.
At this point in my career, I’m looking to level up. I’m in search of that ace literary agent or career manager, the kind who can unlock doors I’ve only been knocking on so far. With a treasure trove of intellectual properties and a track record of relentless effort, I’m confident that anyone who teams up with me is in for a rewarding ride. That said, I’m not about twisting arms; I’m looking for collaborators who are as stoked about working with me as I am with them. Whether you’re an investor, producer, or fellow storyteller, if you’re brimming with enthusiasm for storytelling and eager to dive into this whirlwind industry, we should definitely talk.
The best way to reach me? Head over to my personal website, www.thejamesfox.com, where you’ll find all my social links, my books, and other fun stuff. Or, if you prefer a direct line, shoot me an email at jfox@dawnrunner.com. Let’s create something extraordinary together!”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thejamesfox.com
- Instagram: @jamesbfox_official
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/official.jamesfox
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbfox
- Other: https://solo.to/jamesfox
