MALLORCA – James Whetherly joins Palma Pictures as International Producer for Commercials alongside new Executive Producer of Photo and Motion, Natalie Newell, and International Sales Producer for Film and TV, Matteo de Castello, to support the growing demand for production services in mainland Spain, the Canaries and the Balearic Islands. James, who will be based in London, is responsible for managing the UK & Ireland commercials and branded content business.
Grammy nominee,James has a rich career history in production, working in both the film and music industry. He has freelanced for some of the industry’s leading agencies and production houses including MJZ, Stink and Wieden + Kennedy and has joined Palma Pictures from his production position at Aardman Animations.
In addition to working on commercials, he was also a producer for The Glastonbury and Reading festivals and numerous live music events, including Damon Albarn’s Mali Music Project, during his time as Producer at Somethin’ Else.
In 2008 James was nominated for a Grammy for his production on Dierks Bentley’s ‘Live & Loud At The Fillmore’ alongside Madonna and Martin Scorsese and is now a voting member for the Academy. His experience also extends to engineering company Buro Happold, who were involved in the Millennium Dome, The Globe Theatre and the ‘great dome’ at the British Museum.
“My background has strengthened my knowledge across many different forms of production,” Whetherly says. “It’s important to us, here at Palma Pictures, to offer an approachable, friendly and well-informed port of call for anyone thinking of filming anywhere in Spain. Ultimately, I’m here to answer people’s questions and to provide effective support for all aspects of their production – I’m excited about my new position and looking forward to introducing myself.”
Self-confessed Hispanophile, James, was delighted to accept the position with Palma Pictures early this year.
James adds: “This really is my fantasy job. I’ve worked with Palma Pictures on productions before and have always thought highly of them. One of my degrees is in Spanish and Latin American History, so I have since travelled widely in Spain. The prospect of actually working there and being able to immerse myself in the culture is an amazing opportunity.”
Executive Producer at Palma Pictures, Trent Walton comments: “We all loved James from the first moment we met him. He´s a perfect fit for our company values, he knows production inside out and he´s passionate about Spain. We´re delighted to have him on board as part of our team.”
