Director Malia James Joins OB42

Malia James joins the UK roster at OB42. A multi-hyphenate creative, Malia’s passion for every level of the mise en scene is evident in the authentic moments she captures in the bold, visually compelling worlds she creates. A Texas native, Malia was born with an adventurous, nomadic spirit and unquenchable thirst for creative expression. Though directing was always the North Star, her endeavours across many disciplines from photography, acting, dance, and music.

Malia's talent as a bassist quickly propelled her into the limelight as a member of Dum Dum Girls. Yet, amidst the glamour and applause from the fans, Malia always knew that her heart beat strongest behind the lens. Transitioning from the rhythm of the stage to the nuanced artistry of directing, Malia embraced her passion with unwavering determination. With a deep understanding of music and performance, Malia effortlessly bridged the gap between artist and director.

Malia's ability to see eye-to-eye with musicians has led her to collaborations with many acclaimed artists, from Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Rita Ora, Dev Hynes, to Troye Sivan. Her work extends beyond the realm of music, seamlessly translating her storytelling finesse into the world of commercial advertising. Brands like Google, Captain Morgan, Adidas, Wrangler and Bose have entrusted her with their visual narratives, a testament to her exceptional talent and vision.

Malia James has earned prestigious accolades, including Clio and Webby Awards. Her creations have been shortlisted for Video of the Year at Shots, Best Rock Video at the MTV Music Awards, and Best Special Project at the Brit Awards. Her innovative projects have also screened at the SXSW festival. Her photo book, "Girl in a Girl Band," is an intimate visual diary of her time on the road as a musician.

“A true artist in so many ways, Malia’s passion and dedication to her craft is clear from the moment you meet her. A true storyteller, her work embodies her desire to create authentic, emotionally-driven stories that resonate with us all. She plays a mean bass too.” said Jez Murrell, head of advertising at OB42.

Check out Malia's reel here.