James Appleton has joined Academy Films in London for music video representation following the success of his two recent videos for Futureheads.

James, who began making films whilst at Goldsmiths College, has a background directing content for commercial clients such as Sony, Shell, Accenture, Fujifilm and Pfizer, winning a gold IVCA in 2007 for an online promo for a digital agency.

Then earlier this year he directed the Futureheads' video for The Beginning Of The Twist, featuring the creative use of visual effects with band performance, which went on to top the MTV2 chart and has since been selected for this year's Mirrorball in Edinburgh and Rushes Soho Shorts.

James then directed the follow-up Futureheads promo, for Radio Heart, before being signed to Academy by head of video Liz Kessler earlier this month. He is now busy scripting on new tracks.