Hello, you! I’m James Neiley.

Account Director, Creative Producer, Activist

Areas of Expertise

 

Account Direction

Relationships are everything — for me, project success is tablestakes, but the real “win” is developing trust, and long term recurring partnerships based on transparency and protecting brand canon. My goal is to see the common North Star in each project, and communicate the client vision in a language each contributor can understand within their scope of view. Account Direction isn’t just being a messenger, it’s being the translator.

Creative Production

I believe production is inherently linked to the creative process. I work cross-functionally with directors, designers, and creatives of all types to determine the best way forward to meet the client’s needs and budget, with respect to bandwidth and the expertise of the team. I come with a point-of-view, but no ego.

Activism

Activism doesn’t stop on the streets or in the state house. I’ve brought my career in political activism, DEI, and queer rights advocacy into the work that I do by considering the implications of the project itself, and how it’s made, through every step of the process. I work to find and highlight opportunities for marginalized perspectives to be seen and heard throughout strategy, branding, casting, and production conversations.

Awards

  • Out 100, 2009: "Most Fearless"

    “What began as a volunteer position at the queer youth center and advocacy organization Outright Vermont during high school quickly became a crash course - and bourgeoning career - in activism for Neiley. In March, the 17-year-old was tapped to deliver a speech in front of state legislators who would decide the fate of gay marriage. His impassioned plea went viral on the internet and, three weeks later, Vermont became the fourth state to give gay nuptials the green light” - Noah Michaelson, Out Magazine

  • The Advocate, 2009: "40 Under 40"

    “Just one week after turning 17, Neiley pleaded for equal rights, arguing: "Without marriage equality, the boys in the locker room during gym class who harassed me are encouraged to believe that my sexuality means there is something different, wrong, and lesser about me." His speech landed him on political blogs and on the front page of several daily papers throughout New England.” - Advocate.com

Say hi.

Email: Jamesneiley@gmail.com

Phone: 347.986.9800