Jim harnesses more than 20 years as a filmmaker to deliver a mastery of the production process—crafting powerful, award-winning content from development to distribution.

DIRECTOR | CINEMATOGRAPHER | EDITOR | WRITER | PHOTOGRAPHER


Jim’s greatest talent is recognizing the raw, emotive power of a subject and shaping it with the science and structure of modern storytelling, expertly taking complex narratives with myriad sources from concept to delivery, often blending historical content with current events. His dedication to accountability, professionalism and originality set him apart in a chaotic industry where timing is everything.

He's run Bedrock Film Works since 2016, a full service production company, and The Lookout, a collaborative co-working space in Portland, Oregon since 2021. He is also a photographer, podcaster, writer and adventurer.

He's directed natural science documentaries for National Geographic, historical climbing films for Eddie Bauer, wildlife stories in southern Africa, and commercial campaigns for well known brands across a spectrum of industries. He’s also produced and hosted several podcasts, sold photographs from around the world, and written & directed narrative films.


“Jim’s ability to tell powerful stories across documentaries, podcasts and branded content is truly inspiring. With his portfolio, he’s built something both creatively rich and professionally successful.”

– GENEVA STEGEMOLLER CONSULTANT

"Working with Jim was seamless in all three phases of production and most importantly, his opinion always spurned creative thought … not to mention he adhered to our production calendar. A rarity in our business."

– CHANDLER CLARKE
PRODUCER

Creating documentaries at the confluence of the human spirit and the natural world.

  • University of Michigan (‘08)
    -Film Studies (BA)
    -English Literature (BA)

    Banff Adventure Filmmaking Workshop (2011)

    Blackbird Writing Working (2020)

    Jim received a formal education in the art of storytelling, with degrees in Film and English Literature from the University of Michigan where he cultivated a deep understanding of narrative theory to craft thoughtful, authentic stories about real characters.

    Jim loves to give back to his filmmaking community by leading workshops, emceeing film festivals, and mentoring young filmmakers. He is also on the board of the Gorge Impact Film Festival.

    He is a member of the International Documentary Association, the Oregon Media Production Association, the Internet Movie Database, the American Alpine Club, and listed in Source Oregon.

  • 2025

    Snail Hunters — Director

    Recovery Ride — Director

    One Inch From Flying — Co-Director, Producer, Editor

    The Cutting Edge Podcast — Host, Writer

    World War Wild (in progress) — Director

    Dear Dad (in progress) — Editor

    2024

    Jamie Logan: All In — Director

    The Puzzle — Editor

    The Cutting Edge Podcast — Host, Writer

    2023

    Red Rock Revolution — Director

    Transcendence — Producer, Director of Photography

    The Second Seven — Co-Director

    A Fine Line — Editor

    The Meaningless Pursuit of Snow — Editor

    2022

    Annapurna '78 — Director

    Gila Wild — Editor

    The Seekers — Editor

    2021

    Like a River — Director

    Link Sar — Producer, Editor

    What's in a Name? — Producer, Editor

    2020

    An Imperfect Advocate — Director

    Miss Dish and the Volcano — Director of Photography

    Wildfire: Season Two Podcast — Co-Host, Writer

    2019

    Lost Temple of the Inca — Director

    Winter's Edge — Producer, Director of Photography, Editor

    Aniakchak — Producer, Editor

    Wildfire Podcast — Co-Host, Writer

    2018

    Hold Fast — Director

    Lightner — Director, Director of Photography

    The Moment (Virtual Reality Series) — Co-Director

    2017

    Uncle Billy — Director

    The Mile Ground — Director

    Heart of the Valley — Co-Director

    Engaging the Curve — Producer, Editor

    Above the Fray — Producer, Director of Photography, Editor

    2016

    Seven Summits — Director

    Alpinists at Large — Co-Director

    Martin's Boat — Editor

    The Man Behind the Mask — Editor

    2015

    Fast & Light — Director

    2014

    Metanoia — Director, Editor, Writer

    Valley Uprising — Production Assistant

    Makalu — Editor

    2013

    High and Hallowed: Everest 1963 — Co-Director, Editor

    High Tension — Editor

    Offwidth Outlaw — Camera, Editor

    The Shiver Bivvy — Director, Camera

    2012

    The Kyrgyzstan Project — Co-Director, Editor

    The Forever War — Director, Camera, Editor

    2011

    Happy Tide — Director, Camera, Editor

    2010

    The Swiss Machine — Editor

    2009

    The First Ascent Series — Co-Producer, Editor, Camera

    2008

    The Sharp End — Production Assistant

    The Committed — Director

    2004

    Reverie — Co-Director

  • GRAND PRIZE

    Bilboa International Film Festival | Domzale Mountain Film Festival | Ladek Mountain Film Festival | Diablaret International Alpine Film Festival

    BEST CLIMBING FILM

    Torello Mountain Film Festival | Kendall Mountain Film Festival | New Zealand International Mountain Film Festival | Mt Hood Independent Film Festival | Boulder Adventure Film Festival | Ladek Mountain Film Festival

    JURY’S AWARD

    Vancouver International Film Festival

    PEOPLE’S CHOICE

    BendFilm Festival | Trento Mountain Film Festival | Zakopane Film Festival | East Lansing Film Festival

    BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

    Oregon Documentary Film Festival

    BEST SHORT FILM

    Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival | New Hampshire Film Festival

    BEST CONSERVATION FILM

    Lookout Wild Film Festival

    BEST COLORADO FILM

    Boulder International Film Festival

    EMMY NOMINATIONS

    2020, 2022

DIRECTOR

As a director, Jim makes creative decisions with poise and precision. He's done his ten thousand hours behind the camera, editing and producing to reach a thorough understanding of the entire production process, combining those myriad forces on thoughtful, well crafted stories that need to be told.

WRITER

As a writer, Jim has crafted feature documentaries, written and hosted podcast series, punched up narrative screenplays, and developed creative strategy for industry leaders.

CINEMATOGRAPHER

As a camera operator, Jim has captured memorable imagery from all over the world, often working in challenging environments and edgy, fast moving subjects.

EDITOR

As an editor, he’s worked with elite directors and production companies, often starting with large bodies of archival material, blending cutting edge modern cinematography with historical assets.

Full Service Production


Jim also offers full production services through Bedrock Film Works, a cornerstone of the grassroots documentary community and cutting edge facilitator of commercial content.

Select Clients

There is always a creative solution.

Available for hire

For general inquires, please use form below or email jim@jimaikman.com