The inspiring story of Phil James and his rise from Chicago’s creative scene to Hollywood acclaim as a producer of award-winning films and television.
From the high spirited streets of Chicago to the bustling backlots of Los Angeles, film producer Phil James has carved out a distinct name for himself in the entertainment industry. Known for his sharp business acumen and passion for storytelling, Phil has produced award-winning films and breakthrough television content, earning him a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most quietly influential figures behind the scenes.
Humble Beginnings and a Business Foundation
Born and raised in Chicago, Phil grew up in a household that valued discipline and education. His parents were strict, and school was non-negotiable. “It was all about school,” he reflects. That foundation led him to graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he majored in Management and minored in Finance. When asked about his college experience, Phil shared, “It got me ready for the business side of the entertainment industry.”
The Spark That Lit the Fire
Phil’s journey into film was not a straight path. After college, he was promoting parties and concerts around Chicago when two fraternity brothers invited him to a music video shoot. It was a turning point. He caught the “filming bug,” and soon after began producing short films with friends.
One of those early collaborations led to a pivotal moment: submitting short films to a festival in California, where none other than Robert Townsend—a legendary director and producer—noticed Phil’s work. Townsend reached out, offered encouragement, and suggested they relocate to Los Angeles. Inspired, Phil and his team made the move, armed with their feature film One Week, which went on to win multiple film festivals and ushered them into the professional filmmaking world.
From Indie Grit to Industry Power Moves
Phil is now the Co-Founder and CEO of James Young Entertainment, where he continues to push creative boundaries. One of the company’s most ambitious projects is PIMP: The Story of Robert Beck, a great biopic film. With Bill Duke attached to it and Ice Cube expressing interest in playing the role of Iceberg Slim, the project remains a passion for Phil and his team, awaiting the right moment for production.
Phil has also produced the independent feature film SACRED, starring rapper NAS, Elise Neal, and Isaiah Washington, further solidifying his reputation as a producer with a sharp eye for both talent and story.
In 2023, Phil’s career took a leap into television. He brokered a groundbreaking deal with WeTV to deliver the network’s first scripted series, Kold x Windy, a gritty, music-infused drama that became a standout success. He’s now in pre-production for Season 3, a nod to the show’s growing fanbase and critical impact.
Building a Holiday Legacy
Another arena Phil has begun to dominate is holiday programming. He produced Never Alone For Christmas—a BET original shot in Shreveport, Louisiana, which aired during the 2023 holiday season. The success of the film inspired a full-fledged franchise, with Phil working on sequels set in different cities: Never Alone For Christmas in Memphis and Never Alone For Christmas in Atlanta. His vision is clear—he wants to build a series of heartfelt, urban-centered holiday films that connect with viewers across America.
Beyond the Camera: Entrepreneurship and Giving Back
In addition to his media ventures, Phil James is also a savvy entrepreneur. He’s opened several Wingstop locations in California and has invested in real estate, expanding his footprint beyond entertainment.
When asked about his greatest challenge, Phil doesn’t mince words: “Trying to enjoy the journey and being able to stand back up after continuously getting knocked down… the more no’s I get from different people, I’m closer to getting that yes.” It’s this resilience that defines his journey.
Phil is quick to credit his business partner, Kenny Young, and often emphasizes their mantra: “It takes teamwork to make the dream work.”
A Legacy of Uplifting Others
Of all his accomplishments, Phil cites Kold x Windy as his proudest. Not just because of its success, but because it symbolizes his transition from films to television—a new realm of impact. But when asked what he wants to be remembered for, Phil’s answer is heartfelt and humble:
“That I enjoyed life to the fullest and I tried to help out as many people as possible and tried to put them in a position to be bigger than me.”
In an industry often driven by ego and competition, Phil James is proving that success is not just about credits on the screen, but about creating opportunity, sharing knowledge, and lifting others as you climb.
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