About James & Sam

Samantha Hart and James Lipetzky converged on a shared path, each arriving at the same destination through distinct career trajectories. After making waves with his indie film, Sweet Dreams Driving School on the festival circuit, James quickly ascended to become one of the most sought-after editors for A-list directors. However, his true calling beckoned him back to the director’s chair, which he answered with his acclaimed feature documentary,  License to Operate. Premiering at SIFF, earning the coveted Best Picture award at the Highland Park Film Festival, James now effortlessly juggles the files of both director and editor.

Sam honed her skills crafting captivating videos and album art for iconic bands and then award-winning marketing campaigns for some of the most beloved indie films of all time. As a writer/producer, Sam’s fresh perspective breathed new life into her collaboration with James. Her innate understanding of creative trends envisioned a future where the boundaries between commercials and narrative filmmaking would blur. With this in mind, the duo created Foundation Content, a production/post-production company employing fifty people across multiple locations with two in-house stages. 

With the rise of digital platforms, streaming services, and social media, traditional advertising methods have since evolved, incorporating more narrative elements, while narrative films are embracing innovative marketing techniques. This convergence allows for a more seamless integration of storytelling and promotional content, creating a unique and immersive experience for audiences.

As a team, with Sam taking the reins as writer/producer, and James’ focus on directing and editing, the duo are in lockstep on how to achieve maximum results for their clients. James and Sam are more than just storytellers—together, they are a marketing powerhouse, able to distill the essence of a brand and come up with a unique spin that wins hearts and minds.