Award-Winning Filmmaker & Designer; Director of Indie Sci-Fi Film "Coherence"

Los Angeles, CA, USA
Live Event: $5,000 - $10,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

James Ward Byrkit Biography

James Ward Byrkit is the visionary writer and director of the science fiction movie "Coherence," which achieved international recognition for Byrkit's audacious and boundary-pushing creativity and extreme independence.

After years of building his skillset working on major Hollywood franchises like "Pirates of the Caribbean" as a storyboard artist, Byrkit's first animated feature, "Rango," won an Academy Award.

Byrkit veered into uncharted territory making "Coherence" in his own home, without a crew and without a traditional script, stunning audiences and garnering major awards around the world. The movie kicked off the current obsession with the multiverse and spawned innumerable imitations as it redefined modern independent filmmaking for a generation.

The film is the most popular American indie of all time in China, and has been theatrically adapted for the live stage in numerous countries, with productions in Australia, Mexico, Sweden, and Argentina.

BOOK James Ward Byrkit

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/18/2025.

James Ward Byrkit Speaking Topics

  • Innovation Without Permission: The Audacity to Create

    The Journey of A Truly Independent Film that Conquered the World

    Gatekeepers seem to run the game, especially for those creative ones that feel there could be a new way of doing things. For filmmaker James Ward Byrkit, the time of “submitting for approval” ended the moment he realized he truly no longer needed permission to create the way he knew he could.

    Adopting a completely unorthodox new approach to producing a movie, he shot his full-length feature "Coherence" in five nights in his own house, with no script and no crew. The result was an award-winning international sensation that continues to appear on “Best Of” lists around the world. After inspiring a new generation of filmmakers, the movie now has now been adapted into a live theatrical stage play, continuing its improbable journey into a second decade of influence.

    With humor, insight, deep knowledge of the craft and great candor, James shares the story of this remarkable project, from inception to initial release, from improbable execution to overwhelming reception. Along the way, innovators, creators, artists, and dreamers from every sector find something deeply inspiring in it all. Because the spirit behind the making of "Coherence" is the same spark of inspiration that all potential innovators hold.

James Ward Byrkit Videos

James Ward Byrkit Reel

James Ward Byrkit Reel

A few clips to get a sense of the way Jim talks about his extraordinary journey.

"Coherence" Explained by Director Jim Byrkit

"Coherence" Explained by Director Jim Byrkit

The first several minutes of an in-depth look at "Coherence," the international cult science fiction mindbender.

  • How do I book James Ward Byrkit to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for James Ward Byrkit

    Speaking fees for James Ward Byrkit, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book James Ward Byrkit are under $10,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire James Ward Byrkit, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does James Ward Byrkit speak about?

    James Ward Byrkit is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Art & Design, Creativity, Entertainment, Television & Film
  • Where does James Ward Byrkit travel from?

    James Ward Byrkit generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like James Ward Byrkit for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book James Ward Byrkit for your next private or corporate function.
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James Ward Byrkit is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Innovation Without Permission: The Audacity to Create. The estimated speaking fee range to book James Ward Byrkit for your event is available upon request. James Ward Byrkit generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Matthew Luhn, Jason Weber, Joanna Quinn, Glen Keane and Paul Topolos. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling James Ward Byrkit for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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