James P. Axiotis

I was born to a young single mother in Athens, Greece-a start to life that could have been defined by loss and uncertainty. Instead, it became the foundation of a lifelong journey dedicated to telling stories that matter and advocating for those who often go unheard.

Adopted and raised in Southern California, my journey into the world of film began at just 13 years old. I stepped onto a set for an ABC after-school special, Mighty Moose and the Quarterback Kid, and in that moment, something clicked. I knew I had found my purpose. Film wasn't just a career for me; it was a calling a powerful medium to explore and share the human experience.

By 24, I was one of the youngest producers at NBC, cutting my teeth on shows that reached millions. But as my career grew, so did my sense of responsibility. I realized that my own story, as an immigrant and an adopted child, was not unique. There were countless others who had experienced similar struggles, and their stories needed to be told. This realization ignited a fire in me to use my talents to address deeper issues-immigration, social injustice, displaced children, and women's rights.

My passion for storytelling has taken me far beyond Hollywood. I've had the privilege of working on projects across the U.S. and Europe, always with an eye on how media can not only entertain but also inform, inspire, and drive change. One of my most personal projects is my film Georgia, which tells the true story of my birth mother, a young single woman in Greece who was forced to give up her "illegitimate" child. This film is more than just a narrative; it's a tribute to my mother and to the countless women who faced similar heart-wrenching choices during a dark period in Greece's history.

Beyond the screen, I've dedicated myself to causes that resonate with my life's journey. I've served two terms on the National Board of the Producers Guild of America, and I'm proud to be part of the International and AAPI Committees. My involvement extends to the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, BAFTA, and the Greek America Foundation organizations that represent the pinnacle of excellence and influence in our industry.

But my work isn't confined to the boardroom or the set. My commitment to humanitarian efforts has taken me to the front lines of some of the world's most challenging crises. As an officer for the Children of War Foundation (COWF), I traveled to Ukraine in the wake of the recent conflict, hand-delivering over half a million dollars worth of medical supplies to hospitals in Kyiv and Lviv. In Jordan, I brought aid to a refugee school on the Syrian border. These experiences reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling not just as a tool for entertainment but as a means of bearing witness, raising awareness, and ultimately, fostering change.

In 2022, I had the profound honor of becoming an Academy Circle Member of BAFTA. To honor my birth mother and the sacrifices she made, I donated a chair in her name at the new BAFTA Princess Anne Theatre. It stands as a silent memorial to her and to all the single mothers in Greece who were forced to give up their children. It's a small gesture, but it's deeply personal a way to keep her memory alive and to acknowledge the pain that so many women like her endured.

Today, my work continues to be driven by a deep-seated passion to create meaningful, impactful content. I am currently an executive producer on Another Place, a documentary that explores the lives of refugees resettling across Europe. I'm also helping to bring back the beloved PBS show Reading Rainbow, now relaunched as Reading Rainbow Live, a project that not only promotes childhood literacy but also embodies the belief that stories can change the world.

Every project I undertake is a step towards bridging the gap between the personal and the universal, between entertainment and activism. My goal is simple yet profound: to create stories that not only captivate but also challenge, inspire, and drive us all to see the world and each other a little differently.

I've never forgotten where I came from. My journey from an orphanage in Athens to the heights of the entertainment industry has been anything but ordinary. It has been fueled by a relentless drive to give back, to honor my roots, and to use my platform to amplify the voices of those who need to be heard.

The stories I tell are more than just scripts and screenplays-they are my life's work, and they are far from over.