- PROFESSIONAL TESTIMONIALS -

• Dr. Raymond Foery

Professor Emeritus - Quinnipiac University - Film, Television, and Media Arts
Published “The Last Masterpiece: Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy” in 2012 (Rowman and Littlefield)

"A truly imaginative filmmaker with a highly sophisticated sense of cinematic acuity. Jim has been remarkably active, in various genres. As a director of narrative fiction, he has shown a sure hand with actors and a sophisticated appreciation of mise-en-scene. As a creator of animated visual motifs, Jim has displayed a mastery of the latest techniques and a sophisticated sense of composition complemented by a rich appreciation of theatrical style. Each of his projects also reveals the mind of an artist grappling with the eternal philosophical dilemmas of our existence on this planet – as well as some speculation about those other planets out there. In short, Jim’s work forces us to think as well as to look."

• Mr. Jan Harlan

Executive Producer: THE SHINING, FULL METAL JACKET, EYES WIDE SHUT, BARRY LYNDON, etc. (directed by Stanley Kubrick)
Executive Producer: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (directed by Steven Spielberg).
Director: STANLEY KUBRICK: A LIFE IN PICTURES, etc.

Mr. Jan Harlan on James W. Hawk's film "ESQUIRE":
"Very good, not particularly subtle, but point is well made."

Mr. Jan Harlan on James W. Hawk's "AND YET IT MOVES":
"Very nicely done!"

Mr. Jan Harlan on James W. Hawk's film "Eeny, Meeny, Miny, MOE...":
"Very good - I liked it a lot" "It focuses on the destructive forces of alcoholism."

Mr. Jan Harlan on James W. Hawk's "CONFLUENCE":
"Very intriguing and promising. How will the story of the mass-murderer end?"

Mr. Jan Harlan on James W. Hawk's "Ethan", "Our World Order" and "Aleph to Taw - abreger":
"I watched all three films and liked them, particularly the last one."

• Mr. F. Miguel Valenti

Executive Producer: NETHERBEAST INCORPORATED
Producer: THE LOST SKELETON OF CADAVRA, CAR DOGS and many more.

"I’ve known Jim for several years and can say without reservation that his energy and enthusiasm for film directing/filmmaking and screenwriting is infectious. His work is better than much of what comes out of Hollywood these days. He has a unique style which is a modern variation of classic directing/filmmaking. He is self-taught and has an innate filmmaking ability. It’s almost as if he was born to do this. If Jim lived in L.A. he would be a successful director today. Notwithstanding that, it’s my opinion that he will be a successful filmmaker as soon as the right person sees his work. Once he’s discovered, the world will embrace his work."

• Mr. John N. Michaels

Filmmaker: RALPH TALK, HIRE A LIAR, IT'S BEEN DONE and   
AZTEC TWO STEP 15TH ANNIVERSARY
Director: 100+ commercials including DOVE, FOXWOODS, GILLETTE and many more.

"Jim is the most talented unknown I've ever met. His work is as close to perfect as it gets. Each frame is given so much thought that it's only a matter of time until we see his name on a commercial blockbuster. The biggest mistake you can make on your next project is by NOT hiring him."

• Ms. Hilma Falkowski

Actress: FADING GIGOLO, ALIEN OPPONENT, THE LITTLE HOLLANDAISE, etc.

"The trailer for Eeny, Meeny, Miny, MOE... is a lyrical prelude to the exemplary finished film. Since I saw the movie in its entirety, I compare the director, James W. Hawk to Michael Mann whose movies intensely examine the theme of “a man and his work”. Jim, who wrote the screenplay, knows every facet of his leading man’s character. The evidence is the audience’s ability to experience the turmoil of a man on a mental tightrope, trying to find balance in his life. In essence, Jim has captured this working man’s soul."

• Mr. Marty Lang

Writer/Director: RISING STAR
Co-Producer: BEING MICHAEL MADSEN
Producer: SELENE HOLLOW

"After seeing Jim work as a director, producer, actor and editor, I can say with confidence that he has a drive and talent for filmmaking few can match. Both persistant and pleasant, Jim is one of the success stories of the Connecticut Film Industry Training Program, and a filmmaker to watch out for in the future."

• Ms. Danielle Rigby

First Assistant Director: BLUE JASMINE (directed by Woody Allen),
CAFÉ SOCIETY (directed by Woody Allen),
IRRATIONAL MAN (directed by Woody Allen), etc
Second Assistant Director: THE LOVELY BONES (Peter Jackson), etc

"After meeting and working with Jim in the Connecticut Film Industry Training Program, I realized his love of filmmaking and devotion to the process which shows through in all his work."

• Mr. Greg Nutcher

Actor: BRIDGE OF SPIES (directed by Steven Spielberg),
LABOR DAY (directed by Jason Reitman),
ESQUIRE, etc

"Jim is very talented and knowledgeable, both technically and artistically, regarding what it takes to make a great film. He's always open to listening to other people's ideas and doesn't hesitate to incorporate them when they make sense and when they adhere to a high standard of filmmaking. He is a quality filmmaker who will certainly aspire to bigger and more aggressive projects in the not too distant future."