Professional Summary
Professional Overview
James Waugh is an accomplished senior executive with extensive experience in franchise story development, content strategy, and creative leadership. As the Senior Vice President of Franchise Story/Content & Strategy at Lucasfilm, he is responsible for shaping the narrative direction and content roadmap across the company's iconic franchises, including Star Wars.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In his current role at Lucasfilm, James Waugh is tasked with overseeing the strategic vision and execution of story-driven content for the company's vast portfolio of global franchises. He leads a team of talented writers, developers, and strategists to ensure the cohesive integration of narrative elements across various mediums, including films, television, animation, games, publishing, and theme parks. Under his guidance, Lucasfilm has consistently delivered immersive, engaging, and impactful storytelling that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Career Progression
Prior to his current position, Waugh held several key leadership roles within the entertainment industry. As the Vice President of Franchise Content & Strategy at Lucasfilm, he was instrumental in developing and implementing comprehensive strategies for expanding the company's iconic franchises into new mediums and markets. Before joining Lucasfilm, Waugh served as the Senior Director of Story & Creative Development at Blizzard Entertainment, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative direction and world-building for the studio's acclaimed gaming franchises.
Waugh's early career experiences include serving as the Vice President of Development at Suntaur/Elsboy Entertainment, as well as working as a freelance writer, producer, and director in the entertainment industry. He also gained valuable experience in story development and reading at Scott Free, further honing his skills in crafting compelling narratives.
Academic Background
Waugh holds a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of California, Berkeley, where he graduated with distinction.
Areas of Expertise
- Franchise story and content strategy
- Narrative development and world-building
- Cross-platform content integration
- Creative leadership and team management
- Collaborative storytelling across diverse mediums
- Leveraging data and audience insights to drive content decisions
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Waugh has been instrumental in shaping the narrative direction and content strategies for some of the most iconic entertainment franchises in the world. His work has consistently delivered engaging, immersive, and impactful storytelling experiences that have captivated audiences globally. Waugh's ability to seamlessly integrate narrative elements across multiple mediums and platforms has been a key driver of the continued success and expansion of these beloved franchises.
Conclusion
With his deep industry expertise, strategic vision, and proven track record of creative leadership, James Waugh is poised to continue driving innovation and excellence in the world of franchise storytelling and content strategy. As Lucasfilm's Senior Vice President of Franchise Story/Content & Strategy, he is committed to expanding the reach and impact of the company's iconic franchises, ensuring they continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.
