James Dorman is a UK based composer who writes for music for TV and film. In demand for his compelling sound, his compositional style reflects both a detailed understanding of orchestral colour with an experimental approach to electronica. After studing composition and arranging at Leeds Conservatoire James quickly acquired a reputation as a capable composer, writing for organisations including BBC Bristol, Netflix, Discovery, National Geographic, BBC Wales, Big Talk, ITV Studios, Granada Kids and CH4. Productions range from wildlife documentaries (Attenborough’s Life in Colour) to Factual entertainment (DNA Journey) to Drama (Officially Special). James has been commissioned to write fanfares for brass, sound installations for arts festivals, performed with his ambient music ensemble and served on the RTS awards judging panel.

James Dorman

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James Dorman is a UK based composer who writes for music for TV and film. In demand for his compelling sound, his compositional style reflects both a detailed understanding of orchestral colour with an experimental approach to electronica. After studing composition and arranging at Leeds Conservatoire James quickly acquired a reputation as a capable composer, writing for organisations including BBC Bristol, Netflix, Discovery, National Geographic, BBC Wales, Big Talk, ITV Studios, Granada Kids and CH4. Productions range from wildlife documentaries (Attenborough’s Life in Colour) to Factual entertainment (DNA Journey) to Drama (Officially Special). James has been commissioned to write fanfares for brass, sound installations for arts festivals, performed with his ambient music ensemble and served on the RTS awards judging panel.

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James Dorman is a UK based composer who writes for music for TV and film. In demand for his compelling sound, his compositional style reflects both a detailed understanding of orchestral colour with an experimental approach to electronica. After studing composition and arranging at Leeds Conservatoire James quickly acquired a reputation as a capable composer, writing for organisations including BBC Bristol, Netflix, Discovery, National Geographic, BBC Wales, Big Talk, ITV Studios, Granada Kids and CH4. Productions range from wildlife documentaries (Attenborough’s Life in Colour) to Factual entertainment (DNA Journey) to Drama (Officially Special). James has been commissioned to write fanfares for brass, sound installations for arts festivals, performed with his ambient music ensemble and served on the RTS awards judging panel.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate

Work Experience

Composer at Humble Bee Films
May 4, 2026 - Present
TV documentary 'Secrets of the Amazon' - title/theme music and incidental music

Education

BAmusic (Jazz) at Leeds Conservatiore
September 19, 1994 - May 12, 1997

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment
    DNA Journey (entire series)

    Celebrities take a DNA to discover their ancestors (ususally unknown) histories. Often suprising, sometimes shocking often emotional the music had to imply movement between scenes, establish a geographical location, evoke suprise and also reflect emotions the guests would experience as a part of this process.
    (Music composed for entire series)

    BBC TV series 'Attenborough's Natural Curiosities'

    In this TV series Sir David Attenborough examines interesting and unusual animal behaviour. The music brief was for the sound to evoke intruge, mystery and wonder.