Neighbours is an exclusive Vancity Buzz feature in collaboration with award-winning photographer, Matthew Chen, celebrating the diverse individuals that makeup up our community, one story at a time.
James has recently moved back to Vancouver after a thriving career in New York City as a model. He is now pursuing new passions creating custom furniture for his family’s business, JJ Bean. And challenging himself in new creative ways, acting.
James Neate / Matt Chen Photography
“When I was in my early twenties I was having a lot of success working as a fashion model in New York. The glitter-filled lifestyle had gone to my head and I didn’t like the person I had become. Personal reflection has always been a big catalyst for change in my life. I could objectively look in the mirror and say I was an asshole. So I have worked hard to change that. Shifting my career focus to something less self-serving definitely helped.”
James Neate / Matt Chen Photography
“Back in 2009 I was being toasted at dinner in Milan, Italy by Tilda Swinton and Luca Guadagnino congratulating me for booking the role of Tilda’s son in the film I am Love. And then subsequently being replaced two weeks before we went to camera was definitely a low. I think the most rewarding thing about success is all the times you fall flat on your face to get there.”