James Mellor

Karate Dreams (2025)
Film (short) by Rainbow Trout Films Ltd Director & Producer Short Documentary | Sport | Human Story | United Kingdom In the heart of Halifax, West Yorkshire, Karate Dreams – Empty Hand: A Sensei’s Story follows the journey of Mathew Handley, a dedicated martial artist who founded the Halifax Sport Karate Club to empower his community through the discipline of karate. Balancing personal grief after the loss of a parent, Mathew channels his experience into building a dojo that prioritises respect, resilience, and growth—both on and off the mat. His story is one of quiet determination and lasting impact. Featuring Olympic Gold Medallist Steven Da Costa, the film connects grassroots training to world-class inspiration, offering a powerful message for aspiring athletes. Karate Dreams celebrates the philosophy of the “empty hand” and shows how even a small club can spark big dreams.

Rugby Town (2023)
Documentary by Rainbow Trout Films Ltd Producer/Director What if a simple advertisement in the local paper could spark a movement that would forever shape a community? Did a group of lads in 1873 Halifax truly create a sporting legacy that has endured for over 150 years? What untold stories lie hidden within the history of one of the oldest Rugby League clubs? Through the eyes of passionate fans and players, this captivating documentary invites you to join us on a journey through the stunning towns and countryside of Calderdale in central United Kingdom, as we uncover the remarkable story of how the development of Rugby League transformed Halifax into a true Rugby Town. Discover the warmth, humour, and unwavering spirit that have kept the sport of Rugby League at the heart of the Halifax community. Witness the pivotal moment when Huddersfield native responded to the advert and ignited a flame that would burn brightly for generations, leading to the many highs and lows experienced by the Rugby club and its passionate supporters. This touching non-fiction film celebrates the power of community, the enduring love of the game, and the timeless traditions that have made Halifax a true Rugby heartland. Welcome to Rugby Town!

The Inflight Food Trip (2017 - 2020)
Series by Rainbow Trout Films Ltd Producer/Director Our documentary series aims to lift the lid on Airplane food, as we discover exactly what goes into getting a meal to you at 35,000FT. The Inflight Food Trip documentary will look at the history of airline food and how airlines have adapted their offering for the modern day traveller. We will mix fascinating interviews with airlines, catering professionals, airline crew past and present, passengers and some famous faces for this sky-high culinary adventure. We follow airline food guru Nik Loukas around the globe as we discover what is going into keeping everyone fed at 35,000ft every day. Our journey takes us behind the scenes with the airlines, as we look at many of the factors that play a part airline food, and what the airlines do to stand out from their competitors and put their personal stamp on the food that’s served. From food presentations in Tokyo to a food tasting event in New York, each airline has a unique story to tell. We have secured agreements to go behind the scenes with some of the world’s biggest airlines and inflight caterers. The film plans to highlight how airlines, among them Air Baltic, SAS, Air France, develop menus in line with modern gastronomic trends, train their in-flight chefs, and occasionally manage to convince travellers to pay more for an enhanced meal experience. “The Inflight Food Trip” will also dive into the surprising history of airline food, which dates all the way back to 1919. Our purpose is to tell stories. Each airline we feature has a unique perspective and tale to tell on how they produce passenger meals. Airline food no doubt suffers from a negative reputation, but good or bad the level of planning and expert execution behind every slice of tomato, every piece of pasta put onto a plane is extraordinary. “We want to reveal the behind-the-scenes pressure and precision of this overlooked industry that’s key to the modern air travel experience. The ‘stars’ of our film will be not just the airlines, but also cabin crews, inflight caterers, and the general public.”

The Inflight Food Trip (2017 - 2020)
Series by Rainbow Trout Films Ltd Producer/Director Our documentary series aims to lift the lid on Airplane food, as we discover exactly what goes into getting a meal to you at 35,000FT. The Inflight Food Trip documentary will look at the history of airline food and how airlines have adapted their offering for the modern day traveller. We will mix fascinating interviews with airlines, catering professionals, airline crew past and present, passengers and some famous faces for this sky-high culinary adventure. We follow airline food guru Nik Loukas around the globe as we discover what is going into keeping everyone fed at 35,000ft every day. Our journey takes us behind the scenes with the airlines, as we look at many of the factors that play a part airline food, and what the airlines do to stand out from their competitors and put their personal stamp on the food that’s served. From food presentations in Tokyo to a food tasting event in New York, each airline has a unique story to tell. We have secured agreements to go behind the scenes with some of the world’s biggest airlines and inflight caterers. The film plans to highlight how airlines, among them Air Baltic, SAS, Air France, develop menus in line with modern gastronomic trends, train their in-flight chefs, and occasionally manage to convince travellers to pay more for an enhanced meal experience. “The Inflight Food Trip” will also dive into the surprising history of airline food, which dates all the way back to 1919. Our purpose is to tell stories. Each airline we feature has a unique perspective and tale to tell on how they produce passenger meals. Airline food no doubt suffers from a negative reputation, but good or bad the level of planning and expert execution behind every slice of tomato, every piece of pasta put onto a plane is extraordinary. “We want to reveal the behind-the-scenes pressure and precision of this overlooked industry that’s key to the modern air travel experience. The ‘stars’ of our film will be not just the airlines, but also cabin crews, inflight caterers, and the general public.”

Yahoo Hack Events in London & Tel Aviv (2013)
Internet by Rainbow Trout Films Director/Producer/Editor