It all started in live theater, over 35 years ago. James Freitas took to the stage, performing in colorful musical theater productions in Southern California. James found himself in high demand, but not just as an actor; his fellow performers were lining up for help with their stage makeup.
James quickly expanded his makeup portfolio and creative network, fashioning stunning looks for headshots, one acts, and student films, experimenting and mastering his craft while cultivating key relationships that would continue to foster opportunities for years to come. As his theater education progressed, so did recognition for James’ innovative designs. James was nominated for an Irene Ryan Award in Best Theatrical Makeup Design for his work on NINE, part of the American College Theater Festival that acknowledged outstanding student artists across the US.
Looking to gain critical professional exposures, James decided his next step was working for an internationally recognized cosmetic brand. M.A.C. Cosmetics was that company. Now part of the talented, best-in-class M.A.C team, James began work at the company’s second largest volume counter in the world, Nordstrom Cerritos. This position and location gifted James the chance to fully develop a key skill he still holds dear to his heart: the beauty and nuances of makeup across ethnicities. His work spoke for itself. James was selected to represent M.A.C at brand events, product launches, and even for backstage work on LA’s Fashion Week in the early 2000’s, working under the direction of legends Gregory Arlt & John Stapleton.
James Department-Headed makeup for the Noir indie feature, Kill Me, Deadly. The production allowed James to join Local 706 I.A.T.S.E. as a Makeup Trainee, and from there James found himself working shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the best talent in the industry in high-profile productions including SMILF, Corporate, Forever, New Girl, the feature film Mid 90’s, Academy Award winning Lady Bird, Golden Globe nominated The Dropout, Black Monday (Season 3), Based On A True Story (Season 1), Single Parents (Seasons 1 & 2), and The Perfect Couple.
In 2024, James was awarded Best Makeup for Children and Teen Television Programming by the Makeup Artists & Hair Guild for his work on Disney’s American Born Chinese. Most recently, James was thrilled to team up with Ike Barinholtz again after their work on Season 1 of The Afterparty on The Studio. The Studio made Emmy history as the most awarded comedy series ever, and allowed James to delve into some FX makeup with Dave Franco as his actor.
Beyond his stage, television, and film portfolio, James also followed his passions to the world of fashion. James has worked on advertisements for LA’s Premier Live Dance Production, Jete, for the last decade, and his role went far beyond makeup. A one man show on set, and sporting skills that most can only aspire to, James handcrafted all the wardrobe pieces, wigs, and makeup – four to five complete looks per shoot! – for these monthly sessions.
Keep an eye out for James’ upcoming credits in the productions Palm Royale and the feature film, DreamQuil.
