Managing Agents
Working with children's picture book authors and illustrators, Managing Agents provide development and editorial support whilst establishing creative direction and strategy for their artists' work internationally. With a wealth of industry experience and expertise, they are instrumental in fostering prize-winning publishing partnerships and in raising the profile of the creative talent they represent.
James Burns joined Bright in 2009 and boasts a wide range of experience across the children’s and adult publishing markets. In 2014, he moved from the UK to lead the US office, a display of his ambitious, tenacious and adaptable traits. Under his leadership, Bright has established itself as a key player in the US and beyond. As an excellent communicator and relationship builder, this working style perfectly complements CEO and Founder Vicki Willden-Lebrecht’s visionary leadership and industry awareness. A proud advocate for traditionally marginalised voices and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, James is naturally drawn to creative work that reflects ownership of style and has strong messaging behind it. As Global MD, James oversees the overall working of the agency, all of Bright’s divisions and strives to drive new opportunities for all of our represented artists.
James Burns
Global MDAgents
Our experienced and highly-motivated agents pride themselves on their commitment to forging the most successful partnerships between artists and clients to sustain long-term success, internationally and across multiple platforms.
Focusing on strategy and creative direction, Bright agents support artists to deliver exceptional artwork, to brief and on schedule, and provide clients with a reliable, attentive and proactive point of contact throughout projects to ensure a consummately professional experience for all, from start to finish.
As well as speaking four languages, Ilaria manages clients around the globe with a cultural sensitivity and diplomatic approach. Ilaria works with Laura Hemsley on the Licensing and Adult Publishing lists, supervising all projects and ensuring the licensing process is managed with precision. Her reliable and calm demeanour makes her a safe pair of hands for complex, fast and intricate projects.