James Takata is an American film and television director, writer, and cinematographer. He is a member of the Directors Guild of America and International Cinematographers Guild Local 600.
James is currently in post-production for the indie feature film, California Scenario, starring Will Yun Lee (The Good Doctor), Abby Miller (Home Before Dark), Brooklynn Prince (The Florida Project) and Minnie Mills (The Summer I Turned Pretty).
James’ television debut as a director was an episode of the hit show This Is Us for NBC. James has also directed episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution for Paramount+ and The Company You Keep for ABC.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Takata was inspired to become a filmmaker by Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing. He received a scholarship to the Ryman Program for Young Artists in high school and earned his B.A. in Studio Art from the College of William and Mary, with studies at the Art Institute of Florence.
Takata was a protégé in the DGA’s selective 2024 Director Development Mentorship Program where he was paired with mentor Bethany Rooney.
As a cinematographer, James lensed the Amazon series The Horror of Dolores Roach for Amazon and shot several full episodes of This Is Us while also serving as the A camera/Steadicam operator and 2nd Unit DP. He has also contributed additional cinematography to the Hulu series Paradise.
James is represented by Marathon Management.