Biography
James Takata is an American cinematographer, director and writer. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he received a scholarship to the Ryman Program for Young Artists in high school and earned a B.A. in Studio Art from the College of William and Mary, with studies at the Art Institute of Florence. He is a member of the Directors Guild of America and the International Cinematographers Guild Local 600.
Takata worked extensively as a camera operator and Steadicam operator on the series This Is Us (2016), also serving as director of photography on second unit and directing one episode. He has directed episodes of Criminal Minds (2005) and The Company You Keep (2023). His cinematography credits include eight episodes of The Horror of Dolores Roach (2023).
He directed and co-wrote the feature California Scenario, which premiered at the 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Takata has also directed documentaries and short films, and was selected for the Directors Guild of America's Director Development Mentorship Program in 2024.
