Director James Cameron

Having looked at James Cameron before at his screenwriting work I felt that I should look at his work more closely looking at his directorial skills as he is considered more as a director. I want to develop more research into James but keeping it relevant too.

James was born in Canada but moved to USA shortly after.

Along with being a director, James is also a producer and a screenwriter.

His films have been widely popular and gained a lot of success.






James started out with short films whilst building his reputation to become one of the most popular Directors in the world. His first feature film as a director was Piranha part two (1981). The film had positive reviews.

It was 1997 when James really grew his fanbase with Titanic. This was a huge film for James to direct as it was based on the real events of Titanic and fictional elements to build it. The famous film features Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. It made a worldwide gross of $2 Billion making it the highest grossing film of all time, this lasted for 12 years until Avatar was released in 2009.

Motion capture with left being finished result.

Avatar made good progress, popular with the visual effects and new motion capture technology. The 3D experience also helped make Avatar successful.

It is these new and exciting features that James uses to direct his films. His directorial style is to use new technology and bring it to life in his films. James wanted to film Avatar a lot sooner but the motion capture technology wasn't around yet. Titanic was filmed mostly on a set but relied on visual effects for hitting the iceberg and sinking.

Along with effects and editing, James likes to use a lot of techniques when shooting the action. His trademarks include scenes filmed with deep blue colours. We can see the blue colours in his films especially Titanic and also Avatar. With blue colours many of his films has ocean or water as a theme. He likes to bring the camera in and gather close up shots especially during conflict and fighting scenes.
James uses tracking shots when following a chase, getting close up of wheels or feet running.

James has much trademark to his name and it can be clear in his films. It works very well and is proven to be successful. I like his work and have watched a few of his films. When I direct I tend to include smooth camera tracking/steady shots and pull focus. For my project I will use my own style to direct and make it 'my work' at all times.