J-Sei At the Movies: Meet Filmmaker James Takata
Friday, May 13, 2022 – 6:30 pm on Zoom
Director and cinematographer James Takata will be J-Sei’s special guest to talk about his career in TV and film. Fans of the hit series THIS IS US are in for a real treat, since James has been involved with the show since almost the beginning, as the A Camera/Steadicam Operator, as Director of Photography, and as Director of the recent episode “The Day of the Wedding.” In addition to working on several other TV shows, James has also directed documentaries, short films, and music videos. Join us to get the inside scoop on working in Hollywood and find out what’s next for James now that THIS IS US has come to its end after six successful seasons. We’ll share film clips as well as his first short film, REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR (2002).
RSVP with “May Movie Night” in the subject line. You’ll receive Zoom information prior to the May 13 event.
About the Filmmaker
James Takata is an American film director, producer, and writer. He has directed episodic TV, a feature documentary (WE THE PARENTS), narrative short films (BROKEN WINGS; TRAPPED; REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR), and music videos. As a longtime member of the ICG Local 600, he brings a keen understanding of fine art and cinematography to his work as a director. He has contributed additional cinematography for the hit TV show THIS IS US on which he is also the A Camera/Steadicam Operator. He has lensed 3 full episodes, and recently he directed an episode, “The Day of the Wedding,” which premiered on April 19 on NBC.
His films have screened at film festivals and received recognition and honors, including the Gold Award (Independent Shorts Family/Children) at WorldFest Houston for BROKEN WINGS (2016) and the 2010 Bronze Telly Award and a 2010 Accolade Award of Merit for TRAPPED (2010). James won the ICG Emerging Cinematographers Award for his work on the short film ONLY CHILD (2012).
James was born and raised in Los Angeles, and in high school received a scholarship to the Ryman Program for Young Artists. He studied at the Art Institute of Florence and the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, where he earned a B.A. in Studio Art.
[Photo credits: C. Thomas, R. Batzdorff, B. Lewin]
J-Sei Movie Night Bento
May 13 Bento
For movie night, you can order specially made obento from My Friend Yuji. Here are Chef Yuji’s mouth-watering offerings for this month in conjunction with Movie Night. Order for pickup on Friday, May 13.
- Ebi Chili Donburi: Japanese-style Szechuan chili sauced shrimp & seasonal vegetables over rice $18
- Mabo Tofu Donburi: Llano Seco ground pork, Joodooboo tofu, Japanese-style mapo sauce & pickled greens over rice $18
Click on the button below to place your order.
You can pick up your meal at the selected pick-up time at J-Sei on Friday, May 13th. Please remember to wear a mask and observe social distance protocol. Thank you!
To order: When you click on the button above, it will take you directly to a pop-up order form on the My Friend Yuji webpage, where you first select a pickup time. In the next window, click anywhere inside the box frame to open another pop-up and select the number of bento you want to order, then click on “Add item” to close the pop-up. Click the “View order” bar at the bottom to confirm your order and click “Continue to payment” to sign in and pay for your order.
Support J-Sei At the Movies
Thanks to you, J-Sei At the Movies recently celebrated its third anniversary! We look forward to more creative programming with educational and inspiring Japanese and Japanese American films. We are especially grateful for the up close and personal chats with filmmakers as we learn so much from the exchange.
We love having a growing and enthusiastic audience. You are the best! We welcome any donations to help us offset costs for Movie Night. Thanks for considering this.