James A. Contner
Biography
James Atwater Contner, born on June 12, 1947, is a highly experienced American film and television director and cinematographer with a career spanning several decades. Known for his prolific work across numerous popular series and television movies, Contner has left a significant mark on the small screen, particularly in the realm of genre television.
Early Career and Cinematography:
Contner began his career in the early 1970s, establishing himself as a skilled cinematographer and camera operator. His credits as Director of Photography include feature films such as Jaws 3-D (1983) and The Last Dragon (1985), showcasing his ability to capture compelling visuals on the big screen. He also served as director of photography for television series like Miami Vice (1985) and Crime Story (1986-1987), earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Cinematography for a Series in 1987 for an episode of Crime Story titled "Top of the World."
Transition to Directing and Television Success:
While his cinematography work was notable, Contner became especially recognized for his extensive directing career, particularly in television. He proved to be a reliable and sought-after director for a wide array of genre shows, demonstrating a strong understanding of visual storytelling and character development within episodic narratives.
Among his most significant directing credits are numerous episodes for fan-favorite series, including:
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997): He directed 20 episodes, tying with creator Joss Whedon for the most episodes directed on the series.
- Angel (1999): He directed 13 episodes of the Buffy spin-off.
- The X-Files: A popular science fiction drama.
- Firefly (2002): A critically acclaimed sci-fi western series.
- Star Trek: Enterprise (2001): He directed episodes such as "Carbon Creek" (2002), which received a Hugo Award nomination for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form.
- Smallville (2001): He directed episodes for this long-running Superman origin series.
- Roswell (1999)
- Charmed (1998)
- Miami Vice (in addition to his cinematography work)
Contner has also directed several television movies, such as One Hot Summer Night (1998), She Woke Up Pregnant (1996), When Friendship Kills (1996), and Shark Swarm (2008).
Legacy:
James A. Contner's career highlights his consistent contribution to popular television. His ability to helm a high volume of episodes for demanding series, particularly those with complex visual effects and loyal fan bases, speaks to his skill and efficiency as a director. His work has undoubtedly shaped the look and feel of many memorable television moments, cementing his status as a respected veteran behind the camera.
