James Alton Films

Director · Director of Photography

James Alton Films

James directs and shoots films, commercials, documentaries and music-driven work with an eye for people, place, light and the realities of the shooting day.

Play the 2025 showreel
Selected work →

Selected work

Selected films, commercials and music-driven work.

James brings a photographer’s eye, performance attention and a practical understanding of production to work that still starts with the person in the frame.

A frame from the James Alton Films 2025 showreel. Director · DP · 2025 Play the latest showreel

Director / DP services

Start with the role James would carry. If the project also needs crew, locations or service production, Kelowna Film Studios can support that production layer.

Narrative Film Director Narrative Film Director Narrative director work across BC, built around actor-led scenes, controlled visual choices and performance. Director of Photography Director of Photography Director-of-photography work in Kelowna and the Okanagan, grounded in light, camera, people and performance. Cinematographer Cinematographer Cinematographer work for projects that need light, frame, movement and a specific visual point of view. Documentary Filmmaker Documentary Filmmaker People-first documentary work in Kelowna, tied to interviews, sensitive subjects and patient camera choices. Music Video Director Music Video Director Music-video direction in Kelowna, anchored in artist presence, performance, rhythm and place. Commercial Cinematographer Commercial Cinematographer Commercial cinematography in BC for agencies, artists and brands that need a specific visual approach. Work Selected Work Browse selected films, commercials, documentaries and music-driven work by role and category. Bio About James Read the background behind James's directing, cinematography and practical eye. Inquiry Contact James Send a project note when the work needs James's director or DP attention.

Current slate

Current work.

A transparent look at selected work being developed, filmed, finished or held for release. Public release details will be added when each project is ready.

Documentary feature / field development

Displaced

In development

A documentary in active field development, led by survivor interviews, family memory and a displacement history that has rarely been told clearly in public.

Reality television / documentary series

Vintage Rebel

In development

A co-development with Bob Blumer and Norm Coyne / Barker Street Cinema around Jason Parkes and the Okanagan wine and hospitality world. James is supporting as DP / Producer; Bob Blumer is director, and Corus Entertainment interest should be treated as interest only until a commitment exists.

Narrative film

Moonrise, Sunset

In development

An upcoming dramatic project in the Mabelville family of behind-closed-doors stories, being developed with cinematographer Harrison Mendel.

Dance films

The Village Dance Academy: 2026 Films

In the can

C is for Ciara, Sockeye 2026 and Wild Wild West are in the can. Public releases are planned for July 2026.

Portrait of film director and director of photography James Alton.

About James

A director with a photographer’s eye and a builder’s respect for the day.

James Alton is a Canadian director and director of photography whose films are built from attention to people, place, performance and light.

His background moves through photography, technology, directing, cinematography and producing. That range gives the work a practical spine without pushing the machinery in front of the image.

Based in Kelowna, British Columbia, James works locally and travels for narrative, documentary, broadcast, commercial and music projects.

Read the full about page

Selected recognition

Work that has travelled.

Because She’s Adopted

Best Canadian Documentary

Vancouver International Movie Awards · 2024

Mabel

Directing and actor awards

Calgary Independent Film Festival · Toronto Independent Festival of CIFT · 2022

Colorado

Best Music Video · Best Song

Okanagan Screen Awards · 2026

Open Road

Special Mention · Finalist

Thilsri International Film Festival · California Music Video and Film Awards

The Letter

Official Selection

Okanagan Screen Awards · 2026

Sockeye

Official Selection

Okanagan Screen Awards · 2024

Recognition stays attached to the project that earned it and is expanded on the Awards page. View awards Press and screenings

Journal

Notes behind the image.

Short director and cinematographer notes on attention, restraint, performance and the selected work that still carries a point of view.

Read the journal

Need production support?

Crew, locations and service production can come through KFS.

Kelowna Film Studios handles producing, service production, production management, crews and locations in British Columbia.

Visit Kelowna Film Studios