James Williamson

James Williamson

James Williamson was a Scottish film pioneer belonged to the famous Brighton School in England. He’s best known for his innovative techniques introduced in filmmaking, as continuity editing (Attack on a China Mission, 1900) and close-up (The Big Swallow, 1901).

His work inspired many other British and American directors like William Haggar, Frank Mottershaw and Edwin S. Porter.

Facts

  • Early in his career, Williamson developed films for other directors and enthusiasts, only later began to make and produce films on their own.
  • Like other directors of the time, following the changes of the film market, Williamson was forced to withdraw as filmmaker and producer. Later he made a good reputation as manufacturer of cameras and printers, in a company managed together with his son Alan.
  • James Williamson and the director George Albert Smith, were neighbors.