James Cameron
In an episode more than a decade in the making, Graham travels to Los Angeles to sit down with legendary director James Cameron. The Avatar filmmaker reflects on his earliest steps into cinema and how 2001: A Space Odyssey first showed him the power of grounded, realistic science fiction. Cameron opens up about stepping away from Hollywood to pursue engineering projects and new camera technology, and why New Zealand offered him sanity. Cameron addresses his demanding reputation, forfeiting his Titanic fees for creative control, and shares his cautious views on AI in filmmaking. In a candid personal turn, Cameron reflects on his four short marriages, what they taught him about balance and coexistence, and how those lessons led to a marriage that has now lasted 25 years.
James Cameron
CLIPS
Bullets and acid: James Cameron’s near-death camping trip
Famed Hollywood director James Cameron shares a comical story from his twenties about a moment that could have gone very wrong while he was high on acid.
James Cameron: How dad’s disapproval fueled my filmmaking dream
James Cameron reflects on his childhood and the influence of his parents, talking about his mother’s artistic spirit and how she often pushed against the gender expectations of her time. He also opens up about his relationship with his father, who struggled to understand Cameron’s passion for art and his desire to pursue a non-traditional career path.
The Mars fact that made James Cameron walk out of physics class
From janitor to truck driver, famed Hollywood director James Cameron shares some of his earliest jobs, saying he was determined to support himself through college. He reflects on the effort it took to provide for himself but why he ultimately had to drop out. Cameron recalls moments where his interest in science led to disagreements in the classroom, reinforcing his desire to think independently rather than follow rigid academic structures.
James Cameron: Peppered with questions in Stanley Kubrick’s basement
James Cameron reflects on how ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ was the first film that showed him what realistic, grounded science fiction could look like. He talks about the artistic impact it had on him from the visuals to the unique use of music. Cameron also shares the story of meeting Stanley Kubrick after True Lies came out, where they went through the film together, discussing the editing, effects, and how the movie was made.
James Cameron: The drug culture that powered 80s Hollywood
James Cameron reflects on the unconventional path that led him into directing, explaining how early skepticism pushed him to take control by writing his own material. The ‘Titanic’ director recounts his first days working on set, landing a role as a set designer despite having no formal experience. Cameron describes learning through necessity; scavenging junkyards, aircraft part yards, and repurposing everyday materials to bring ideas to life. Cameron also recalls working on Roger Corman’s 1980 sci-fi film Battle Beyond the Stars, where a sudden promotion to production designer came with some shocking responsibilities.
“I’m the common denominator”: What James Cameron learned after 4 divorces
James Cameron reflects on his four short marriages and why he felt he wasn’t good at them. He admits he struggled with learning how to truly coexist with someone while being so focused on his work. Cameron says those experiences taught him a lot, and those lessons are a big reason why his current marriage has lasted 25 years.
James Cameron: NASA meeting revelation prompted 7-year sabbatical
James Cameron reflects on how his attitude and mentality have evolved over the course of his career. The famed Hollywood director explains that while making movies once felt like the most important thing in his life, he now sees filmmaking simply as something he loves to do rather than his entire identity. Cameron also talks on the period when he stepped away from Hollywood for a period of time to focus on other passions like engineering projects, space-related work, and developing new camera technology.
James Cameron: Giving up my payday to save Titanic from major cuts
James Cameron opens up about the enormous financial risk behind making Titanic, revealing how the production quickly spiraled far beyond its original budget and became one of the most expensive films ever made. He recalls the toughest conversation he had with a financier. As studios questioned his insistence on creating a nearly three-hour epic, Cameron even offered to forfeit his entire paycheck as long as the film stayed true to his vision.
James Cameron: Generative AI will only produce mediocrity in filmmaking
James Cameron discusses the creative and technical challenges behind bringing Avatar to life, explaining how he began with a broad vision while working through countless details along the way. He emphasizes a cautious approach to AI, noting its potential to improve efficiency while stressing the importance of keeping films performance-driven and human at their core. He also touches on his partnership with Meta, aimed at expanding immersive, stereoscopic storytelling through head mountain displays.
James Cameron: I almost drowned
James Cameron recounts the near death experience he had scuba diving at one of the ocean’s lowest points while setting up set for The Abyss. Cameron says he fired two of his staff members who failed to keep track of his air supply, almost costing him his life. Cameron reflects on his lifelong fascination with exploring the deepest parts of the ocean. He also hints at ongoing projects focused on uncovering unknown regions of the ocean, where unexplored trenches may still hold undiscovered life.