James Cellan Jones
Alan James Gwynne Cellan Jones (13 July 1931 – 30 August 2019) was a British television and film director. From 1963, he directed over 50 television series and films, specialising in dramas.
James Cellan Jones | |
|---|---|
| Born | 13 July 1931 Swansea, Wales |
| Died | 30 August 2019 (aged 88) |
| Alma mater | St John's College, Cambridge |
| Occupation(s) | Television director and producer |
| Years active | 1960–2001 |
| Known for | The Forsyte Saga (1967) Fortunes of War (1987) |
| Title | Head of Plays, BBC Television |
| Term | 1976–1979 |
| Predecessor | Christopher Morahan |
| Successor | Keith Williams |
| Children | Simon Cellan Jones Rory Cellan-Jones Deiniol Cellan Jones Lavinia Cellan Jones |
He was particularly associated with the "Classic Serial" during the golden age of BBC drama, and some of his most significant work was in televising late 19th-century and 20th-century British literary works. Two of his most ambitious and successful directorial adaptations were the miniseries The Forsyte Saga (1967), which became a national and international hit, and Fortunes of War (1987); and he was also known for his award-winning productions of Jennie: Lady Randolph Churchill (1974) and Harnessing Peacocks (1993).
Cellan Jones was Head of Plays at BBC Television, chairman of BAFTA, and chairman of the Directors Guild of Great Britain.