Today we’d like to introduce you to Antwan Williams.
Hi Antwan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started writing around 2007. After placing into a writer’s lab in a film festival, I figured I may have something. That led to me writing and directing my first feature-length “The Godchildren”, a remake of the classic movie “The Godfather”. We follow seven years old kids, trying to take over the candy business and control the lemonade stands. That movie was never released of course. I was a first-time director, attempting to do a movie with 60 kids and no budget. I slept in my car for six months to get it done. And even after all of the recasting, rescheduling, and rewrites, I learned a lot so it wasn’t a wasted opportunity. Now 8 years later, I have seven feature-length scripts under my belt, and I’m gearing up to shoot my next feature this year in Austin. Out of all the projects I have completed, I have learned that you have to keep pushing and learn as you go. Hopefully this time, I can finally complete a project the way it was intended. Chase your dreams. Don’t let your dreams chase you!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The main problem with independent film-making is acquiring funds. This saves time, money, and the ability to keep control of the project. Being that I am crafty with the pen, I assumed that I can write 8-hour episodes and feature-length movies without a budget. But I quickly learned that money buys patience and brings along the qualified individuals for you to complete your project. So you have to learn how to write and keep things tight without a budget. Know your strengths and weakness and surround yourself with a crew that completes that and understands the end game. And yes, it’s the hardest thing in the world to do because you have to keep your vision short and concise. Hopefully, I have mastered it this time around. Everything from giving up my apartment to shoot a movie, from being homeless but still continuing to dream was worth it. Why? If you don’t have anything in this world, you have your dreams! You have belief in self! And when you let that die, a part of yourself goes with it. Strive! Struggle! Gain!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have written seven feature-length scripts, three web series, and shot three short movies. I am a writer/director looking to make my path in the industry. I don’t have the money or status, but I have the endurance and creativity. What sets me apart from others is my dynamic ability to create engaging stories that force you to go deep within yourself. I have a script in each genre, but my specialty is sci-fi. When I am not shooting movies I am shooting and producing commercial projects. This is simply a filler until I get where I want to be, which is to land my first funded project. Yes, it’s not an easy task but I truly believe I offer a level of engaging storytelling that most productions don’t offer. And you will see that one day. Hopefully sooner than later.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I follow a lot of masterclasses for directing and writing. What also helps me best is to listen to short mind-bending stories, and see if I can put myself in that world. This helps me to continue to find and write stories that come from deep moral issues that we face in this world today.
Contact Info:
- Email: loneroad86@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loneroad_pictures86/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoneRoadPictures
- Youtube: Loneroad Pictures
