We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Will Scott. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Will below.

Alright, Will thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is “The Volition of Thalmus Doqui.” This film is a deeply personal exploration of choice, fate, and the struggle for self-determination. It stands out to me because of its non-linear narrative structure, which allowed me to experiment with how the story unfolded, inviting the audience to engage actively in piecing together the protagonist’s journey. The film’s fragmented yet immersive approach was meant to mirror the complexity of human decision-making and the unpredictable consequences of our actions.

The project was challenging due to its ambitious narrative structure and the need to balance various thematic elements, but that only made the final product more rewarding. Seeing viewers connect with Thalmus’s journey and draw their own interpretations was incredibly gratifying. It reminded me of the power of storytelling to provoke thought and spark conversation. “The Volition of Thalmus Doqui” pushed me creatively and technically, and the response it received was a humbling reminder of why I pursue this craft—to tell stories that challenge, resonate, and inspire.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Will Scott, a filmmaker based in Orange County, California. My journey into filmmaking has been anything but conventional. I started on a farm in Fresno, California, where I learned the value of hard work, resilience, and community. These early experiences shaped my understanding of storytelling as a way to connect people. After moving to Southern California, I worked as a counselor (social worker) for Children and Family Services, which exposed me to the depth of human experience and taught me the importance of empathy. This time in social work showed me firsthand how storytelling could be a powerful tool for healing and connection.

Later, I transitioned into IT as an analyst, which allowed me to explore technology as a tool for storytelling. But I eventually returned to my true passion, film making, where I could combine my love for storytelling with my desire to make a difference. I founded Fly Debate to create films that inspire reflection and dialogue. Our mission: “First Love Yourself” (FLY) and “Developing Empathy, Building Awareness Through Expression” (DEBATE), has been central to the kinds of stories we tell.

What sets me apart is my emphasis on collaboration, I truly believe that filmmaking is a team effort, and the best work comes from a group of people who are united around a shared vision. I strive to create content that resonates emotionally with audiences. I’m most proud of the moments when my work connects with viewers on a personal level, making them feel seen or understood. My brand is about authenticity, emotional depth, and a commitment to crafting stories that matter.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal has always been to tell stories that connect people on an emotional level. My mission is to create films that resonate deeply with audiences, encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences and feel more connected to the world around them. I draw inspiration from everyday life and strive to tell stories that reflect the human experience. Storytelling is such a powerful tool, and I want to shine a light on the shared emotions that define us all, whether it’s through joy, struggle, resilience, or hope.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that really illustrates my resilience is my transition from social work to filmmaking. After spending years working as a counselor for Children and Family Services, I faced a significant turning point. I loved the work I was doing, but I felt a growing urge to tell stories on a larger scale, stories that could reach beyond individual sessions and impact a broader audience. It wasn’t easy to leave a stable career that was deeply fulfilling, but I knew that pursuing film making was the right move for me.

When I made the leap, I faced countless challenges, financial uncertainty, the need to build a new network, and the difficulty of starting over in an industry that is notoriously competitive. My first projects were small, and I often had to wear multiple hats, from writing and directing to handling equipment and editing. There were times when I questioned whether I had made the right decision, but I kept pushing forward, driven by the belief that my stories could make a difference.

The resilience I developed during my years on the farm and in social work helped me navigate the ups and downs of film making. Overcoming those early hurdles led to the creation of films like “The 27 Club”, “The Situation” and “The Volition of Thalmus Doqui,” which has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. That journey taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring challenges, it’s about adapting, learning, and continuing to move forward, even when the path ahead is uncertain.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.flydebate.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fly_debate/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Image Credits

Will Scott