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

Hi Will , thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I’ve learned everything I know on the job, and believe that practical experience is truly the only way to gain essential knowledge in this industry. Some of the most insufferable people I’ve encountered on set went to film school and possess little to no practical understanding. This might be particularly true for documentary and travel filmmaking, though I do acknowledge that a proper film school background is very important for narrative work. What’s clear is that production gets significantly easier with more experience. My most essential skill, by far, is my people skills – being able to genuinely get along with individuals from all walks of life. Whether it’s a director having a full-blown meltdown or a customs official on a power trip, staying calm and finding a way to laugh through it all is absolutely critical. The biggest obstacle to me learning even more is the rare chance to work with other skilled Directors of Photography. It’s just so uncommon to have two accomplished DoPs on the same set

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I began as a Production Assistant, driving vans and box trucks across NYC, handling everything from gear and props to talent transport. I soon weaseled my way into the Camera Department. I offered help with every task – from wrapping cable under and over, to carrying tripods, securing releases, and emptying trash cans. Pulling out an overflowing garbage bag on a hot NYC summer with the liquid seeping out the bottom all over your shoes and draggin it across set is a write of passage. if you have never done that or crashed a production van you are probably not going to work with me.

Today, I work as a Director of Photography, overseeing most visual aspects on set. This includes selecting cameras and lenses, directing lighting, and advising on everything from set dressing colors to optimal shooting times for locations.

I’m most proud of my work for international charities, extensive projects in Sub-Saharan Africa and a girls’ school in Pakistan. My experience spans a wide range, from shooting Super Bowl commercials on massive soundstages to creating Instagram and YouTube content. However, I believe my true strength lies in travel shows and documentaries. My skill is in making the most of a situation – finding the right angle and light without disrupting the authenticity of the real-life scene unfolding before me. The goal is to capture the moment without ‘killing the vibe’ through over-lighting or becoming a disruptive presence.”

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding thing is everything. its a total honor to travel and meet new people. I get to capture a moment in there lives that will live forever. people get to look back on the videos and laugh and remember that moment in time. I will not be able to lug bags and cases through airports forever so I try and enjoy every moment.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

regarding supporting artists. the world is becoming a bland and boring place. people are trying to fit in, copying each other. not everyone has to like what your doing. AI is boring and predictable. So people in society should strive to be different, people should protect there traditions, history should not be forgotten. turn off your phone, shut up and listen. go on a trip and talk to people don’t just take a selfie of your a*s and post it. go where nobody else goes. I guess to sum up my rant, go and buy some art from a local. watch an independent film.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://willathertonfilms.com
• Instagram: willathertonfilms