We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Layne Marie Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Layne Marie , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
We’ve been hard at work on a big sci-fi project called “Wizdom” for several years now and its just about to hit market finally, finally. Wizdom first came to be in Chicago, IL and this one is particularly close to my heart because it originated from imagining what Lower East Wacker would look like all lit up in neon with the character of Eos flying through the tunnels on a holographic motorcycle. Ashton Swinford plays Eos, as well as wrote, and produced the film. It was great to see what her unique talents were (like aerial work or grinding) and really play to those talents in this piece. This project has grown so much since just that initial vision and we were able to hire on some of our very favorite artists in Chicago when we filmed which was a delight. We featured the artistic works of artists like Zac Hall, Sarah Raskey, Davis McCarty, A.J. Tarzian, Laura Thapthimkuna, and so many more artists we know/love.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a film director, writer, and just all around creator. Directing film whether it’s a narrative, experimental, or talking head PSA shoot I’m all for it. Versatility and range is deeply important to me as an artist and it always has been. I think as an artist/film director its common for people to want to point to what your “thing” is. It’s been interesting going on like 11 years in the industry now to take in what audiences think is your thing and continue evolving beyond that.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Oh gosh, I’m always watching movies, TV, Commercials, docs, music videos, and its because I genuinely LOVE love love films of all kinds. I also try to be an avid reader. Sometimes I’m not in the mood for either of course because it can feel like homework in our industry but it’s the best kind of homework ever honestly. I’m endlessly inspired even if its just on a subconscious level by everything I engage with. I love me some spice too so my partner Daniel and I will just eat up some true crime but then later we’ll put on “The Lord of The Rings” and palette cleanse while painting or drawing. Right now I’m reading a vintage copy of “Alice in Wonderland” and let me tell you, it is fascinating as a grown adult. I’ve also been reading Stephen King’s “It” and a juicy opinion piece on Walt Disney. Some of my favorite flicks are Pan’s Labyrinth, Annihilation, Enter The Void, Nomadland, Drive, But I’m a Cheerleader, La Belle et la Bete, The Exorcist, The Wizard of Oz, Batman Returns, Jennifer’s Body, It (the Tim Curry version!) and so many more in all genres. I think loving movies, tv, and books of all kinds has influenced me to be dedicated to that versatility and range in my own work.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
The power of referrals!! Referrals are everything. I think the takeaway there is to nourish your professional and personal relationships. Do a good job no matter the circumstances. Lead with kindness, joy, adaptability, and those referrals will just happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LayneMarieWilliams.com
- Instagram: directorlmw_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laynemariewilliams/
- Other: http://projectwizdom.com https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7098387/
Image Credits
BTS photo of Layne Marie Williams by MaKayla Mardan Bigi
Wizdom Stills Credits:
Featuring: Ashton Swinford, Simone Brazzini, Khloe Janel, Debo Balogun, Ruth Kaufman, Hanah Chang, Maren Rosenberg
Director: Layne Marie Williams
Producers: Ashton Swinford, Grace Hahn, Aimy Tien, Layne Marie Williams
Director of Photography: Dan Frantz
Production Designer: Jami Primmer
Colorist: Ryan Stemple, Quicksilver Color
Gaffer: Jon Benson
HMUA/SFX: Erica Martens, Kayla Jarzab
Editor: Mike Berg
Costume Designer: Samantha Yonan
Location: CineCity Chicago
*See the Wizdom IMDb for a full list of cast/crew