Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tyler T. Williams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tyler T., appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
My journey into the world of filmmaking took root in the late 90s, during my sixth-grade year. It all began with my newfound love for skateboarding and the simple act of setting up my parents’ 80s-era 8mm video camera on a tripod to film myself skateboarding. Little did I know that those early experiences would shape my future aspirations in such a profound way. Back then, my dream was to become a sponsored, professional skateboarder, and I embarked on my filmmaking journey by editing my very first “sponsor me” video using a VCR and RCA cables connected to my camera. Looking back now, I can’t help but laugh at the roughness of that first edit. The skateboard shop that sponsored me even mentioned I should clean it up and add music. Nevertheless, it was this video that landed me my first sponsorship with a local skateboard shop in Solvang, CA.
As the 2000s unfolded, I found myself deeply influenced by skate videos, with their distinctive editing styles and captivating music selections. Determined to explore this world further, I convinced my Dad to invest in a video camera and computer setup, enabling me to delve into the realm of non-linear editing using Premiere Pro and After Effects. Countless hours were spent at my computer, tirelessly teaching myself the craft, and refining my own unique style and aesthetic sensibilities.
Upon graduating from high school, my passion for video production led me to a fortuitous opportunity as a production assistant at a visual effects house, where I had the chance to work on the film Sin City. During this time, I was convinced that my future lay in motion graphics. However, as fate would have it, once the film was completed, I found myself drawn to Boise, ID, enticed by the prospects of burgeoning film studios in the area. I settled down, investing in a house, only to be met with the devastating blow of the recession in 2007, which resulted in the cancellation of the film studio plans. Feeling somewhat trapped, unable to return to California, I sought employment at an exercise website, where I became the lead video creator for workout videos. This job allowed me to expand my horizons beyond skateboarding and broaden my artistic tastes as a filmmaker.
After several years of immersing myself in film-watching and honing my skills, I felt a burning desire to venture into the realm of music videos. Taking matters into my own hands, I began reaching out to bands on Myspace, offering to create music videos for them free of charge. Over the next few years, I dedicated myself to producing a new music video every month or so, using each opportunity to refine my storytelling techniques and develop my own distinct style.
Music videos became the canvas upon which I shaped my unique vision and honed my storytelling abilities. Although I often wondered whether attending film school would have accelerated my learning process, in hindsight, I believe that the “rinse and repeat” method, driven by trial and error, was instrumental in shaping me into the filmmaker I am today. Immersing myself in my work, investing countless hours, and studying both the technical aspects and the emotional impact of films played a pivotal role in my growth.
I firmly believe that unwavering dedication to one’s creative vision, project after project, is the key to developing a personal style and making informed creative decisions that define one’s aesthetic. However, I must admit that the greatest obstacle I faced on my journey was grappling with self-doubt regarding the quality of my work. It was this very doubt that fueled my determination to continually improve with each project. With every completed film, my confidence grew, fueling my excitement to embark on the next cinematic endeavor.
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?
Skateboarding instilled in me the discipline to relentlessly pursue mastery of tricks while infusing my own unique style. Simultaneously, my love for films and my innate inclination as a dreamer ignited a deep desire within me to become a storyteller.
As a filmmaker, I revel in every facet of the creative process. From meticulously crafting a compelling narrative to operating the camera, directing actors, and editing the footage to shape the story’s arc, each aspect satisfies my artistic pursuit. While I firmly believe that any camera can produce visually stunning films, the camera I use is the RED Gemini, paired with vintage Russian lenses from the 1970s that have been modified for PL mount. This combination allows me to introduce a touch of character to the image, as I personally find modern digital cameras and lenses to be excessively sharp for my tastes.
The art of capturing images with a camera is something that truly captivates me. One of the pivotal moments in my journey occurred in 2014 when I had the privilege of serving as the director of photography on a feature film set in Paris, France. Working alongside a full crew, this experience provided invaluable insights and honed my skills in collaborating within a professional production environment.
Recently, I had the honor of creating all three music videos for my dear friend Trevor Powers, the talented musician behind Youth Lagoon. Additionally, I had the opportunity to shoot his promotional campaign photos and album covers. Over the past year, we have been meticulously developing a cohesive world for the videos and photos, ensuring that they seamlessly embody the same distinctive style. Trevor and I previously collaborated in 2011 on his debut album, The Year of Hibernation, where we created two music videos that garnered significant attention and helped establish my reputation as a filmmaker. I am forever grateful for our ongoing collaborations and friendship.
While music videos have been my passion for over a decade, my next ambitious goal is to venture into the realm of feature films within the next few years.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most gratifying part of my journey as a filmmaker lies in the moment of completion, when I can bask in the sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that comes from bringing a cherished story, born within the depths of my imagination, to vibrant life. It is through the medium of film that I find the most direct and authentic channel to invite audiences into the inner workings of my mind, allowing them to witness my unique interpretation of emotions. Being a sensitive individual, I find solace and expression in the captivating realm of visual storytelling, which possesses an extraordinary ability to stir deep emotions within people. It is this power, this enchantment, that captivates me endlessly. The capacity to influence and connect with others, evoking genuine feelings and experiences, is a privilege that I wholeheartedly embrace.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
As a creative individual, I have been profoundly impacted by a selection of books that have left an indelible mark on my artistic journey. Among these influential works are Andrei Tarkovsky’s “Sculpting in Time,” which provided me with invaluable insights into the craft of filmmaking and the poetic nature of visual storytelling. Hitchcock Truffaut’s masterful exploration of Alfred Hitchcock’s filmmaking techniques has also played a significant role in shaping my own artistic approach, while David Lynch’s “Catching the Big Fish” has expanded my perception of creativity and the enigmatic nature of the artistic process.
In addition to these literary influences, there is a particular video that I find myself revisiting time and time again: Ira Glass’s captivating presentation, accessible at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHrmKL2XKcE. Glass’s profound words resonate deeply within me, serving as a constant reminder of the importance of perseverance and the journey of creative growth.
These artistic touchstones have become pillars of inspiration, providing me with a rich tapestry of ideas, insights, and reflections that continue to fuel my creative endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tylertwilliams.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylertwilliams/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tylertwilliams.films/
- Youtube: https://vimeo.com/tylertwilliams
Image Credits
Alex Couey