We recently connected with Will Sidaros and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Will, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

Coming up with ideas is often my favorite part of the creative process. There’s no logistics or budget, it’s limitless! Only restricted by your imagination. Something I really enjoy about this process is an idea can come from anything! Whether it be reading, watching movies, talking to friends and family about their stories, or other projects – an idea can come from ANYWHERE! And when you come up with a really amazing idea, you’ll know it INSTANTLY! So whenever I’m looking for ideas, I’ll look to the world around me and once I find one, I’ll develop it by trying to understand what about it speaks to me specifically.

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?

Hi! I’m Will Sidaros, and I’m a filmmaker based out of Richmond Virginia. I’ve loved filmmaking for as long as I can remember. directing my friends in homemade movies. I earned my B.S. from George Mason University where I studied film with a concentration in directing. After graduating college, I moved to Richmond to work on TV shows like AMC’s The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Apple TV’s Swagger & Servant and produced two Indie Features and directed 10 short films.

With every film I create, I learn so much more about myself and the filmmaking process. I aspire to go beyond what has been done before in cinema. I don’t want to be the “next Spielberg”, I want to surpass him.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a filmmaker is the collaboration process! Everyone brings a unique perspective to the project and to embrace their unique perspective can only amplify the film. I love seeing what other people may have imagined when they read the script. Working with them to achieve the vision of the director and/or working together to come up with creative solutions is a powerful experience.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I first entered the professional film/tv industry right after I graduated college and became a First Team Production Assistant for AMC’s The Walking Dead: World Beyond. I was in love with the filmmaking process and loved opportunity I got to learn. It was very hard work, often working 14-16 hours everyday, in cold environments, always being attentive, and always on my feet. (Fun fact: production assistants aren’t often allowed to sit)

Despite the rough conditions, I really felt myself growing! However, throughout the TV shows and features I worked on, I learned that there was no one clear path to directing. You couldn’t simply climb the ranks, or expect to be picked for the opportunity because you’ve worked as a crew member with a production company before. Does it happen? Sure! But it’s very unlikely, according to my contacts. Instead you needed to direct a film or films that received critical acclaim, continued to get directing work, and eventually get a manager. I felt like I was climbing the ladder to a window that most likely wouldn’t open unless I had a strong library of work. I was taking the wrong route.

So I decided to leave the industry and start directing films on my own. It felt so backwards to leave an industry so I can break back in but at a higher position… and honestly, with 10 short films and 2 features now under my belt, I haven’t looked back.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @willsidaros
• Linkedin: LinkedIn.com/in/will-sidaros-a4b233120/

Image Credits
Caroline Frye Kevyn Harris