We recently connected with William McNeill and have shared our conversation below.
William, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is a two-part documentary about mathematicians from across the African diaspora. A friend from film school reached out about a gig and connected me with the director, George Csicsery. Through him, I met the cinematographer, Ashley James, who ultimately brought me onto the team to light a series of interviews. What started as a small assignment grew into a four-year, multi-city journey that became two separate films. We began production at the start of COVID, which added its own challenges, but the experience was incredibly rewarding. I learned so much about these brilliant mathematicians—individuals whose contributions to the field are amazing, yet whose names many people have never heard. Our goal was simply to honor their stories and give their achievements the visibility they deserve. We also wanted inspire future generations of black mathematicians.
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?
For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself?
My journey began after my time in the Marine Corps. I found myself with no direction, searching for a new purpose. One day, while watching a documentary, something clicked. By the time the film ended, I had made up my mind. I would make films and tell stories. I discovered a film club during my undergrad, made my first short, and from there, as they say, it was off to the races.
How you got into your industry / business / discipline / craft?
That pivotal moment with the documentary showed me the power of a well-told story to inspire and reframe perspective. I channeled the discipline and focus I learned in the military into a new mission: learning the craft of filmmaking from the ground up. The film club was my boot camp, and that first short film was the start of a lifelong pursuit.
What type of products/services/creative works you provide?
I am a documentary filmmaker and visual storyteller. I provide a vehicle for people to share their stories through documentary films, branded content, and narrative-driven projects for individuals, organizations, and causes.
What problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others?
Many people and organizations have authentic stories but lack the film expertise to tell them in a way that connects with an audience. I solve that by bringing a unique blend of military-honed discipline, a beginner’s passion for the craft, and a respect for the subject. What sets me apart is my ability to connect with the client or subject, the human element. I try my best to build trust to reveal the genuine emotion and truth at the heart of every story.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the trust my subjects place in me. When someone allows you to frame their most personal experiences and challenges into a narrative, it is the highest honor. I’m proud of every project that gives a voice to someone who felt unheard and every film that moves an audience to see the world a little differently.
What are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work?
I want them to know that my work is built on a foundation of mutual trust, respect, and human connection. My brand is about more than filmmaking; it’s about service—serving the story and the person behind it. If you have a story that matters to you, I am here to listen, to honor it, and to build that vehicle to share it with the world.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is well I would say there are two things for me. It’s when you see your work on a theater screen. It’s like WOW, I really did that and it was amazing. Sometimes I feel like the luckiest person in the world because I get to travel and make films. The second aspect is being able to work with people you care about. I love seeing my friends on set.
Have you ever had to pivot?
My most significant pivot came immediately after my time in the Corps. I found myself somewhat lost, without a clear mission or direction. I didn’t have a great plan for life after the Marines, and the structure I’d relied on was gone. That transitional period was incredibly difficult; I was even homeless at one point in time. It was a low point where the future felt completely uncertain.
Luckily, I had some friends who really believed in me and helped me out. Their support provided the stability I needed to catch my breath and reassess. From that point, I made a conscious decision to pursue film in all its forms. That pivot wasn’t just a career change—it was a lifeline. Film gave me a new language for processing experience, a new mission in storytelling, and a creative discipline to channel my energy into. To be candid, film really saved my life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: BR3alProductions
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-mcneill-2a72891b1
