Today we’d like to introduce you to William Mccathern.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into filmmaking wasn’t paved with industry connections it was built on a foundation of curiosity and a relentless “do-it-yourself” spirit that started when I was very young.While most of my peers were focused on traditional paths, I was obsessed with the power of visual storytelling. I knew that if I wanted to make my first film and the type of person i am i really don’t like waiting for anything i just like to. Go and do it when you have to wait I feel like someone else is developing that same story or concept, I had to be my own creator. I spent my teenage days balancing a part-time job with my creative ambitions, funneling every paycheck into a production budget that i really didn’t know there’s more to filmmaker then just the money. That first project it taught me that the only thing standing between a dream and a finished product is discipline it also taught me sometimes people are meant to learn lessons to become a better them no matter how I seen it i had to learn a lesson.
One of the most defining parts of my early career was often being the youngest person in the room. I frequently found myself surrounded by filmmakers and seasoned professionals with decades of experience or knew more then me and that really taught me a lesson to understand more of who i wanted to be and who i became now.I realized that while they had the history, I had a fresh perspective. I learned to listen more than I talked, absorbing their technical wisdom while maintaining the unique creative spark that set me apart.
A lot has changed since those early days of scraping together funds and feeling like an outsider. That “young kid filmmaker” has evolved into a strategic creator.
Today, my focus has shifted from just making films to building worlds. I am currently Developing two original TV shows that explore complex narratives I’ve been refining for years both projects mean a lot to me as they are projects for each of my film studios i have 2 that explore different worlds.We Don’t own that film “WATERGUNZ”and “DIARY OF A FAMILY AFFAIR” there’s so much more to come for me but this are setting a ground for the better of me expanding my production slate with multiple projects in various stages of development.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road far from it. While the highlight reel shows developing TV shows and new projects, the “behind-the-scenes” of my journey was often defined by friction, hard-learned lessons, and a few broken bridges.I feel like in the beginning, my biggest struggle wasn’t the equipment or the long hours it was the people or trying to get the people to understand my vision. Being young and ambitious often made me a target for individuals who didn’t always have my best interests at heart.
The hardest part was realizing that talent isn’t enough. I had to develop a thick skin and a sharp eye for who I allowed into my inner circle. I faced setbacks where projects stalled because I trusted the wrong partners, and I had to learn the hard way how to advocate for my own work and protect the integrity of my dreams.
I quickly learned that you cannot be alone in this industry and survive. The struggle of being misled taught me the most valuable lesson of my career the importance of community.No matter how much i wanted to do it alone there wasn’t enough time for me to do it alone i have always been this person who can do it alone and be just fine no matter what.
The road was bumpy because I was trailblazing my own path and rushing my vision because i felt like this might be the project or i have something to prove to people. The struggles with those who tried to derail my dreams didn’t stop me i just figured out that i had to keep pushing because a lot of people looked at me as the face of stuff that wasn’t even me and i had to take a fall for that and after so long that just forced me to become a better leader and a more intentional collaborator. Today, the TV shows I’m developing aren’t just my own they are the product of the strong, trusted community I fought to build.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I am an inspiring writer and director dedicated to the art of my work and change , focusing on stories that explore the complexities of human relationships, resilience, and the grit of people as i focus on change and bringing awareness to others.
I am known as William because of approach to filmmaking at a young age. Because I started by funding my own work and navigating the industry from a young age, my style is defined by a raw, authentic texture. I don’t just capture scenes yes they might be a good drama segment but there was so much to it. I build atmospheres.
What I am most proud of right now is the drive of my creative mindset. After so many upsets i just pushed for more and more i feel like after development and navigating the hurdles of the industry, this year marks a massive turning point of me.I have formed a list of people i would love to collaborate with as we share some connections to the same industry from foolwiththecame Jordan to Moon Ferguson to Nina Stackz and even Silk White and Tyler Perry there are so many others that I can’t share but i would love to connect with them.
What truly set’s me apart is my perspective. I have the hunger of the kid who worked a part-time job to create his first film which the world will never see but it really started me to understand what i did and what not to do as i am still learning you learn something new everyday there lessons to be learned and lessons to be taught. I’ve seen the side of the industry that tries to mislead and misguide, and I’ve come out the other side with a refined “creative compass.As I started young i just want the generation centered around me to focus on the things they want and there passionate for no matter what to just push for the stars even if it’s going through your younger days without the fun of being a teenager i did it and so can you.
Any big plans?
My primary focus for the future is the successful launch of my two current TV series and starting on my next 5 productions for both studios. These projects represent a significant jump in scale, and I am looking forward to:Deep-Dive Storytelling: Transitioning from short-form and independent features into the expansive world of serialized drama.
One of the “big changes” I am planning is the formalization of my own creative approach. Having navigated a road filled with misguidance and “dream-killers,” I am committed to building a space that acts as a fortress for original ideas.The Mission for the future is to mentor the next generation of storytellers, ensuring they have the community support I had to fight so hard to build for myself.
I’m also looking forward to pushing the boundaries of how drama is consumed. Whether it’s through innovative digital platforms or traditional cinema, I plan to continue evolving my visual language.The most exciting part of this journey is that the “village” is growing. I am no longer just a filmmaker i am a builder. I’m looking forward to the day when the projects I’m developing now become the touchstones for others who are starting exactly where I was—working that part-time job and dreaming of a screen.
As the future is set before me i would like to push for my own in ground film studio for all productions i would like production offices a back lot film sets and just to give a creative freestyle for upcoming filmmakers or even upcoming dreamers.I would like to start some non-profits for different meanings gun violence awareness to adults that need help or assistance for pushing there troubled past into the future of difference and inspiration there’s so much set for the future which i am centering around the village and the community not just centering around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wdfilmingstudios.my.canva.site/wish-and-dreams-studios
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wishanddreamsstudios/#
- Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/987469979?share=copy
- Other: https://wedontownthatfilm.my.canva.site/
Image Credits
I would like to thank our photographer Tony for capturing so many moments on set that not only explored the film but the craft and creativity of art.
