Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Andrew Williams.
Andrew, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was lucky to have parents that encouraged us to watch tv and film and that was, without a doubt, a planted seed. As a director, I would say I definitely got my start making skateboard videos as a kid. Without knowing, I was getting a handle on shot scale and composition while also making the obvious use of motion- be it camera or subject. Both would eventually become very important to my aesthetic.
A few years later, as a teen, writing started to greatly appeal to me. I jumped head first into screenwriting as an offshoot of directing, not realizing that Microsoft Word was the incorrect format to use on a script. I would send scripts to agents and producers and would literally get notes back saying “What the fuck is this?” That was my initial introduction to Hollywood as a kid and I still think it’s hilarious,
I could take you on a journey that involves working on lots of different projects but in the end, what’s gotten me to where I am today is not quitting. Full disclosure, there have been many times where I’ve said “This industry is some bullshit. I’m going back to school to study HVAC and plumbing.” That thought usually lasts 5 minutes then I come back to my senses and realize the bullshit is just part of the process.
Long story short, I got to where I am because I knew the kind of writer/director I wanted to be many years ago and I stuck to that. For me, that’s been the cornerstone of what’s brought me to this point and that’s the advice I’d give anyone.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? Yes and no. Yes, because I can generate my own source material and that makes things easier to navigate-so to speak. I write my own material, attach myself as director then go out into the world and seek financing. Which is where the no comes into play.
3-4 years ago I realized I’d gotten to the point where my work was starting to be considered by “big name talent”. That’s a cool feeling in many ways because it expands your possibilities to how the project gets made, financed, distributed, seen, etc. The caveat to dealing with bigger names and budgets is that it can be a LONG process. And, sometimes, at the end of that long ass process, the talent or the financing can back out.
So, I’ve found ways of dealing with this that keep me from going completely insane. The first is, don’t always write with a particular actor in mind because if they back out or, even worse, pass altogether, you will want to take 22 enemas and just shit yourself to death. Literally… So, make a list of 5-10 and let the games begin.
The second is Be Patient. There are horror stories about directors having to wait decades for a film to come together. If they have to wait, my ass has to wait and you may have to as well. It sucks. It’s definitely not fair. Deal with it.
Another thing is to try to have as many projects out there as you can. Whether the proposed budget is $1 or $100 million, luck favors the prepared and the prepared always has more than one project to offer. This way, if one or two burn out, you still have another you can foster while you try to breathe life back into the other two. I live by this rule and it’s been a life (and sanity) savor.
Have non-film related hobbies. Mine are fine art, which I find great peace in creating. And retail therapy.
ALWAYS surround yourself with like-minded people. If you’re into darker material like I am, make sure there are people who understand the material and you. Makes life infinitely better.
Last but not least is rejection. It’s just inevitable no matter who you are. But don’t let it stop you and definitely don’t let it make you second guess yourself. That’s easier said than done, though. On April 22nd, 2019, I got word from Blumhouse that they’d passed on a project of ours. I almost immediately began looking for those 22 enemas. Luckily I’ve got good people in my life and a smaller project to help cushion the blow.
If some or all of this fails, start your own company. Which is how Anomaliste Studios was founded.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Anomaliste Studios – what should we know?
Anomaliste Studios is an independent film, television and new media company located in Atlanta, GA. We are currently focusing solely on our own projects but will soon be opening up our parameters to work with other creatives, Atlanta based and beyond. We are interested in a myriad of genres, so expect the unexpected.
Ultimately, we’d like to be on the forefront of establishing Atlanta as a city where original content can be created.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.anomalistestudios.com
- Email: info@anomalistestudios.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/kawfilm
- Facebook: facebook.com/kawfilm
- Yelp: www.kennethandrewwilliams.com
- Other: imdb.me/kennethandrewwilliams
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