ArticlesCategory: MoviesMeet Director of Free Style, William Dear
By: Bernadette Lucero of Westminster High School
Q & A with Freestyle Director William Dear by Bernadette Lucero
What advice would you give a teen who would like to be a successful director?
To be a successful director, you need to be a modern day story teller. To direct a movie you need to be aware of what you want to create, "like a painting in all directions".
I've done some research; you write, direct, do photography, commercials, documentaries and independent projects. What inspired you to do all these things?
When I was a kid, we didn't have a television, but my mother managed a movie theatre. There I saw the same movie over and over again, I think that's what made me drawn to film making. I also have always had the ability to draw and create.
Did you always want to be a director when you were younger?
When I was young, and before I knew the definition of a director, I always knew I wanted to make films.
As a director, do you think the production of the film is in your hands? Or does the production lay in the whole cast's hands?
The production of a film lays in the hands of the director. As a director it's my responsibility to produce something that has a chance of gaining money back. Though I don't bring in actors to just be told what to do, I bring them in because they have something to offer as well.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed while making a film?
I've been over whelmed to a degree where it makes filming magic, never to a degree of a production breakdown.
What was it like working with such a famous cast?
I wouldn't say a famous cast, but I would say working with professionals. Professionals are still genuine people, if they bring the famousness to the set, then they're not as professional as they appear.
What was the first movie you directed? How did you feel after the movie was produced?
The first movie I ever made was a short film called Mr. Gray. When I made this movie I felt amazing because my partner and I had actually made a movie. Our movie went on to win the first Gold Jerry award in the Atlanta Film Festival.
How does it feel to create a Hollywood film?
I feel extremely grateful. Coming from my roots, starting off with an 8mm camera and now making Hollywood films is just amazing. I always try to tell good stories and there has never yet been a film that I am not proud of.
What's the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is that it is the best job in the world! I love creating and being an artist. "Like Spiderman in the world, my job comes with great responsibility."
What would you be doing if you weren't in your current job?
I would be a garbage man because I'd be so mad at myself for trashing what I really wanted to do, which is film.
How do you feel about the Freestyle movie?
The Freestyle movie made me feel excited. I made the story with a bit of teen drama, but what really excited me was that I had really entered the world of motocross. I wanted to show the dilemma of a young boy who was having a hard time proving that motocross could be a successful career. I also wanted the video to be involved in the race not just watching from the side. To really intensify the movie, I chose to make Cale Bryant (Corbin Blue) driven and devoted to racing rather than just participating in it. He had to get what he wanted by himself, rather than just having it handed to him.
