William had the idea that he’d go into advertising because he could be artistic and make a living. But after a conversation with his best friend’s dad, he decided to be in a band and pursue music. He was in a few bands and life took a different trajectory when he moved to L.A to start over. Because L.A. is where people get paid to be creative.

He talks about fighting through decades of disappointments and his insecurities in the entertainment industry. Three bands later, with the help of a friend, he lands a production assistant job.

One of Bill’s first jobs in LA was as a P.A. (Production Assistant) for the directors of American Splendor for another movie that was narrated by James Urbaniak. Then he got quite a bit of work as an actor, during all this he started to learn about the movie business.

He then made some short films, learning the lessons and thinking about who would be on his team if he made a feature film. But he really started directing and editing on Youtube and he produced, hosted and directed a vaudeville show. All the while he connected with the writer of what would become Dave Made A Maze, Steve Sears.

While Bill talks he connects how he played as a child, is how he directs films. It’s a great and fascinating story. He likes to make something cool with his friends, whether he’s directing or not. He just enjoys the act of collaboration and creation and you can tell in Dave Made A Maze!

Bill credits production designer, Trisha Gum, with much of the ‘mazification’ of things like blood and how it was presented. And he explains that John Sumner is responsible for making all the puppets and that the most imaginative parts of the film were conceived of when production was all but complete.

Bill had an opportunity with the Jim Henson Company and for a new Tremors film but those projects fell through. Let’s see if we can convince him to try for a Dave Sequel. Support indie filmmakers and watch Dave Made A Maze! This is Part 1, follow us for Part 2.


Find William Watterson here:

https://www.williamwatterson.com

And find us:

Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and
https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/

Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ and mastodon @https://mastodon.world/@WestReAnimated

Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish