Film and television writer, director, and producer Nathan Hale Williams is considered as a prolific creator of stories centering on gay men of color.
He is known for such LGBT-themed films as Dirty Laundry and The Ski Trip. His next project, titled 90 Days, deals the subject matter of HIV prevention and outreach as well as black empowerment. The film tells the story of Jessica and Taylor, a couple that has fallen in love. After 90 days of dating, Jessica tells Taylor that she is HIV positive, and the couple must confront the realities of a mixed status relationship.
The cast includes Teyonah Parris (Survivor’s Remorse, Mad Men, Chi-Raq, Dear White People) as Jessica, Nic Few (The Chadwick Journals, Gideon’s Cross) as Taylor, and Rodney Chester (Noah’s Arc) as Kyle. Williams is co-directing the film with Jennia Fredrique.
Williams wrote this film because he wants to dispel many of the prevailing myths that surround being HIV positive, particularly where it relates to dating, sex, love, and having children. The entire production team is committed to using the film as a platform to uplift and educate our community. They have partnered with The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Act Against AIDS initiative.
But Williams looks to continue to build relationships for the film, specifically with other like-minded organizations, funders, and influencers. Recently, he launched a crowd funding campaign on indiegogo.com to help drive awareness as well as fundraise for the project, and seeks to acquire $35,000. “We believe that it is important for the community to participate in its creation. It is a film for and about saving and bettering our lives,†say Williams.
The Indiegogo site notes that all donations will go directly to the production of the film for necessities, such as lights, camera equipment, editors, editing software, and also a crew of gaffers, electricians, costume designers, hair and makeup artists, and so on. “We want to have the very best in order to effectively and creatively spread our message of living and loving with HIV,†he adds.
Once the film is out of post-production, Williams plans to submit 90 Days to film festivals.
Williams will be in New York during June PRIDE Month for a series of events as part the annual My True Colors Festival. Williams will screen Dirty Laundry at the festival, which happens to coincide with the 10-year anniversary of the NAACP Image Award and GLAAD Media Award nominated-film, for which Williams served as executive producer. Currently, he also is in pre-production for the film, The Second Act,Â
which he co-wrote with actress Jenifer Lewis (ABC’s Black-ish).BlackEnterprise.com contributing writer and MTCF Co-Founder Tai Chunn sat down with Williams:
When you came New York to get into show business you were still a practicing attorney?
Yes, I moved after practicing at a corporate firm in DC to a boutique corporate labor & employment firm in Manhattan. However, I came with every intention of getting into entertainment. At that time, it was artist representation.
How did you start out writing and producing films?
The first film I produced was The Ski Trip. Writer Maurice Jamal cast me as one of the leads in the film (the bitchy Byron) and during rehearsals I made them a deal. I agreed to do all of their legal work if they made me an Associate Producer. Over time, Maurice and I worked so well together and I rose up to Producer. I started writing films shortly after Dirty Laundry came out none of which were ever produced. We came close, but it wasn’t the right time. What I know now is that I wasn’t prepared for the opportunities then and had so much more learning to do. The first film I wrote (and directed) was Love for Passion in 2015.
What prompted your big move to LA?
New York is my favorite city in the world and it was good to me. I did a lot of amazing things in New York, but I knew that if I wanted to take my career in entertainment to the next level I had to come to Hollywood. It’s been a great decision for me. And, coming originally from Chicago, I was really over snow and the winter. That’s worked out well too because I have seen snow in person for over a year. I miss New York at times. I never miss snow.
How did your move to LA impact your career path?
It has put me in the center of Hollywood. I came with a pretty decent resume and reputation so it wasn’t like starting over. In less than a year, I have been afforded opportunities. This time I am prepared and ready so stay tuned. I just would not have had the same opportunities in New York.
Who and what do you credit your drive to succeed in multiple careers simultaneously?
My mother has always instilled a commitment to excellence in me as long as I can remember. She says I have always been very focused and determined. When I was younger, my schedule was on the refrigerator with all of my activities and appointments from ballet to acting class to soccer to piano. I’ve always maintained a dynamic schedule and so I really don’t know another way to do it. It suits the energy of my hyper personality. I always need to stay busy or I get in trouble.
What would you tell that young person coming from humble beginnings looking to make his or mark on the world? Study your craft and stay focused. And, relax. If you study, stay focused it will all work out because it always works out. Finally, that you can do anything you put your mind and talent to, but don’t be afraid to make adjustments in the middle of the game.