MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Bret Williams
"Why Williams Flies Solo"
By Susan Solomon

"My goal was to be self-employed by the time I turned 30," says Bret Williams, non-linear editor and motion graphic artist based out of his home studio in Norcross. And he did it.

Williams, a University of Georgia graduate in Radio, Television and film bypassed his first career aspiration to become a rock star in favor of creating impressive graphics for high-end marketing shows - both broadcast and corporate. "When I began working on video productions in college, I found I was really good on the computer and enjoyed production. It just clicked for me, " said Williams.

What is a non-linear editor? It means all the editing is done directly on the system. That includes: voice-over, graphics and music. It's all input digitally. And multiple revisions are possible. Williams defines motion graphics as combining still elements like logos and text and putting them in motion. "Everything moves these days. If it does not move, you don't look at it. This motion graphics he I work on is 2D graphics in a 3D space."

When asked what talents make a good editor Williams paused and said, "Details. You have to notice and be very good at details. Plus you need a lot of patience. You can't expect to throw a title up there and hope it works. You must choose different colors, designs, different ways of moving the graphics, flying around. Let's see…a friend once said spatial relations. You need to have a good sense of that."

Williams' first job out of college was at the Georgia Tech Athletic Association. They wrote, shot and edited every spot, highlight and recruiting video. His next stop nearly two years later was Projections, Inc. in Norcross. Lucky for Williams, Projections sent him to Sony training school in San Jose, California."I feel like a really learned to edit there," says Williams. At school they showed him how to match motions, color, composition and select shots with those in mind. "It created a much more fluid edit," said Williams. After another 1.5 year stint, Williams went to the Visual Arts Group. There his was given the opportunity to do all the 2-D graphics as well as non-linear editing.

After another brief and successful stint at Visual Arts, Williams decided it was time to fly solo and opened his freelance business. He describes the freelance world as mixed blessing. "On the one hand you can grocery shop in the middle of the day and take projects that you like. However, I do miss the creative exchange that goes on inside larger production companies." Says Williams. "But is sure would be tough to return to the 9 to 5 world."

Williams' business is split between building motion graphics and editing on his home edit suite and working on-site, doing the same for production companies. His goal is to focus most of his work on broadcast graphics including identity packages for TV stations.

MCAI has been a great asset to Williams' career. "Meeting people, making friends, getting involved in judging panels, sharing reels and learning from one another have all contributed to my growth and enjoyment in the industry." Meeting Steve Panayioto from On-Line Productions at an MCAI meeting turned into a friendship as well as long-term work relationship.

When he is not working, he enjoys biking, hiking, taking his two dogs to the river and playing electric guitar. He has recently revitalized his tennis game.

Williams apparent easygoing manner and slow southern style belie his fervent attention to details and all out commitment to creative excellence. Bret, while you're looking at your editing box, we're watching you.

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