JACKSONVILLE, Ill – Dean Williams, still photographer for the Television and Film Industry, will present “Hollywood-eze: The Secret Language of Filmmakers” as part of the College’s 2009-10 Speaker Series entitled “Challenging Your Perspectives.” The presentation will be Thursday, November 12, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. in the MacMurray College McClelland Dining Hall, located off of East College Avenue.
Williams, who lives in Springfield, Illinois, is proof that someone from a small town in the Midwest can make it in Hollywood. Operating his own successful photography studio and as the chief photographer of the Illinois State Police, he was presented with the opportunity to work with the producers of The Awakening Land starring Elizabeth Montgomery and Hal Holbrook, being shot on location near Springfield.
Through his first introduction, he worked diligently to further his contacts within the movie industry. Eventually, he became a member of the Sill Photographer's Union, Local 666 out of Chicago, Illinois. Williams was the first still photographer ever to hold union cards in Chicago 666 and Hollywood 659.
Many of Williams' photos have graced the covers of Time, Premiere, Newsweek, US, Life, People, and TV Guide. His reputation has presented him with the opportunity to be a photographer for Heads of State, Presidents, and Royalty. He has had the opportunity to photograph many stars like Sylvester Stallone, Helen Hunt, Patrick Swayze, Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, John Goodman, John Candy, Michael Keaton, Mick Jagger, Jeff Goldblum, Cher, Elizabeth Taylor, Meryl Streep, Jessica Lange, and Oprah Winfrey.
One of the select few photographers to hold the title of "Still Photographer," Williams has worked on over 150 major motion picture and television productions. A few of these include the NBC hit series ER and ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition, and major motion pictures like Walt Disney productions of Rocketman, Gone Fishin', Angels in the Outfield, Powder, and Mighty Ducks II. Other productions include Batman Returns, Caddyshack, Poltergeist II, Bye, Bye Love, Matinee, The Babe, Backdraft, Rocky V, Blues Brothers, Coal Miner's Daughter, Tango and Cash, and Uncle Buck to name a few.
Williams has achieved another milestone in his career as a still photographer in the television and motion picture industry. He was chosen and recognized for his stellar achievements as a motion picture photographer and being the Executive Director of the Springfield and Central Illinois Film Commission. He was responsible for bringing films to Illinois like The Informant starring Matt Damon.
All Speaker Series lectures are free and open to the public. For more information on the series, go to www.mac.edu or contact the Office of Public Relations, 217-479-7027. Request sign language interpreting services 72 hours prior to the event at dss@mac.edu or call 217-479-7123.
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About MacMurray College—Founded in 1846, MacMurray College is a private, four-year liberal arts coeducational institution, located in historic Jacksonville, Illinois. MacMurray’s open, informal environment stresses academic excellence, career building through hands-on experience and personal attention to the well-rounded development of all students. MacMurray is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
