Peer Review: Will Wightman

Who are three contemporaries that you admire, and why?

It’s an amazing time to be in this industry, there are just so many wonderful new creatives out there. I met Sean Lìonadh recently and just loved his short Too Rough, it's such a gripping and claustrophobic watch, while also feeling super tender and intimate. 

I feel really lucky to be surrounded by such a diverse network of creatives.

I also have huge admiration for Joao Gonzalez. I was totally mesmerised by his short Nestor at the BFI future film festival, he’s a beautiful animator and a very precise storyteller. To see the stratospheric success of his latest films Ice Merchants has been so inspiring. 

Above: Trailer for Ice Merchants, directed by Joao Gonzalez

Finally, I am constantly inspired by my fellow BLINKINK Directors, everyone is just insanely talented and I feel really lucky to be surrounded by such a diverse network of creatives. Rob Strange, Sam Gainsborough, Renee Zhan; all wonderful people and creatives. 

Isabel Garret is a particular favourite of mine, she’s a phenomenal director and also helped build the puppets for my spot for PETA. Her films have this beautiful eeriness and her design work is so textural and well crafted. She added so much to my project and I am beyond grateful. 

Above: Life's A Bitch, directed by Francois Jaros 

Please share 3-4 pieces of work that exemplify great direction, and explain why?

Simon Cahn’s video for My High by Disclosure was massive for me, that video has such incredible kinetic energy, both in the cut and the coverage. The short film Life’s a Bitch by Francois Jaros is also one of my all time favourites, if you haven’t seen it, it’s just all these tiny little vignettes back to back, and every single one is a masterclass in efficient comedic storytelling.

Music also just massively informs my creative process, often I can hear a sequence in my head before I can see it.

Then, kind of at the other end of the spectrum to both of my other picks, Aftersun blew me away earlier this year. For me, one of my biggest fears, when I make a film is that I’m either spoon-feeding my audience the information they need, or that I’m not giving them enough, I think telling a story as subtly as Charlotte Wells did with Aftersun is incredibly brave directing. Her Oscar snub was criminal.

Above: My High, directed Simon Cahn for Disclosure.

What do you like most about the work that you do?

I think my use of music. It really helps me to control the tone and pace of my work; to jump between funny and more poignant beats in quick succession and also muddy the waters about how a scene should be making you feel. It also just massively informs my creative process, often I can hear a sequence in my head before I can see it.

Did you have a mentor? Who was it?

I’ve been lucky, I’ve had a lot of mentors in my life. Director Matt Bloom has always been a huge source of inspiration and motivation for me, while filmmaker Deane Puckett is a phenomenal sounding board for any creative project. 

My first creative love was music, I’ve played in bands and written songs since I was a kid.

I also owe so much to my new family at BlinkInk, who’ve have guided me through my transition into commercials, Film and TV. Oh, and my mum, if she tells me something is shit, I believe it. 

Above: Trailer for Aftersun, directed by Charlotte Wells

What was your journey to becoming a director?

My first creative love was music, I’ve played in bands and written songs since I was a kid; then I discovered filmmaking and comedy writing in my teens. I knew I wanted to get to a point where I could work in the creative industry but I only really properly unlocked that when I started combining my passions for music and film. 

If I make one film in my life, that affects one person the way Jurassic Park affected me when I was 8, then I can die happy.

I started writing the scores for my films as I wrote the scripts and through that really found my voice, then my grad film Heart Failure seemed to get a good response and that opened a lot of doors for me. I’m so grateful for that.

Who was the greatest director of all time? Why?

I have to say Spielberg for this one. I think that sometimes, the skill that comes with creating properly joyful, popcorn thrills for the masses is under-appreciated. In my opinion, making THAT many films that resonate with THAT many people, is an unparalleled level of mastery.

If I make one film in my life, that affects one person the way Jurassic Park affected me when I was 8, then I can die happy.

Above: Trailer for Jurassic Park, directed by Steven Spielberg