Meet Jamie Williams | Writer & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamie Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I know some people who are so worried about making the wrong decision that they become paralyzed and wind up hurting themselves in the long run. People talk about taking chances, but I’ve found that with proper planning the risks dwindle to nothing. Why not take a creative risk if you have the time and resources to make it happen? And of course, I’ve taken risks that were the wrong decision, but humans do not live in a vacuum. We are given so many chances to do things over. However, if I never put that first foot forward for fear it’s the wrong step, I will never truly live.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m at the beginning of my career, but I do feel as though I have a solid foundation to build from. I’ve been telling stories since I was a little kid. I remember a time, I couldn’t have been more than 5 or 6, sitting around a campfire with my brother and cousins and everyone was taking turns telling scary stories. I wanted my turn! And everyone was kind enough to pretend like my story was scary. At the same time, I was raised by film and television. I’m still addicted. Unfortunately, prose has always been hard for me. I have tons of ideas but the art form escapes me. I finally tried out screenwriting a few years ago and it just makes so much more sense to me. I was lucky enough to be accepted into the WGF’s Veterans Writing Project in 2022 and my writing has definitely improved. My mentors were spectacular and I can’t recommend the program more.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Call me crazy, but I love the La Brea Tar Pits. Maybe it’s from watching too much television- I think almost every cartoon had a reference to the Tar Pits growing up. It’s also located near the Academy Museum and LACMA so it makes for a great day or two.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My path did not lead straight to pursuing a career in the arts. After high school, I was a shy woman with lots of anxiety and no self-esteem. I was aimless, working towards a business degree because I wanted to be practical. A business degree represented safety to me. Eventually unhappy with the way my life was going, still confused and aimless, I joined the U.S. Air Force. In many ways, the military wasn’t for me. I didn’t necessarily feel like I belonged, but I did meet so many wonderful people whose friendships made me a stronger and more confident woman. Without these friends, along with my long-time friends and family, I would have never had the confidence to come out west and pursue an education and career in Film and TV. I was accepted to the Chapman University MBA/MFA program in 2021 and since coming here, I’ve met so many wonderful people who have helped me see myself for who I am and not the faults I usually see in the mirror. I do feel like I belong here and that I’m finally on the right path.

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieepwilliams/